Majors Challenge

Valero Texas Open

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Valero Texas Open
• Date: April 2 – April 5, 2026
• Venue: TPC San Antonio – Oaks Course, San Antonio, Texas
• Purse: $9,800,000 (winner $1.71 million)
• Cut Rule: Top 65 and ties after 36 holes
• Course Details: This week’s test is a wind‑exposed, par‑72 layout stretching roughly 7,438 yards, designed by Greg Norman with an emphasis on shot‑making over raw power. The course plays through open Hill Country terrain, where swirling winds are a constant variable and distance control into firm, elevated greens is critical. Fairways are not overly narrow, but misses are punished by native areas and awkward lies, making driving accuracy and approach play far more predictive than putting spikes. Three of the four par 5s push past 590 yards, turning them into scoring separators rather than automatic birdie holes, while the par 4s demand disciplined tee shots to set up mid‑iron approaches.
• Weather: Scattered clouds and warm temperatures in the mid‑ to upper‑80s are expected to open the week, with steady winds in the 10–15 mph range playing their usual role as the primary defense across the property. Rain chances increase late in the tournament, particularly Saturday, before cooler, drier conditions arrive for the final round, potentially creating a very different scoring environment over the weekend.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The Valero Texas Open is one of the PGA TOUR’s true pillars, dating back to 1922 and standing as the longest‑running TOUR event held in the same city, all while serving a unique modern role as the final competitive stop before The Masters. That timing always creates a compelling mix of urgency and restraint, and 2026 is no exception, with a strong but selective field featuring elite players balancing tune‑up reps with trophy aspirations. Headlining the field are Tommy Fleetwood, Ludvig Åberg, Collin Morikawa, Hideki Matsuyama, and Jordan Spieth, alongside defending champion Brian Harman, giving this event a noticeably higher ceiling than a typical non‑signature stop. With one last Masters invitation still on the line and FedExCup points becoming increasingly valuable, history and opportunity collide this week in San Antonio.

Past Champions:

• 2025 — Brian Harman: (−9)
• 2024 — Akshay Bhatia: (−20) playoff win
• 2023 — Corey Conners: (−15)
• 2022 — J.J. Spaun: (−13)
• 2021 — Jordan Spieth: (−18)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

As the final competitive stop before The Masters, this week consistently produces a fascinating blend of ambition and caution, and that dynamic is reflected in the quality of the 2026 field. While not a signature event, the tournament still draws a top‑heavy group of elite ball‑strikers and proven winners—players like Tommy Fleetwood, Ludvig Åberg, Collin Morikawa, Hideki Matsuyama, Jordan Spieth, and defending champion Brian Harman—who view this as either a legitimate win opportunity or a high‑level stress test heading into Augusta. At the same time, the depth drops off quickly, creating separation between true contenders and the rest of the field, which historically has allowed precision players with course comfort to outperform betting odds and fantasy expectations. Add in the final Masters berth, full FedExCup points, and a layout that punishes impatience, and this week routinely punches above its weight in both drama and fantasy relevance.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Tommy Fleetwood – One of the highest‑ranked players in the field, Fleetwood’s elite iron play and wind control fit this course exceptionally well. He’s posted multiple solid finishes here in recent years and profiles as a steady top‑10 threat rather than a boom‑or‑bust option.
• Ludvig Åberg – Åberg brings length, composure, and top‑tier ball‑striking to a course that rewards all three. His ability to flight irons in the wind gives him a high ceiling, especially if conditions firm up over the weekend.
• Corey Conners – Few players have been as reliable at this venue, with multiple top finishes and a win in 2023. Conners’ repeatable tee‑to‑green excellence makes him one of the safest fantasy plays in the field whenever this tournament appears on the schedule.
• Jordan Spieth – The Texas native has long thrived here, including a victory and several strong runs. While his results can be volatile week‑to‑week, Spieth’s local knowledge and creativity around the greens keep him firmly in play.
• Brian Harman – The defending champion returns to a setup that clearly suits his eye. Harman’s accuracy and patience shine when scoring gets tough, and he’s comfortable grinding out pars when others start leaking strokes.

Potential Fades:

• Collin Morikawa – On paper, this is an ideal course fit given his elite iron play and comfort in tough conditions, but Morikawa carries more risk than usual this week. His recent withdrawal from THE PLAYERS Championship due to a back issue, combined with Augusta immediately ahead, raises questions about both health and intent. The upside is obvious, but fantasy managers should account for a potentially conservative approach or limited ceiling.
• Russell Henley – Henley’s accuracy and consistency keep him relevant every time he tees it up here, but his lack of length can be exposed when conditions soften and the long par 5s become scoring separators. He profiles as a high‑floor, modest‑ceiling option, making him less appealing in formats that reward aggressive upside.
• Max Homa – Homa enters the week as a form‑based question mark rather than a course‑fit fade. He’s still searching for rhythm with his swing and results, and recent finishes haven’t reflected his usual baseline of consistency or contention. With confidence clearly a work in progress—and Augusta ahead—this is a spot where expectation should be tempered despite his name value.

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🧐 Did You Know?

• The Valero Texas Open is the longest‑running PGA TOUR event held in the same city, having been played exclusively in the San Antonio area since its inception, a distinction no other TOUR stop can claim.
  
• The Valero Texas Open champion doesn’t just get a trophy — they also receive custom Lucchese cowboy boots. The boots have become one of the most unique winner’s prizes on the PGA TOUR and are a nod to Texas tradition, frequently spotted in champion photos well after the tournament ends.
  
• The course has produced one of the most infamous single‑hole scores in TOUR history. In 2011, Kevin Na famously made a 16 on a par 4, a moment that still ranks among the highest single‑hole scores ever recorded in PGA TOUR play.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

This is a classic variance week from a fantasy perspective. With a top‑heavy field, changing wind conditions, and motivation split between winning and tuning up for Augusta, the Valero Texas Open often rewards strong ball‑striking at suppressed ownership rather than star‑chasing. The optimal approach is to prioritize players who can survive tough par‑4 scoring, manage distance control in the wind, and stay patient when birdies aren’t automatic.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Denny McCarthy – One of the TOUR’s elite putters, McCarthy gains real fantasy equity on courses where greens are difficult to hit and par saves matter. He’s posted strong finishes here before and tends to shine when conditions tilt toward survival rather than scoring.
• Keith Mitchell – Mitchell’s driving gives him a clear advantage on a layout that rewards tee‑shot positioning. If conditions stay firm and the course plays closer to par, he has sneaky top‑10 upside thanks to par‑5 scoring without excessive volatility.
• Alex Noren – Noren checks several sleeper boxes: comfort in the wind, disciplined ball flight, and a willingness to grind. He’s rarely flashy, but that works in his favor here, especially if scoring tightens and experience becomes an asset late Sunday.
• J.T. Poston – Poston offers a nice blend of controlled ball‑striking and touch on tricky greens. He doesn’t need overpowering distance to be effective here, and when conditions demand precision and creativity, his profile fits better than his ownership typically suggests.

⭐️ Pro Tip: This week, prioritize elite tee‑to‑green players with proven wind control over big names, as volatile conditions and pre‑Masters motivation often reward patience and ball‑striking more than raw scoring power.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

The Valero Texas Open has a total prize purse of $9,800,000. The winner receives $1,710,000.

That first-place prize is the same as last week’s Houston Open, and ranks middle-of-the-pack on the standard One and Done schedule (Tier 3 by prize money). The field this week is a little tougher up top, though, with more of the top-ranked golfers opting to play in this event.

• View this week just like last week as an opportunity to deploy a mid‑tier, high‑floor player who’s capable of a top‑10 finish but not someone you’d save for a major or signature event.

Historically, success here has favored golfers who hit a high percentage of greens, control trajectory in the wind, and stay patient when par is a good score, rather than aggressive scorers who rely on hot putting weeks. With Augusta looming, many elite names carry both usage value later and uncertain intent now, making this an ideal spot to deploy a reliable tee‑to‑green profile with course comfort or strong Texas‑style form. In other words, target golfers with a high Strokes Gained: Approach. Elite iron play has been the strongest predictor of success at this event, especially in wind, where controlling distance and trajectory into firm greens matters far more than putting or raw distance.

• 6 Stats That Actually Matter in Golf One and Done Pools
• 2026 PGA Tournaments Ranked by Prize Money
• One-and-Done Strategy Guide from PoolGenius

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?
Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Ludvig Aberg +1200
Tommy Fleetwood +1400
Corey Conners +1800
Patrick Cantlay +2000
Hideki Matsuyama +2000

Mid Tier Contenders
Gary Woodland +5500
J.T. Poston +5500
Rico Hoey +6000
Maverick McNealy +6000
Harry Hall +6500

Long Shots
Matt Wallace +10000
Tom Hoge +10000
Max Homa +12000
Doug Ghim +12000
Matthias Schmid +12000

Visit Shot Scope for the latest in golf tech

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

Texas Children’s Houston Open

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Texas Children’s Houston Open
• Date: March 26 – March 29, 2026
• Venue: Memorial Park Golf Course — Houston, Texas
• Purse: $9,900,000 (winner $1.78 million)
• Cut Rule: Top 65 and ties after 36 holes
• Course Details: This week’s event takes place on a Tom Doak–designed layout with player‑consultant input from Brooks Koepka, giving it a modern championship feel that blends strategic width off the tee with demanding green complexes. Stretching to 7,475 yards and playing as a par 70, the setup rewards players who can handle long‑iron approaches and stay patient on firm, fast putting surfaces. From a fantasy perspective, the course tends to favor strong Strokes Gained: Approach players—precise iron play has historically separated contenders from the pack. The routing also forces players to navigate several risk‑reward decisions, especially on the longer par 4s that can stretch past 480 yards. No major adjustments to the setup have been reported for this year, meaning players should expect conditions consistent with recent editions—tough but fair, with scoring opportunities only for those striking it well.
• Weather: Expect sunny to partly cloudy conditions with warm temperatures throughout the week, with winds running stronger than usual and potentially affecting ball flight. Forecast models also indicate consistently breezy conditions over all four rounds, which could challenge players’ precision even without significant rain in the area.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The Texas Children’s Houston Open has long been one of the PGA TOUR’s signature pre‑Masters tune‑ups, a historic event dating back to 1946 that attracts players looking to sharpen their form before Augusta. While the event still boasts recognizable star power—including Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler, Sungjae Im, Will Zalatoris, and defending champion Min Woo Lee—this year’s field is not stacked with top‑10 global players. That’s largely due to the withdrawal of World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who pulled out earlier in the week for family reasons. The top of the field is instead anchored by World No. 7 Chris Gotterup, the lone top‑10 presence, alongside steady top‑30 performers like World No. 26 Si Woo Kim, giving the tournament strong depth but not premier global firepower. It’s a quality field with competitive balance—plenty of viable fantasy options, just without the usual cluster of elite top‑10 names you’d expect this close to Augusta.

Past Champions:

• 2025 – Min Woo Lee (–20)
• 2024 – Stephan Jaeger (–12)
• 2023 – No Tournament (event not played)
• 2022 – Tony Finau (–16)
• 2021 – Jason Kokrak (–10)
• 2020 – Carlos Ortiz (–13)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

This week’s field brings an interesting competitive texture: while it isn’t overloaded with top‑10 stars, it features a deep collection of players who have either surged recently or shown flashes of elite form on layouts like this one. With Scottie Scheffler withdrawing earlier in the week, the hierarchy at the top becomes far less defined, opening the door for volatility and potential breakout performances. The presence of several past champions and multiple players returning to a course they’ve handled well in previous years gives this event a distinctly “wide‑open” feel—one where course fit, historical comfort, and trending tee‑to‑green metrics may prove more predictive than pure world‑ranking strength. And with only a single top‑10 player in the field fantasy players are likely to find a rare blend of value opportunities and mid‑tier upside plays throughout the slate.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Min Woo Lee – The defending champion dominated here in 2025, shooting –20 and setting a tournament scoring record. His ability to separate from the field last year makes him one of the most reliable targets in both fantasy and betting formats.
• Tony Finau – A past winner at this event (–16 in 2022), Finau also finished runner‑up the following year, showing exceptional comfort with the layout. His blend of length and approach precision tends to translate well at this venue.
• Chris Gotterup – Not a past winner here, but as the highest‑ranked player in the field, he carries upside simply via form and talent. With so few top‑10 players competing, Gotterup enters as a statistical standout.

Potential Fades:

• Brooks Koepka – While Koepka helped consult on the course design and has a strong T5 finish here in 2020, his past missed cut in 2021 and the narrative‑driven price inflation this week make him a volatile play. Experts have noted concern over his putter holding him back at this venue.
• Jake Knapp – Knapp enters as one of the betting notables, but has no recent tournament history or course‑specific success. With several returning past winners and proven performers in the field, Knapp profiles as a high‑variance play due solely to limited historical context rather than demonstrated course fit.
• Sam Burns – A strong player overall, but similar to Knapp, there is no documented history of standout performance at this event or layout. Given how many contenders this week do have confirmed success on this course, Burns becomes a tougher fantasy investment without data pointing to an edge here.

🧐 Did You Know?

• Brooks Koepka played a direct role in shaping this week’s course, having served as a player consultant during its redesign—one of the rare PGA TOUR venues where a competing pro helped influence the architecture.
  
• Texas Children’s uses tournament week to bring hospital programs into the spotlight—sometimes literally. Events like “Cooking Up a Cure” and even a playful putt‑putt course at the hospital feature during Houston Open festivities, blending golf with fundraising and patient‑support activities in true Houston fashion.
  
• When the event debuted in 1946, Byron Nelson won the inaugural edition, tying this modern tournament directly back to one of golf’s most legendary figures.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

With only a single top‑10 player in the field and a course that consistently rewards disciplined ball‑striking over short‑game magic, this week sets up as an ideal spot to lean into smart roster construction rather than star‑chasing. The strength of the field is flatter than usual, which means the real edge comes from identifying golfers whose skill sets match the long‑iron demands and strategic routing of this layout. Because the 135‑player field heightens cut pressure, diversifying lineups across multiple archetypes—steady tee‑to‑green grinders, aggressive ball‑strikers capable of spike rounds, and veteran course‑managers who avoid big numbers—can significantly boost your odds. With volatility expected and proven course horses alongside under‑the‑radar sleepers, this is one of those rare weeks where mid‑tier builds and upside hunting may outperform a traditional “stars‑and‑scrubs” approach.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Doug Ghim – A Texas native with a strong tee‑to‑green foundation, Ghim tends to pop on tougher‑than‑average setups that reward precision off the tee and disciplined approach play. His statistical profile (ball‑striking first, putting second) fits the way this course has separated contenders from the pack. Low ownership upside makes him a sharp differentiator.
• Emiliano Grillo – Known for streaky but occasionally elite iron play, Grillo is precisely the kind of volatile mid‑tier golfer who benefits in fields lacking stacked top‑10 talent. When the course demands long‑iron control and patience—both strengths when he’s on—he becomes a potential top‑15 spoiler.
• Ben Griffin – Griffin profiles as a high‑floor, moderate‑ceiling option for fantasy owners who need stability. He tends to outperform expectations on courses with wide driving areas but challenging approach zones, making him an ideal plug‑and‑play for balanced lineups.
• Matt Kuchar – Inserted into the field after Scheffler’s withdrawal, Kuchar brings veteran savvy and a proven ability to manage scoring on strategic, less penal layouts. His recent form has been quietly steady, and his course‑management style tends to play up where bogey avoidance matters.
• Nicolai Højgaard – A high‑variance bomber who thrives on par‑70 courses with length, Højgaard is a prototypical upside play. His aggressive approach can generate spikes in birdie production—an angle especially valuable if winds pick up and lower‑trajectory players struggle.

⭐️ Pro Tip: With only one top‑10 player in the field and several past champions showing strong course history, lean heavily on ball‑strikers with proven success here and don’t hesitate to load up on mid‑tier sleepers, as this week’s wide‑open setup creates more volatility and upside than usual.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

The Houston Open has a total prize purse of $9,900,000. The winner receives $1,710,000.

The purse size ranks middle-of-the-pack on the standard One and Done schedule (Tier 3 by prize money). The upcoming Valero Texas Open, along with both the Byron Nelson and Charles Schwab Challenge in May, are all at a similar prize tier.

• View this week as an opportunity to deploy a mid‑tier, high‑floor player who’s capable of a top‑10 finish but not someone you’d save for a major or signature event.

It’s a week for long drivers where distance really matters. The Memorial Park course is almost 7,500 yards while playing as a par 70. Driving distance is pretty important, but there is less penalty for missing the fairway here. The last two winners (Lee and Stephan Jager) ranked inside the Top 25 in driving distance but outside the top 100 in driving accuracy in the year they won. Target golfers driving 310+ on average. You can also pay attention to the few golfers with Texas ties.

• 6 Stats That Actually Matter in Golf One and Done Pools
• 2026 PGA Tournaments Ranked by Prize Money
• One-and-Done Strategy Guide from PoolGenius

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?
Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Min Woo Lee +1300
Chris Gotterup +1800
Jake Knapp +2000
Sam Burns +2200
Brooks Koepka +2200

Mid Tier Contenders
Shane Lowry +4000
Keith Mitchell +4000
Wyndham Clark +4000
Harry Hall +4000
Taylor Pendrith +4500

Long Shots
Aaron Rai +7000
Patrick Rodgers +7000
Nico Echavarria +8000
Gary Woodland +8000
Will Zalatoris +8000

Golfmerce – a marketplace built by golfers, for golfers.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

The Valspar Championship

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: The Valspar Championship
• Date: March 19 – March 22, 2026
• Venue: Innisbrook Resort – Copperhead Course, Palm Harbor, Florida
• Purse: $9,100,000 (winner $1.64 million)
• Cut Rule: Top 65 and ties after 36 holes
• Course Details: This week’s test unfolds on a 7,352‑yard, par‑71 layout crafted by architect Larry Packard, a designer known for building courses that reward patience, precision, and disciplined ball‑striking. The setup challenges players with tree‑lined corridors, constant elevation changes, and doglegs that force strategic club selection—a combination that typically suppresses scoring and favors golfers comfortable grinding through difficult tee‑to‑green conditions. One of the defining characteristics of this track is how it flips the typical Florida narrative: instead of wide‑open, wind‑exposed fairways, players face tight landing areas, penal rough, and a demanding closing stretch where par often gains ground. Accuracy off the tee and elite long‑iron play historically separate contenders from the pack.
• Weather: Expect a sunny, warm four‑day stretch with temperatures generally ranging from the low‑70s to low‑80s, with only minimal risk of rain throughout tournament play. Light‑to‑moderate winds—occasionally gusting into the 12–19 mph range—may add some challenge, but overall the forecast looks stable and favorable.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The Valspar Championship has long been one of the PGA TOUR’s most quietly demanding stops, earning a reputation for tight finishes, precision‑driven golf, and steady drama since its debut in 2000. As the final event of the Florida Swing and the last chance for some players to fine‑tune their games before the Masters, this week carries meaningful implications—even if the field is weaker than usual with many top stars opting to rest after THE PLAYERS and the Arnold Palmer Invitational, including world Nos. 1–3 and newly ranked No. 4 Cameron Young. Even so, fantasy managers still have plenty of firepower to consider, with seven of the world’s top 20 teeing it up, highlighted by Viktor Hovland, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jordan Spieth, and Brooks Koepka, ensuring a strong core of contenders despite the absence of several marquee names.

Past Champions:

• 2025 – Viktor Hovland (‑11)
• 2024 – Peter Malnati (‑12)
• 2023 – Taylor Moore (‑10)
• 2022 – Sam Burns (‑17)
• 2021 – Sam Burns (‑17)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

This week’s field brings an unusual blend of opportunity and volatility: with several top‑ranked stars resting after THE PLAYERS—including world Nos. 1–4—the door opens wider than usual for mid‑tier contenders and course specialists to make noise. Even so, the event still features seven of the world’s top 20, highlighted by defending champion Viktor Hovland along with Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas, ensuring the top of the board remains highly competitive. What makes this week especially intriguing for fantasy players is how many of the remaining headliners possess strong course histories, creating a clear separation between proven grinders and bigger names whose fit—or recent form—may be more questionable.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Viktor Hovland – The defending champion owns the lowest scoring average here since 2021 (68.50) and is coming off another strong season. He’s one of the clearest course‑fit plays in the field.
• Xander Schauffele – Despite not yet winning this event, he has never finished worse than T12 across three career starts here, holding one of the best cumulative scoring averages in the field. He enters with strong form following THE PLAYERS. 
• Justin Thomas – Last year’s runner‑up, he finished just one stroke behind Hovland in 2025 and continues to profile well on tight, iron‑heavy tracks. His strong history here makes him a legitimate high‑upside play, and last week’s performance moves him off the fade list and firmly back into the “players to watch” category.
• Matt Fitzpatrick – Coming off a close call at THE PLAYERS and ranking among the betting favorites this week, Fitzpatrick’s precision game and trending form make him a strong fit. 
• Jordan Spieth – A past champion at this event (2015), Spieth’s creative shot‑making shines on demanding layouts. While volatile, he remains one of the few players with a proven winning blueprint here.
• Corey Conners – One of the TOUR’s elite iron players, Conners has finished T8, T21, T16 in his last three starts at this event and owns a sub‑70 career scoring average on this course. An extremely reliable course‑fit pick.

Potential Fades:

• Patrick Cantlay – Though talented enough to contend anywhere, he has very limited history here (no start since 2017) and enters 2026 with inconsistent putting and an overall form dip, making him a risky roster anchor.
• Ben Griffin – His recent form is worrying, with missed cuts in each of his past two events, and nothing in his course history suggests a likely turnaround this week. He profiles as a poor‑floor option. 
• Patrick Fishburn – Coming off mixed and inconsistent results, his performance trends indicate volatility without a strong statistical foundation to trust on a demanding ball‑striking layout. That makes him more of a contrarian dart than a safe play.
• Brooks Koepka – Although a huge name, he hasn’t played this event since 2022 and brings limited course history plus uneven form into the week. Without recent reps on this layout, he could be a risky fantasy start.

🧐 Did You Know?

• The final three holes are so tough they have their own nickname — The Snake Pit. This notorious closing stretch has long been one of the most demanding finishes on the PGA TOUR, and the course overall rarely yields birdie‑fests: seven of the last twelve winning scores have been −10 or worse, underscoring how hard it is to go low here.
  
• The winner this week earns a Masters invitation if not already exempt — a rare perk for a non‑Signature, non‑major event. With much of the field still unqualified for Augusta, this creates one of the highest‑stakes Sundays of the early season.
  
• This event has had more name changes than some players have had caddies. Before becoming the Valspar Championship, it cycled through sponsorship identities like the Tampa Bay Classic, Chrysler Championship, PODS Championship, Transitions Championship, and Tampa Bay Championship — possibly the most rebranded stop on TOUR.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

With the field noticeably thinner at the very top — none of the world’s top nine players are teeing it up, this week sets up as a rare opportunity where elite course fit matters more than sheer world ranking. Xander Schauffele, currently World No. 10, enters as the highest‑ranked player in the field, giving him a unique anchor role in roster construction. On a layout as historically demanding as Copperhead — one that rewards precision, patience, and disciplined tee‑to‑green performance — fantasy players should lean into proven grinders and players with established success on positional courses. With the mid‑range packed with strong course fits and reliable ball‑strikers, balanced lineup builds become especially attractive, and past familiarity with this venue gains even more predictive value in a week where the top‑end star power is limited.

Sleepers to Consider:

• J.J. Spaun – Spaun’s trending tee‑to‑green form and his ability to excel on difficult, positional courses make him a strong sleeper. His low‑mistake profile plays well on a layout that penalizes aggressive misses.
• Taylor Moore – A former champion here (2023), Moore’s course familiarity gives him a meaningful advantage over many in this weakened field. His comfort with Copperhead’s rhythm makes him an excellent mid‑tier value.
• Adam Hadwin – Hadwin’s 2017 win at this event highlights his long‑term fit with this course. His accuracy‑first profile and controlled ball‑striking are ideal traits for Copperhead’s narrow corridors.
• Peter Malnati – The 2024 champion thrives in grind‑it‑out setups. He rarely draws high ownership, making him a savvy differentiator with real top‑20 potential on this track.
• Seamus Power – Power has posted multiple strong finishes here in previous seasons and tends to shine on courses that reward patience and precise ball‑striking over power.

⭐️ Pro Tip: If you normally fade the chalk, this is the week to double down — a thin top tier means ownership will cluster, and the edge lies in the gritty mid‑tier grinders who fit Copperhead’s blueprint.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

The Valspar Championship has a total prize purse of $9,100,000. The winner receives $1,566,000.

The purse size puts it in the lower half of non-Signature events (Tier 3 event by prize money). It’s actually slightly lower than the Cognizant from three weeks ago, but because of its placement on the schedule (not sandwiched by Signature Events), it’s a better field

• Given the thinner top end and the historically demanding setup, this is a week to bank a solid mid‑tier performer, protect your elite names for larger purses, and lean into lesser‑known players who quietly posted strong finishes here last year—taking advantage of a field where course history often levels the playing field..

The top 9 finishers here last year are playing: Players who are returning here also played well a year ago. Jacob Bridgeman had a third-place finish, Corey Conners had a Top 10, and Xander Schauffele finished just outside the Top 10.

• 6 Stats That Actually Matter in Golf One and Done Pools
• 2026 PGA Tournaments Ranked by Prize Money
• One-and-Done Strategy Guide from PoolGenius

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?
Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Xander Schauffele (+1100)
Viktor Hovland (+1600)
Matt Fitzpatrick (+1800)
Justin Thomas (+2200)
Akshay Bhatia (+2200)

Mid Tier Contenders
J.J. Spaun (+3000)
Corey Conners (+3300)
Nicolai Højgaard (+3500)
Ryo Hisatsune (+4500)
Taylor Pendrith (+4500)

Long Shots
Lucas Glover (+8000)
Stephan Jaeger (+8000)
Billy Horschel (+10000)
Denny McCarthy (+10000)
Adam Hadwin (+12500)

Golfmerce – a marketplace built by golfers, for golfers.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

THE PLAYERS Championship

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: THE PLAYERS Championship
• Date: March 12 – March 15, 2026
• Venue: TPC Sawgrass – Stadium Course, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
• Purse: $25,000,000 (winner $4.5 million)
• Cut Rule: Top 65 and ties after 36 holes
• Course Details: This week’s test unfolds on a Pete Dye–designed championship layout stretching 7,189 yards and built to reward precision over raw power. Known for strategic angles and Dye’s trademark visual deception, it demands disciplined ball‑striking and smart risk management, especially with water in play on 17 of the 18 holes, culminating in the famed island 17th, where even the best players can see a great round unravel in seconds. Conditions often shift with coastal winds, adding complexity to club selection and shot shaping. There are no notable setup changes reported for this year, so players will again face the exacting test that consistently produces one of the most balanced and unpredictable leaderboards in golf.
• Weather: A strong cold front is expected to move through early in the week, bringing rain and thunderstorms on Thursday, followed by cooler temperatures and shifting northeast winds on Friday and Saturday. Scattered thunderstorms remain possible on Sunday, adding volatility to the final round.
• FedEx Points: 750 points to the winner.

Often called golf’s unofficial fifth major, The Players Championship has been a premier stop on the PGA TOUR since its debut in 1974, growing into one of the sport’s most prestigious events thanks to its elite field, massive purse, and reputation for producing dramatic finishes. This year once again features one of the largest prize purses in professional golf, underscoring the event’s status as a financial and competitive cornerstone of the season. A subtle shift comes with a reduced 123‑player field, designed to improve pace of play and sharpen mid‑tournament storylines. Fans can look for stars like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, and Hideki Matsuyama to headline marquee groupings—part of a field that includes 46 of the world’s top 50 players, offering fantasy managers one of the deepest talent pools of the year.

Past Champions:

• 2025 – Rory McIlroy (−12)
• 2024 – Scottie Scheffler (−20)
• 2023 – Scottie Scheffler (−17)
• 2022 – Cameron Smith (−13)
• 2021 – Justin Thomas (−14)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

With the strongest names in golf converging once again, this week’s Players Championship arrives at a fascinating moment: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, two of the headliners in Thursday’s featured groups, enter not with their usual dominance but with unsteady recent play, including McIlroy’s withdrawal at Bay Hill due to a lower‑back issue just days ago. Yet both remain central figures in the narrative—Scheffler as a two‑time recent champion at this event and McIlroy as the defending champion—creating a compelling blend of elite pedigree and unpredictable form that fantasy managers will have to navigate carefully. And with 46 of the world’s top 50 players in the field, plus subtle course tweaks and a reduced field adding new variables, this week promises volatility, opportunity, and plenty of tough roster decisions

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Scottie Scheffler – A two‑time champion in recent years (2024 at −20 and 2023 at −17) and still world No. 1 coming into the week, he owns the best current course résumé of anyone in the field, though his uneven recent form adds a layer of caution.
• Rory McIlroy – The 2025 champion (−12) and a past multi‑time winner on TOUR with strong course familiarity, he’s again grouped among the headliners and remains one of the safest elite plays, though his withdrawal at Bay Hill last week due to a lower‑back issue adds a measure of caution.
• Collin Morikawa – Morikawa enters the week as one of the hotter players on TOUR, highlighted in betting analysis for his elite ball‑striking and a three‑event heater that has him gaining across the board. His precision‑first profile suits this venue perfectly, making him one of the most compelling upside plays in the field.
• Xander Schauffele – Schauffele headlines a marquee grouping this week alongside McIlroy and Matsuyama, reflecting his status as one of the top‑ranked players in the world and a trusted contender in elite‑field setups. His consistency and ability to contend on demanding courses make him one of the safest high‑end options for fantasy lineups.
• Hideki Matsuyama – Matsuyama joins McIlroy and Schauffele in a featured group and remains a strong fit for this layout thanks to his precision ball‑striking and proven success on technical, mentally demanding courses. With his recent form trending upward, he brings both reliability and sneaky win equity into the week.

Potential Fades:

• Justin Thomas – A past champion here (2021, −14), Thomas brings proven course-winning pedigree, but he returns this season after undergoing a microdiscectomy for a herniated disc on November 13, 2025, which delayed the start of his 2026 campaign. While he’s back in action, he’s acknowledged expected rust and limited competitive readiness, making him a far riskier fantasy option than his history alone might suggest.
• Will Zalatoris – Zalatoris comes in as an alternate after withdrawing last week due to an ankle injury, injecting considerable uncertainty into his readiness. While his ceiling is always high, his health status makes him one of the riskiest lineup choices in the field. 
• Rickie Fowler – A former champion here in 2015, Fowler’s more recent results at this venue have been up‑and‑down, making him a volatile play amid a stacked field. Given the consistency required at this layout, his form profile leans more fade than buy.
• Brooks Koepka – Koepka returns to this event for the first time since 2022 under the TOUR’s Returning Member Program, creating uncertainty about how quickly he’ll reacclimate to the demands of this course. His major pedigree is undeniable, but the long absence from this layout makes him a tougher sell in fantasy formats this week.

🧐 Did You Know?

• The iconic 17th‑hole island green has been part of the championship’s identity since the event moved permanently to TPC Sawgrass in 1982, and it remains one of golf’s most famous and televised holes.
  
• Tiger Woods’ famous “Better than most” putt is the most iconic moment in tournament history. During the 2001 event, Woods sank a triple‑breaking, downhill 60‑footer on the island green—a putt so unlikely that NBC’s Gary Koch repeated the phrase “Better than most” three times as it tracked toward the cup. It remains one of the most replayed calls in all of golf history.
  
• TPC Sawgrass was intentionally designed to frustrate the pros. Pete Dye’s original vision incorporated unusual features—odd contours, deceptive sight lines, palms in bunkers, and quirky shapes—to make players uncomfortable.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

With a reduced field and a layout known for punishing even the smallest mental lapses, fantasy players should expect volatility to be a defining element at this year’s Players Championship. The course’s design—with water guarding 17 of 18 holes—tends to amplify mistakes and reward patience, favoring lineups built around steady ball‑strikers, not just star power. Early‑week storms and shifting winds raise the importance of tee‑time wave analysis, while the 123‑player field slightly increases the odds of getting full lineups through the cut. This is a great week to diversify exposure, fade some public favorites in favor of sharp mid-tier plays, and build around golfers whose strengths align with a tactical, risk‑reward environment rather than sheer distance.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Min Woo Lee – Lee is trending with a T2–T12–T6 run highlighted in betting previews, showing “true strokes gained across the board” with strong tee‑to‑green performance. His current trajectory suggests a player peaking at the right time, making him an intriguing mid‑range fantasy option.
• Chris Gotterup – Gotterup enters as part of the 123‑player field and is included in featured pairings, giving him additional exposure and signaling TOUR expectations. His combination of power and improving approach play offers breakout potential at a venue that rewards confidence and aggression.
• Tony Finau – Finau is grouped with Akshay Bhatia and Brooks Koepka in one of the event’s stronger trios, signaling the TOUR sees him in a competitive tier. He’s always dangerous on second‑shot courses, and his length‑plus‑touch skillset can quietly thrive if conditions get tough.
• Sepp Straka – Straka appears in featured pairings this week and brings a steady tee‑to‑green profile that often plays up on demanding layouts. His consistent ball‑striking and improving form make him a quietly appealing mid‑tier option who could outperform expectations if the course punishes the more volatile names.
• Sahith Theegala – Paired with Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth in featured groups, Theegala has quietly proven he can score in elite fields. His creativity and streakiness give him compelling upside on a course where low rounds are available but hard‑earned.

⭐️ Pro Tip: With storms early, swirling winds later, and water lurking on 17 of 18 holes, prioritize steady ball‑strikers with low volatility to maximize your chances of getting all golfers through the top‑65‑and‑ties cut this week

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

The Players Championship has a total prize purse of $25,000,000, with $4,500,000 going to the first-place winner. This makes it the top event of the One and Done season,

• With no semi-popular winner so far in any big-money event, and top positions in most pools hovering near $5 million so far, it is another good week to consider a top option to see if you can hit a big win.

One‑and‑done players face a uniquely tricky decision this week: the combination of a reduced 123‑player field and a notoriously volatile course with water in play on 17 of 18 holes makes banking on an elite name riskier than usual. While stars like Scheffler and McIlroy carry enormous upside, their shaky recent form and last‑week concerns mean they aren’t the automatic selections they would normally be at a $25M flagship event. Instead, this might be the week to pivot toward high‑end ball‑strikers trending well who combine current form with skill sets tailored to Sawgrass’ demanding angles.

The run of low-owned winners continued last week, with Akshay Bhatia beating Daniel Berger in a playoff. That means that we haven’t seen the biggest separation yet, and that would happen if a semi-popular golfer from the top of the odds board wins this week.

Choosing a one‑and‑done pick at The Players is a bit like standing on the 17th tee with the wind swirling—every instinct says “pick the superstar,” but you know a tiny mis‑hit can still find the water. This is the week where patience pays off: instead of firing at the obvious flag, you might win your season by aiming for the center of the green with a steady ball‑striker who won’t flinch when Sawgrass does what Sawgrass always does.

• 6 Stats That Actually Matter in Golf One and Done Pools
• 2026 PGA Tournaments Ranked by Prize Money
• One-and-Done Strategy Guide from PoolGenius

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?
Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Scottie Scheffler +450
Rory McIlroy +1200
Collin Morikawa +2000
Xander Schauffele +2200
Ludvig Åberg +2500

Mid Tier Contenders
Cameron Young +3300
Hideki Matsuyama +3500
Si Woo Kim +3500
Russell Henley +3000
Min Woo Lee +4000

Long Shots
Corey Conners +11000
Wyndham Clark +11500
Tony Finau +15000
Max Homa +16000
Brian Harman +20000

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Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

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© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

Arnold Palmer Invitational

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Arnold Palmer Invitational
• Date: March 5 – March 8, 2026
• Venue: Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida
• Purse: $20,000,000 (winner $4 million)
• Cut Rule: 36‑hole cut to top 50 and ties, plus anyone within 10 shots of the lead
• Course Details: This week’s test unfolds on a classic 1961 design crafted by Dick Wilson, later refined over decades by Arnold Palmer, who left an unmistakable imprint on its strategic character. Stretching to 7,381 yards from the tournament tees, the layout is long, demanding, and shaped by gently undulating terrain—an uncommon feature for central Florida. Players will need precision all week, as water hazards come into play early and often, including a dramatic par‑5 that wraps around a large pond and a notorious closing stretch where water guards each green. The combination of elevated greens, penal rough, and fast surfaces rewards patient ball‑striking, making this venue one of the toughest examinations on the schedule and a perfect separator in fantasy formats.
• Weather: Expect dry, warm conditions with the course playing firmer and faster as the week progresses. Forecasts call for sunny weather overall, with winds picking up and a chance of showers or storms on Sunday.
• FedEx Points: 700 points to the winner.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational has long been one of the PGA TOUR’s most storied spring traditions, honoring the legacy of the iconic “King” at his home venue in Orlando. Since becoming the tournament host site in 1979, the event has grown into a premier stop that consistently attracts the strongest fields of the season and tests players with one of the TOUR’s toughest layouts. This year’s edition is elevated as a Signature Event, featuring a limited but elite 72‑player field—and unlike most designated‑field weeks, it still includes a 36‑hole cut to the top 50 and ties, plus anyone within 10 shots of the lead, adding another layer of pressure to an already demanding test. With $20 million on the line, a $4 million winner’s share, and 700 FedExCup points, this becomes one of the most pivotal weeks on the early‑season schedule. Fans and fantasy players alike can expect a star‑studded lineup, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, a two‑time champion here, alongside fellow heavyweights Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and defending champion Russell Henley, all looking to build momentum ahead of The PLAYERS Championship next week.

Past Champions:

• 2025 – Russell Henley (–11)
• 2024 – Scottie Scheffler (–15)
• 2023 – Kurt Kitayama (–9)
• 2022 – Scottie Scheffler (–5)
• 2021 – Bryson DeChambeau (–11)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

With this week being a Signature Event featuring a stacked 72‑player field, the Arnold Palmer Invitational brings together many of the world’s best—including several who have repeatedly thrived on this demanding layout. The combination of course difficulty, past‑champion history, and early‑season form makes this a pivotal week for fantasy lineups. What makes this edition particularly intriguing is the concentration of elite talent: Scottie Scheffler, a two‑time winner at this venue, returns as the world’s top‑ranked player; Rory McIlroy arrives showing signs of renewed form after a strong finish at Riviera; and Tommy Fleetwood enters riding early‑season momentum that has kept him in contention at recent signature events. Add in defending champion Russell Henley—coming off last year’s steady performance at Bay Hill—and you have a field loaded not just with star power, but with players whose games historically translate exceptionally well to this course.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Scottie Scheffler – A two‑time winner at this event, Scheffler returns to a venue where he’s never finished worse than 15th in five starts, making him the strongest course‑horse in the field. His elite tee‑to‑green game has repeatedly separated him here, and even with a few slow starts recently, his Bay Hill history alone keeps him firmly atop fantasy boards.
• Rory McIlroy – The 2018 champion has logged nine Top‑15 finishes in 11 starts at Bay Hill, consistently showing that his combination of power and high‑trajectory iron play fits this course perfectly. He also comes in trending upward after a runner‑up finish at Riviera, signaling his form may be peaking just in time for another deep run.
• Russell Henley – Last year’s champion returns after winning at –11, showcasing steady control in windy, firm conditions that often break other players. His accuracy‑first profile sets up beautifully for Bay Hill’s penal rough and long‑iron demands, giving him real repeat‑candidate upside.
• Tommy Fleetwood – Coming off strong performances at both Riviera and Pebble Beach, Fleetwood enters as one of the field’s most consistent early‑season players. His all‑around game and elite long‑iron play match the shot‑making demands of Bay Hill, making him a prime candidate to stay on leaderboards all weekend. 
• Kurt Kitayama – The 2023 champion returns with the confidence of having already conquered Bay Hill’s brutality, and he’s currently in excellent form after a recent T‑2 finish alongside Rory at the Genesis Invitational. His ability to handle tough setups and stay composed under pressure makes him one of the best high‑upside picks this week. 

Potential Fades:

• Justin Thomas – He’s making his first start since back surgery, which significantly increases volatility for ball‑striking and stamina in a demanding event like Bay Hill. With zero competitive reps this season, he’s one of the riskiest big‑name plays on the board.
• Cameron Young – Although highly talented, Young enters with no standout course history and sits well down the odds board compared to the elite names. Analysts have not highlighted him as a strong fit or in strong form for Bay Hill this week, making him a less reliable fantasy option. 
• Harris English – Listed far down the betting ranks despite being a top‑50 player, English comes into the week without notable recent form signals or a strong Bay Hill profile. That lack of positive indicators relative to the field makes him an avoid candidate in a week where every roster spot matters. 

🧐 Did You Know?

• Bay Hill has one of the most predictable course‑history patterns on the PGA TOUR. The Arnold Palmer Invitational ranks as the third‑most predictable course‑history event on the entire schedule—trailing only Augusta National and Riviera. That means players who’ve performed well here in the past tend to keep performing well, which is gold for fantasy players.

• Most past champions had already played this event multiple times before winning. In fact, 17 of the past 20 winners had at least three prior starts at Bay Hill before breaking through, highlighting how crucial experience is on this demanding course.

• Tiger Woods won here 8 different times!!! (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2013)

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

Bay Hill is one of the most dependable predictive venues on the PGA TOUR, meaning players who have succeeded here in the past tend to do so again. The layout demands precision: thick overseeded rough, firm greens, and forced layups create a setup where accuracy and long‑iron performance outweigh pure distance, and success hinges on disciplined tee‑to‑green control rather than volatility. Players will face an unusually high volume of approach shots from 175 yards and beyond, putting a premium on Strokes Gained: Approach and long‑iron proximity. With these challenges compounded by water hazards, deep bunkering, and Bay Hill’s characteristically firm weekend conditions, fantasy players should prioritize golfers who combine steady ball‑striking, patience, and a proven ability to handle attritional setups.

And because this week’s 72‑player Signature Event field still features a 36‑hole cut to the top 50 and ties, plus anyone within 10 shots of the lead, the margin for error is even thinner—early mistakes can eliminate even elite players before the weekend. In a smaller field where chalk condenses quickly, understanding these course‑fit demands becomes essential for gaining an edge.

Even with a star‑packed field, the limited‑field structure means more lineups will inevitably overlap around the same high‑end names—so finding leverage with the right differentiated sleepers becomes crucial. Below are some deeper plays who fit Bay Hill’s statistical and stylistic demands and enter the week with meaningful supporting indicators.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Corey Conners – One of the most reliable tee‑to‑green players in the field, Conners checks multiple statistical boxes for Bay Hill: elite ball‑striking, long‑iron proficiency, and a strong history of consistent finishes here. He owns multiple Top‑20s and even solo third‑place finishes at this event in recent years—impressive in a field this strong. His profile fits the “high‑floor” mold that can quietly power a fantasy lineup.
• Robert MacIntyre – MacIntyre enters as a quietly rising contender with the projection models backing him to win his assigned prop group this week. He’s shown he can handle tough setups thanks to his left‑handed shot‑shaping and steady approach game—an ideal recipe for navigating Bay Hill’s forced‑layup tee shots and demanding long‑iron approaches. 
• Ludvig Åberg – An emerging star whose distance+tee‑to‑green combo is a strong theoretical fit for Bay Hill, Åberg recently posted a Top‑20 finish in his last appearance leading into this week. His skill set aligns with the importance of controlling long‑iron trajectories into firm greens, giving him appealing breakout potential in a venue known for rewarding elite ball-strikers.
• Nicolai Højgaard – Playing his way in through the Aon Swing 5, Højgaard has been recording top finishes across the early Florida swing. His combination of athleticism and upward trend in approach play makes him a sneaky option who can outperform expectations in a limited-field setting.
• Jason Day – A past champion on TOUR and a veteran with strong historical results at demanding setups, Day’s inclusion in the field through his top‑50 status reflects his underlying consistency. Bay Hill often rewards patience and elite short game—two areas where Day still excels, giving him sleeper appeal even in a top‑heavy field.

⭐️ Pro Tip: At Bay Hill, course history is king—17 of the last 20 winners had at least three prior starts here before breaking through, making past success more predictive than usual.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

The Arnold Palmer Invitational has a total prize purse of $20,000,000. Just like the Genesis from two weeks ago, it features a cut (Top 50 and ties) and has more prize money allocated to the top. The winner receives $4,000,000.

• That puts it behind only The Players Championship and (probably) the Masters and U.S. Open once their official 2026 purses are announced.

We have been on a run of some extremely low-owned golfers winning. Last week, it was Nico Echavarria winning the Cognizant Classic in stunning fashion over chalky pick Shane Lowry, who had a late “double bogey + double bogey” collapse. Before that, we had both Jacob Bridgeman and Collin Morikawa come through as winners despite being low ownership. The opportunity is still wide open in most One and Done pools, with few contestants having hit multiple big winners so far.

⭐️ With no semi-popular winner so far in a big-money event, it is another good week to consider a top option.

• 6 Stats That Actually Matter in Golf One and Done Pools
• 2026 PGA Tournaments Ranked by Prize Money
• One-and-Done Strategy Guide from PoolGenius

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?
Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Scottie Scheffler +350
Rory McIlroy +900
Tommy Fleetwood +1800
Collin Morikawa +2200
Xander Schauffele +2200

Mid Tier Contenders
Matt Fitzpatrick +2200
Hideki Matsuyama +3000
Russell Henley +2800
Jake Knapp +3800
Viktor Hovland +3800

Long Shots
Corey Conners +7000
Sepp Straka +7000
Tony Finau +7000
J.T. Poston +7000
S.H. Kim +9000

Golfmerce – a marketplace built by golfers, for golfers.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

Cognizant Classic

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Cognizant Classic
• Date: February 26 – March 1, 2026
• Venue: PGA National Resort (Champion Course), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
• Purse: $9,600,000 (winner $1.73 million)
• Course Details: This week’s stop brings players to a demanding Florida layout originally crafted by George and Tom Fazio, later refined through multiple renovations by Jack Nicklaus — a pedigree that explains why it’s long been considered one of the toughest tests on the PGA Tour. Stretching to roughly 7,048 yards, the track places far more emphasis on precision than raw power, rewarding disciplined ball‑striking and punishing anything less. The layout is famous for its high‑pressure closing stretch, where swirling winds, water on multiple sides, and strategically placed bunkering create intense volatility. Several holes demand forced carries and exacting distance control, adding extra weight to approach play and composure under stress.
• Weather: Expect mild Florida conditions this week, with temperatures hovering near the upper 70s and low 80s throughout the tournament and only a slight chance of showers each day. Breezes may pick up on Thursday and Sunday, but wind is not expected to be a major factor overall.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The PGA TOUR shifts to Florida this week for the Cognizant Classic, opening the Florida Swing and ushering in one of the most unpredictable stretches on the schedule. Unlike the signature events that preceded it, this tournament features no players currently ranked inside the top 25 of the Official World Golf Ranking, creating a rare competitive landscape where rising contenders and steady veterans have a clearer path to the top of the leaderboard. Even so, there’s no shortage of intrigue: former major champions Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka headline the field, joined by early‑season standout Ryan Gerard and reliable competitor Billy Horschel, making this a week where form players, not necessarily star power, should shape fantasy outcomes. With $9.6 million in prize money and valuable FedExCup points at stake, this stop offers opportunity, volatility, and a perfect proving ground for breakout performances.

Past Champions:

• 2025 – Joe Highsmith (−19)
• 2024 – Austin Eckroat (−17)
• 2023 – Chris Kirk (−14)
• 2022 – Sepp Straka (−10)
• 2021 – Matt Jones (−12)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

This week’s Cognizant Classic marks the true beginning of the Florida Swing, a stretch known for unpredictable weather, demanding layouts, and leaderboard chaos—and this year’s edition may be even more volatile than usual. With no players currently ranked inside the OWGR top 25 making the trip, the door is wide open for rising talents and mid‑tier contenders to capitalize on a rare break in star‑power density. Add in a venue famous for producing dramatic swings, sudden meltdowns, and unlikely surges, and fantasy players enter a week where course history and ball‑striking form matter more than big names. Even without the TOUR’s heaviest hitters, the field still boasts compelling storylines—from major winners like Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka, to surging performers like Ryan Gerard looking to extend early‑season momentum on one of the most pressurized stops of the year.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Shane Lowry – One of the safest plays in the field thanks to making the cut in all eight of his starts here and posting four straight top‑11 finishes, including a runner‑up in 2022. His combination of steady ball‑striking and elite performance in tough conditions makes him a high‑floor, high‑ceiling option this week.
• Ryan Gerard – A rising talent who sits inside the top 30 of the FedExCup standings and has been one of the early‑season’s most consistent performers. With a T25 finish here last year and growing analyst support, he profiles as a breakout candidate in a weakened field.
• Nicolai Højgaard – Arrives in excellent form after a recent T3 at the Phoenix Open and owns three top‑four finishes in his last six starts. His TOUR‑leading strokes‑gained off‑the‑tee numbers make him a perfect fit for a layout that rewards elite driving.
• Brooks Koepka – One of the biggest names in the field, bringing major‑championship pedigree even if his current form is unpredictable. A missed cut in his most recent PGA TOUR start adds volatility, but his upside is undeniable in this level of field. 
• Keith Mitchell – A former winner here in 2019, Mitchell has backed it up with multiple strong results at this venue in the years since. His comfort and history on this course make him one of the most appealing value plays of the week.
• Billy Horschel – A recognizable veteran who adds name value to the field but hasn’t shown the same sharp form as some of the mid‑tier contenders. He’s still capable, yet likely carries more risk than upside in this particular setup

Potential Fades:

• Will Zalatoris – Once a top‑10 player in the world, Zalatoris arrives this week ranked 252nd after injuries derailed his form. He has not demonstrated the consistency or ball‑striking sharpness that PGA National typically demands, making him a risky fantasy investment.
• Haotong Li – Although he has flashed upside recently with several T‑11-or-better finishes across global tours, Li’s volatility mirrors the boom‑or‑bust nature of PGA National. His tendency toward wide performance swings makes him a dangerous play in weeks where penalty areas lurk on 15 holes.
• Aaron Rai – Rai’s accuracy is a natural fit for this course, but he often struggles to convert strong tee‑to‑green play into scoring when conditions get volatile. With PGA National’s high rate of penalty strokes, his limited short‑game upside caps his fantasy ceiling.
• Rasmus Højgaard – While his twin brother Nicolai comes in hot, Rasmus has shown less consistency in early 2026. Analysts view him as progressing, but not yet reliable enough to trust in a field where avoiding big numbers is essential. 
• Christiaan Bezuidenhout – Bezuidenhout enters with solid odds on paper, but his recent finishes haven’t shown the sharpness required to contend on a water‑heavy track. Without elite off‑the‑tee performance, he may struggle to keep pace on a layout that punishes imprecise driving. 

🧐 Did You Know?

• PGA National features water on 15 holes, the most of any regular PGA TOUR stop, which is a major reason this event consistently produces some of the highest penalty‑stroke totals of the season.

• Since course changes implemented in 2024—including a switch from dormant Bermuda to ryegrass overseed and a par adjustment—the average winning score at this event jumped from −10 to −18, and last year produced a record 38 golfers finishing −10 or better, the most in course history.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

With PGA National playing easier since the 2024 agronomic and scoring‑setup changes fantasy players should prepare for volatility and scoring surges from unexpected parts of the field. The combination of softened ryegrass overseed, wider fairways, and a more gettable par‑71 configuration means that this is no longer the pure survival test it once was, but water lurking on 15 holes still rewards the disciplined ball‑striker while punishing anyone spraying it. Given the absence of top‑25 OWGR players, the opportunity for off‑the‑radar contenders grows even more, making this one of the premier weeks to lean into balanced builds and high‑upside sleepers

Sleepers to Consider:

• Michael Thorbjørnsen – Recently highlighted among the mid‑tier odds, Thorbjørnsen enters this week valued around the same tier as established TOUR pros, signaling growing confidence from the market. His polished amateur pedigree and emerging ball‑striking metrics suggest he could pop in weaker fields like this one.
• Davis Thompson – Thompson appears in the tightly grouped mid‑odds pack, reflecting both his volatile profile and breakout potential. With strong distance and improving approach form, he has the skillset to take advantage of the softened conditions and widened scoring corridors introduced in recent years.
• Thorbjørn Olesen – Olesen brings a wealth of international experience and enough pop in his ball‑striking to contend when scoring conditions turn favorable. His ability to go low in streaks makes him a worthwhile gamble in contests where volatility is an asset.
• Max Homa – Homa has not been discussed much around this event, but his presence in the odds sheet this week signals some potential value. While not in peak form, he remains one of the most talented players in the field and could thrive if this becomes more of a birdie‑making contest than a grind

⭐️ Pro Tip: Target elite tee‑to‑green players who avoid penalty strokes, as PGA National’s water on 15 holes and volatile scoring environment can quickly punish anyone spraying it.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

The Cognizant Classic has a total prize purse of $9,600,000. The winner receives $1,656,000.

• The purse size puts it in the lower half of non-Signature events, though it is not much different from others like the Valero Texas Open, Houston Open, and Charles Schwab Challenge. The difference is its place on the schedule, where golfers are switching coasts, and most of the top golfers are already playing four times in a five-week period.

💰 2026 PGA Tournaments Ranked by Prize Money

This is a tricky week for One and Done Picks. Looking at the schedule, the Cognizant Classic sits between Pebble Beach and Genesis in California, and right before the Arnold Palmer Invitational and THE PLAYERS Championship in Florida. With three Signature Events plus THE PLAYERS clustered around it, the ripple effect is predictable. Some players withdraw, and the field can get a little weird.

On Monday, we’ve now seen some golfers who had previously been in the field pull out, including Genesis winner Jacob Bridgeman, Ben Griffin, Adam Scott, and Patrick Rodgers. As a result, it’s one of the weaker fields you will see on a single-event weekend on the PGA Tour this year, but that just means opportunity to dig deeper.

Download the One & Done strategy guide by Team Rankings

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?
Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Shane Lowry +1400
Ryan Gerard +1600
Nicolai Højgaard +2000
Rasmus Højgaard +2200
Keith Mitchell +2200

Mid Tier Contenders
Will Zalatoris +3500
Johnny Keefer +4000
Max Homa +4500
Jordan Smith +4500
Tom Kim +5500

Long Shots
Billy Horschel +7500
Gary Woodland +7500
Joel Dahmen +8000
Lee Hodges +8000
Emiliano Grillo +8000

Golfmerce – a marketplace built by golfers, for golfers.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

2026 One-and-Done Planning Guide

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

💰 2026 PGA Tournaments Ranked by Prize Money

Below, the tournaments are listed by tier with estimated prize money. Here is a table sorted by event date in chronological order. This makes it easier to see, at a glance, how important each tournament is in terms of prize money, and then scroll down for more detailed information by tier.

Full Season Schedule

DATE	TOURNAMENT	TIER
01-15-2026	Sony Open	Tier 3
01-22-2026	The American Express	Tier 3
01-29-2026	Farmers Insurance Open	Tier 3
02-05-2026	WM Phoenix Open	Tier 3
02-12-2026	AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am	Tier 2
02-19-2026	The Genesis Invitational	Tier 1B
02-26-2026	Cognizant Classic	Tier 3
03-05-2026	Arnold Palmer Invitational	Tier 1B
03-05-2026	Puerto Rico Open	Tier 4
03-12-2026	THE PLAYERS Championship	Tier 1A
03-19-2026	Valspar Championship	Tier 3
03-26-2026	Texas Children’s Houston Open	Tier 3
04-02-2026	Valero Texas Open	Tier 3
04-09-2026	The Masters	Tier 1A
04-16-2026	RBC Heritage	Tier 2
04-23-2026	Zurich Classic of New Orleans	Tier 3
04-30-2026	Cadillac Championship	Tier 2
05-07-2026	Truist Championship	Tier 2
05-07-2026	ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic	Tier 4
05-14-2026	PGA Championship	Tier 2
05-21-2026	THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson	Tier 3
05-28-2026	Charles Schwab Challenge	Tier 3
06-04-2026	The Memorial Tournament	Tier 1B
06-11-2026	RBC Canadian Open	Tier 3
06-18-2026	U.S. Open	Tier 1A
06-25-2026	Travelers Championship	Tier 2
07-02-2026	John Deere Classic	Tier 3
07-09-2026	Genesis Scottish Open	Tier 3
07-09-2026	ISCO Championship	Tier 4
07-16-2026	The Open Championship	Tier 2
07-16-2026	Corales Puntacana Championship	Tier 4
07-23-2026	3M Open	Tier 3
07-30-2026	Rocket Classic	Tier 3
08-06-2026	Wyndham Championship	Tier 3
08-13-2026	FedEx St. Jude Championship	Tier 2
08-20-2026	BMW Championship	Tier 2

Tier 1A: The Big Three Tournaments

These events have the highest Golf One and Done impact on the schedule, driven by elite fields and the largest, most top-heavy purses. These are the only non-playoff events where a single win can realistically add over $4 million to a One and Done total, making them natural priority weeks to select from among your elite available players.

• THE PLAYERS Championship
  March 12-15, 2026
  2025 first place: $4.5 million
  (2025 winner: Rory McIlroy)
• The Masters
  April 9-12, 2026
  2025 first place: $4.2 million
  (2025 winner: Rory McIlroy)
• U.S. Open
  June 18-21, 2026
  2025 first place: $4.3 million
  (2025 winner: J.J. Spaun)

Tier 1B: Player-Hosted Signature Events

These Signature Events feature elevated purses and limited or strengthened fields (and a cut), placing them just below the very top tier in One and Done importance. These events offer major-like upside without being majors, and in fact, are worth more than a couple of the majors.

• The Genesis Invitational
  February 19-22, 2026
  2025 first place: $4.0 million
  (2025 winner: Ludvig Åberg)
• Arnold Palmer Invitational
  March 5-8, 2026
  2025 first place: $4.0 million
  (2025 winner: Russell Henley)
• The Memorial Tournament
  June 4-7, 2026
  2025 first place: $4.0 million
  (2025 winner: Scottie Scheffler)

Tier 2: Other Signature Events, Majors, and FedEx Cup Playoffs

This tier includes additional no-cut Signature Events, remaining majors, and playoff tournaments that frequently serve as swing weeks at the end of the season in One and Done standings.

Signature Events

• AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
  February 12-15, 2026
  2025 first place: $3.6 million
  (2025 winner: Rory McIlroy)
• RBC Heritage
  April 16-19, 2026
  2025 first place: $3.6 million
  (2025 winner: Justin Thomas)
• Cadillac Championship (new Signature Event)
  April 30-May 3, 2026
• Truist Championship
  May 7-10, 2026
  2025 first place: $3.6 million
  (2025 winner: Sepp Straka)
• Travelers Championship
  June 25-28, 2026
  2025 first place: $3.6 million
  (2025 winner: Keegan Bradley)

Majors

• PGA Championship
  May 14-17, 2026
  2025 first place: $3.42 million
  (2025 winner: Scottie Scheffler)
• The Open Championship
  July 16-19, 2026
  2025 first place: $3.1 million
  (2025 winner: Scottie Scheffler)

FedEx Cup Playoff Events

• FedEx St. Jude Championship
  August 13-16, 2026
  2025 first place: $3.6 million
  (2025 winner: Justin Rose)
• BMW Championship
  August 20-23, 2026
  2025 first place: $3.6 million
  (2025 winner: Scottie Scheffler)

Tier 3: The Other 2026 PGA Solo Events

For the remaining full-field PGA Tour events, first-place prizes generally ranged from about $1.45 million to $1.8 million in 2025. From a One and Done perspective, these weeks are usually about preserving elite options and future value, finding opportunities with the next tier of players, and navigating the schedule efficiently.

• Sony Open — January 15-18
• The American Express — January 22–25
• Farmers Insurance Open — January 29-February 1
• WM Phoenix Open — February 5-8
• Cognizant Classic — February 26-March 1
• Valspar Championship — March 19-22
• Texas Children’s Houston Open — March 26-29
• Valero Texas Open — April 2-5
• THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson — May 21-24
• Charles Schwab Challenge — May 28-31
• RBC Canadian Open — June 11-14
• Rocket Classic — July 30-August 2
• John Deere Classic — July 2-5
• Genesis Scottish Open — July 9-12
• 3M Open — July 23-26
• Wyndham Championship — August 6-9

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?
Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

Genesis Invitational

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Genesis Invitational
• Date: February 19 – February 22, 2026
• Venue: Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California
• Purse: $20,000,000 (winner $4 million)
• Course Details: Designed by George C. Thomas Jr. and William P. Bell, this week’s host layout stretches to about 7,400 yards and remains one of the purest tests of precision on Tour, with tight kikuyu fairways and firm, fast Poa annua greens that reward only the sharpest ball‑striking. Its classic routing—with subtle elevation changes, angled doglegs, and demanding green complexes—continues to separate elite shot‑makers from the field, making it a perennial venue where strategy and control matter just as much as power.
• Weather: Expect a rain‑soaked opening round Thursday with cool temperatures and winds reaching the mid‑teens, but conditions should turn dry and calmer Friday through Sunday with highs climbing into the low‑60s. Overall, the weekend sets up to be sunny, mild, and largely wind‑friendly, offering a much more predictable scoring environment after a wet start.
• FedEx Points: 700 points to the winner.

The PGA TOUR arrives at one of its most storied stops as the 2026 Genesis Invitational — Tiger Woods’s tournament — returns to its historic home for the event’s 100th playing, following last year’s temporary move to Torrey Pines after devastating Los Angeles‑area wildfires forced the event away from Riviera. This year’s Signature Event features a limited 72‑player field and a 36‑hole cut to the top 50 and ties, plus anyone within 10 shots of the lead — one of the few elevated events where players must still earn their weekend tee times. It also comes with a massive $20 million purse and a $4 million winner’s share, adding extra weight to each shot. Tiger Woods is on‑site hosting but will not compete as he continues recovering from multiple injuries and surgeries, including a ruptured Achilles and lumbar disc replacement, leaving his return timeline uncertain. Even without Woods in the field, the star power remains electric: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, and defending champion Ludvig Åberg headline one of the strongest fields of the season.

Past Champions:

• 2025 – Ludvig Åberg (-12)
• 2024 – Hideki Matsuyama (-17)
• 2023 – Jon Rahm (-17) 
• 2022 – Joaquin Niemann (-19)
• 2021 – Max Homa (-12)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

As the second Signature Event of the season, this week’s Genesis Invitational brings a limited 72‑player field with a 36‑hole cut to the top 50 and ties, a structure that still allows most of the field to reach the weekend while encouraging players to stay aggressive early. Because the majority of competitors typically survive this softer‑than‑normal cut line, golfers can lean into high‑ceiling, attacking strategies, knowing the risk of missing the weekend is lower than in standard full‑field events—yet not eliminated entirely. The result is a compelling strategic blend: players must strike the right balance between bold scoring opportunities and smart, conservative decision‑making, especially on Riviera’s penal misses. With the tournament returning to Riviera’s demanding layout after last year’s wildfire‑driven relocation, success again hinges on precision, discipline, and course‑tested savvy—traits that consistently separate contenders on this iconic track.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Scottie Scheffler – One of the most reliable performers at Riviera with five straight strong finishes (T3, T10, T12, T7, T20). Enters as the world No. 1 and betting favorite with top‑10 machine‑like consistency. 
• Max Homa – True “horse for the course” with a stellar record: 1st, T10, 2nd, T16 in recent Riviera starts. Grew up in the area and has a deep comfort level on these greens and approaches. 
• Patrick Cantlay – Consistently near the top at Riviera, posting 3rd, T4, T5 finishes. One of the field’s most reliable tee‑to‑green players, perfectly suited to Riviera’s demands. 
• Collin Morikawa – Elite iron play plus strong Riviera results: T2, T6, T17, T19. With another win recently, he enters with momentum and a course fit few can match. 
• Hideki Matsuyama – The most recent Riviera champion (2024), winning with a historic closing 62. Arrives in form with several straight top‑15 finishes. 
• Tommy Fleetwood – Quietly excellent at Riviera with T5, T10, T20 in last three appearances. His patient, shot‑shaping style fits this layout extremely well.

Potential Fades:

• Viktor Hovland – Talented enough to win anywhere, but Riviera has shown him mixed results: CUT, T19, T20, T4, T5. High upside, but not the week’s safest play.
• Sam Burns – Has flashed brilliance here (3rd, T10), but his Riviera profile is volatile with CUT, CUT, T10, T24 across appearances. Another boom‑or‑bust option. 
• Ludvig Åberg – Defending champion in name only—his win came at Torrey Pines, not Riviera. Limited true course history here, with only a T19 to date. Temper expectations. 
• Jordan Spieth – A fan favorite with world‑class talent, but Riviera’s demand for pinpoint driving and disciplined approach play has historically exposed his inconsistency here. (No top finishes compared to elite peers.)

🧐 Did You Know?

• Neither Scottie nor Rory has won here yet. The only past champions in the field are Ludvig Aberg, Hideki Matsuyama two years ago, and both Max Homa and Adam Scott, who are playing on sponsor invitations this year. Several golfers currently on LIV have won here in the recent past, but are not playing on Tour anymore.
  
• Strong correlation between golfers who have won here and at Augusta. Several winners of this event have also won at the Masters, including golfers who have won at both. This includes Matsuyama, Bubba Watson, Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Mike Weir.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

This week’s Genesis Invitational presents a distinct fantasy challenge where the limited field and softer‑than‑normal cut still allow most golfers to reach the weekend—giving players more freedom to take calculated risks while avoiding the full jeopardy of a traditional cut. With a high percentage of the field likely to see all four rounds, volatility remains an asset, enabling ball‑strikers and streaky scorers more opportunities to find form, recover from mistakes, and climb the leaderboard. Riviera’s return adds another layer of strategy—its history shows that elite tee‑to‑green players, repeat course performers, and patient tacticians thrive here, while others with weaker course fits tend to get exposed. And because last year’s event unfolded at Torrey Pines rather than Riviera, it’s crucial not to overweight 2025 results when projecting performance this week—true course form once again matters far more. As a result, your builds should lean into proven Riviera specialists, mix in form‑driven risers, and strategically deploy sleeper upside, knowing the cut is still forgiving enough to support aggressive lineup construction while demanding enough to punish poor early play.

In Signature Events, sleepers often end up looking like veteran contenders because the field is so densely packed with elite talent that “under‑the‑radar” value frequently comes from experienced players who know how to navigate demanding setups.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Sahith Theegala – Theegala has both history and motivation working for him this week: he owns a T6 at Riviera in 2023 and returns as this year’s Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption recipient. He’s also opened the 2026 season 5‑for‑5 with two top‑10s, signaling strong form heading into a course where he’s already shown he can contend.
• Rickie Fowler – Fowler hasn’t produced a Riviera spike recently, but he brings no worse than a T19 in his last five starts overall and currently ranks 4th in the PGA TOUR All‑Around metric, suggesting his game is trending. As a local Southern California native with deep experience at this event, he’s a sneaky candidate to outperform.
• Si Woo Kim – A volatile but intriguing option, Si Woo owns a 3rd‑place finish at Riviera (2019) and remains one of the TOUR’s sharpest iron players when he’s on. His recent run—T12, T14, T25 in consecutive starts—supports a legitimate case for a high‑end outcome at this ball‑striker’s course.
• Matt Fitzpatrick – Rarely mentioned as a Riviera threat, Fitzpatrick has the profile to surprise: he’s accurate, grinds well on demanding par‑4s, and offers consistent top‑tier short‑game production. Odds markets suggest he’s undervalued among the high‑end mid‑tier, giving him sneaky appeal.
• Ben Griffin – One of the more overlooked names with upside this week, Griffin enters appearing undervalued relative to his odds positioning near notable contenders. With strong early‑season metrics and a game that leans on accuracy and putting, he’s the kind of under‑the‑radar play who can ride four rounds into a surprise top‑15 finish.

⭐️ Pro Tip: Don’t just chase firepower—prioritize players who can stay aggressive without losing control, because Riviera rewards conviction while punishing anyone who mistakes “go for it” for “spray and pray.”

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

The Genesis Invitational has a total prize purse of $20,000,000, the same as last week. However, because it features a cut (Top 50 and ties) and already has a smaller field, more prize money is allocated to the top. The winner receives $4,000,000.

That puts it behind only The Players Championship and (probably) the Masters and U.S. Open once their official 2026 purses are announced.

• In other words, this is a good week to consider a top option.

Picking the right golfer sometimes feels a lot like saving your best bottle of wine—wait too long for the “perfect moment,” and you realize someone else uncorked your advantage weeks ago. The trick is embracing the timing: choose a player whose course fit and current form make this the week he’s most likely to pay off, not the week you’re most afraid to miss out.

Download the One & Done strategy guide by Team Rankings

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?
Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Scottie Scheffler +330
Rory McIlroy +1000
Hideki Matsuyama +1800
Xander Schauffele +2200
Tommy Fleetwood +2200

Mid Tier Contenders
Sam Burns +3300
Matt Fitzpatrick +3300
Chris Gotterup +3300
Maverick McNealy +4000
Ben Griffin +4000

Long Shots
Keegan Bradley +5500
Shane Lowry +5500
Jordan Spieth +6000
Max Homa +7500
Ryo Hisatsune +8000

Golfmerce – a marketplace built by golfers, for golfers.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
• Date: February 12 – February 15, 2026
• Venue: Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, Pebble Beach, CA.
• Purse: $20,000,000 (winner $3.6 million)
• Course Details: This week’s event plays out across Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, with players alternating between the two tracks during the opening rounds before everyone returns to Pebble for the weekend. Pebble — originally crafted by amateur architects Jack Neville and Douglas Grant — measures 6,972 yards and challenges players with tiny Poa annua greens and coastal winds that demand precise approach play and confident putting. Spyglass Hill adds a contrasting test, playing longer at 7,041 yards with similarly demanding Poa greens and a more wooded, sheltered layout that tightens tee‑to‑green requirements.
• Weather: Expect sunny and dry conditions at the start of the tournament, with Thursday and Friday showing clear skies, light winds, and highs around the upper 50s to low 60s. The weekend, however, trends wetter, with rain showers becoming increasingly likely by Sunday as precipitation chances rise sharply.
• FedEx Points: 700 points to the winner.

The PGA TOUR rolls into the California coast this week for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro‑Am, the season’s first Signature Event, bringing an 80‑player, no‑cut field and a uniquely star‑studded Pro‑Am atmosphere where celebrities, CEOs, and the world’s best golfers share center stage. This year is especially compelling as Rory McIlroy makes his 2026 TOUR debut and returns as defending champion, joining World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose, and Tommy Fleetwood in one of the strongest early‑season fields in years. With the tighter two‑course rotation and elevated stakes of a $20 million purse, expect intense scoring swings, unpredictable coastal conditions, and plenty of fantasy‑friendly volatility as Pebble Beach once again becomes the epicenter of golf’s storytelling. Players will split the first two rounds between Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill before all returning to Pebble for the weekend, creating a rhythm that rewards adaptability and sharp ball‑striking.

Past Champions:

• 2025 – Rory McIlroy (-21)
• 2024 – Wyndham Clark (-17)
• 2023 – Justin Rose (-18)
• 2022 – Tom Hoge (-19)
• 2021 – Daniel Berger (-18)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

As the TOUR arrives at the season’s first Signature Event, several big names enter Pebble Beach in top form or with standout course history that makes them strong fantasy considerations. Others, despite their stature, come in with question marks either in recent play or Pebble‑specific performance. With the Pro‑Am energy back in full swing and both courses set to showcase a mix of celebrity chaos and elite‑level shot‑making, this week promises the kind of unpredictability that fantasy players love.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Rory McIlroy – The defending champion returns after dominating last year’s event with a two‑stroke win and showcasing explosive scoring, including multiple eagles on the par‑5s. He also enters as the world’s No. 2 and one of the strongest overall course fits in the field.
• Scottie Scheffler – World No. 1 and the betting favorite, Scheffler headlines the field and brings elite tee‑to‑green play perfectly suited for Pebble’s tiny greens and approach‑heavy profile.
• Justin Rose – A former winner here in 2023 and fresh off a scoring‑record performance at Torrey Pines just a week ago, Rose’s combination of accuracy and poise historically translates extremely well at Pebble.
• Viktor Hovland – One of the premier approach players in the world, Hovland’s history at Pebble includes winning the 2018 U.S. Amateur onsite and entering this week following a strong weekend surge at TPC Scottsdale.
• Russell Henley – With elite short‑iron play and a streak of ten straight top‑20 finishes, Henley profiles as one of the most reliable fits for Pebble’s approach‑centric setup. His massive putting spike here in 2025 further supports his upside.
• Maverick McNealy – A true “horse for the course,” McNealy grew up off the 18th fairway and consistently outperforms expectation here. His all‑around game has trended upward in 2026, making him a high‑value fantasy option.
• Chris Gotterup – One of the hottest players on TOUR, Gotterup has two wins since mid‑2024 and arrives off a dramatic victory in Phoenix. His distance and pressure handling give him breakout‑contender status again this week.
• Si Woo Kim – A ball‑striking machine who led last week’s field tee‑to‑green, Kim is knocking on the door of a win. His aggressive style carries high fantasy upside on a course where precise iron play is rewarded.

Potential Fades:

• Tommy Fleetwood – Fleetwood makes his 2026 PGA TOUR debut this week, but he hasn’t finished better than 25th in two early‑season DP World Tour starts. His form feels lukewarm relative to his elite peers.
• Shane Lowry – While Lowry has the pedigree and was runner‑up here last year, his recent starts in Dubai produced only a T3 and middling results, raising slight concerns about current sharpness.
• Aaron Rai – Rai is returning after withdrawing from the Farmers Insurance Open – a red flag for reliability in fantasy formats where withdrawals can be costly. 
• Jordan Spieth – Recent form is shaky after a missed cut in Phoenix, and his Pebble results have dipped with finishes of T69, T39, and T63 over the last three years. Proceed with caution.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

With a no‑cut, 80‑player field and three of four rounds played on Pebble’s short but demanding layout, fantasy lineups should prioritize elite technicians—players who excel in approach play, wedge proximity, scrambling, and Poa annua putting, all of which are magnified by Pebble’s extremely small greens. Rather than chasing raw distance, this event favors golfers who can control trajectories in coastal wind, avoid bogeys, and generate steady birdie chances through precision rather than power. The early‑week sunshine followed by potentially wetter weekend conditions further elevates consistent tee‑to‑green players who maintain performance regardless of softness or wind shifts. In a guaranteed four‑round setup, lean into high‑floor ball‑strikers, players with strong Poa putting profiles, and those who thrive on less‑than‑driver courses, as these traits historically separate contenders from passengers at Pebble.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Jake Knapp – One of the most statistically intriguing under‑the‑radar plays, he leads the field in par‑5 scoring over his last 40 rounds and ranks 4th on Poa from inside 15 feet, giving him a real path to spike at Pebble’s scoreable setup.
• Keith Mitchell – Enters the field on a sponsor exemption and brings a profile built on strong driving and streaky putting, making him a viable boom‑or‑bust play in a no‑cut event.
• Tony Finau – Another sponsor‑exemption entrant, Finau is not in peak form but always carries multi‑round upside thanks to steady tee‑to‑green play and proven ability to contend in elite fields.
• Billy Horschel – Also in via sponsor exemption, Horschel tends to thrive when setups reward patience and precision, and Pebble’s smaller greens may suit his controlled style despite recent inconsistency.
• Sahith Theegala – A talented, volatile scorer with the ability to spike in birdie‑friendly conditions; his creativity around the greens can shine on Pebble’s tight surrounds.
• Rickie Fowler – Quietly in all Signature Events this year after finishing top‑50 in last season’s FedEx Cup standings, Fowler brings veteran savvy and the ability to generate streaks even when not in peak form.

⭐️ Pro Tip: Prioritize steady iron specialists and strong Poa putters who can handle Pebble’s tiny greens and shifting coastal conditions, as their precision will prove more valuable than raw distance in this no‑cut format.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

Finally, a big money event. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AM has a total prize purse of $20,000,000, with $3,600,000 going to the first-place winner.

• This is a no-cut Signature Event, which means that it has a higher purse, but ranks behind the three player-hosted Signature Events, as well as the Players Championship, Masters, and U.S. Open in first-place prize.

While it is the first big event, you do want to balance it by considering who you’ll want to save for some of those other top-tier purses.

Compared to other Signature Events, this one has a bit more variance in which golfers have had success at Pebble Beach. Pebble Beach is an event where older golfers have excelled. It’s a shorter course where coastal wind conditions, smaller greens, and wedge and short-iron play can be differentiators. Over the last 20 years, only four winners have been under 30 years old (Dustin Johnson twice, Jordan Spieth, and Daniel Berger), and 43% of the top two finishers have been 35 or older, with several golfers excelling in their 40s.

Making a one‑and‑done pick at Pebble is a lot like handing over your favorite wedge to a friend on a tight lie—you only get one swing at it, so you’d better choose the player you trust not to blade it into the ocean. In a week where the scenery can distract, the Pro‑Am pace can test patience, and the tiny greens can humble even the boldest ball‑strikers, the smart move is to lean on the golfer who delivers steady results rather than chasing the shiny name you hope suddenly finds form.

Download the One & Done strategy guide by Team Rankings

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Scottie Scheffler +300
Rory McIlroy +1300
Viktor Hovland +2500
Tommy Fleetwood +2500
Justin Rose +2500

Mid Tier Contenders
Michael Thorbjornsen +3300
Min Woo Lee +5500
Collin Morikawa +5500
Rickie Fowler +7000
Jacob Bridgeman +8000

Long Shots
Keegan Bradley +7500
Sahith Theegala +8000
Max Greyserman +10000
Aaron Rai +10000
Ryo Hisatsune +10000

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?

Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.

WM Phoenix Open

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Waste Management Phoenix Open
• Date: February 5 – February 8, 2026
• Venue: TPC Scottsdale – Stadium Course, Scottsdale, Arizona.
• Purse: $9,600,000 (winner $1.73 million)
• Course Details: Designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf, this desert test stretches 7,261 yards and blends dramatic risk‑reward scoring with precision demands. Sculpted with large landing areas that tighten quickly toward the greens, it challenges players to balance aggression with control—especially with its strategic bunkering and firm playing surfaces. The layout’s stadium-inspired atmosphere amps up the pressure, rewarding those who can handle both the adrenaline and the angles, making it a perfect venue for volatility and fantasy upside.
• Weather: Expect classic desert sunshine this week, with daily highs hovering in the low‑to‑mid 70s and mostly dry conditions—ideal for scoring.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The WM Phoenix Open returns this week with its signature mix of elite golf and electric chaos, transforming the desert into one of the PGA TOUR’s most energized stages. Known as The People’s Open and celebrated for its stadium‑style atmosphere—especially the raucous 16th hole—this event consistently draws massive crowds and a top‑tier field. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines once again after opening his season with a dominant win, while former champions Brooks Koepka and Hideki Matsuyama return to a venue where they’ve thrived. With its mix of star‑power, volatility, and fan-fueled intensity, this week sets the stage for one of the most unpredictable—and fantasy‑friendly—tournaments of the season.

Past Champions:

• 2025 – Thomas Detry (-24)
• 2024 – Nick Taylor (-21)
• 2023 – Scottie Scheffler (-19)
• 2022 – Scottie Scheffler (-16)
• 2021 – Brooks Koepka (-19)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

With a loaded field returning to the desert, this year’s event features past champions, elite ball‑strikers in peak form, and several big names still searching for their footing. The stadium‑style pressure at this venue often rewards confident drivers and elite tee‑to‑green performers—especially those with proven success in past editions.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Scottie Scheffler – A two‑time winner here (2022–23) who arrives in top form after a dominant victory at The American Express. He hasn’t missed a cut since 2022 and continues to rank among the best tee‑to‑green players on the planet—exactly the profile that thrives at this event.
• Hideki Matsuyama – A two‑time champion (2016–17) with a remarkably consistent record at this venue, including multiple top‑30 finishes and strong form coming into the week. His mid‑iron play remains elite, and Scottsdale has historically been one of his best fits.
• Brooks Koepka – A past champion in both 2015 and 2021, Koepka made his PGA TOUR return recently and is looking to build on a solid warm‑up start at the Farmers Insurance Open. His history here—two wins and strong ball‑striking—makes him an intriguing high‑ceiling option.
• Xander Schauffele – A consistent performer appearing among this week’s marquee names, and with the course favoring strong drivers and elite iron players, his profile fits perfectly.
• Jake Knapp – Quietly one of the hottest players entering the week with multiple top‑11 finishes early in the season. Ranked second in true strokes gained over the past three months behind only Scheffler—he could be a breakout fantasy play.

Potential Fades:

• Joel Dahmen – Although a fan favorite with past storyline moments here, he hasn’t matched the consistency of others in the field and enters this week without strong recent results compared to the top contenders.
• Rickie Fowler – A former champion, but his results in recent seasons have been far more inconsistent. Though he returns to a comfortable venue, current form doesn’t match the field’s elite.
• Jordan Spieth – Another big name with past success but inconsistent tee‑to‑green form lately. While capable of magic, he presents higher volatility than many of the top projected performers. 

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

A strong fantasy strategy for the WM Phoenix Open starts with understanding how uniquely the course and atmosphere shape outcomes: TPC Scottsdale consistently rewards elite ball‑striking—especially strong driving and mid‑iron play—while the stadium‑style pressure amplifies volatility, making it crucial to balance reliability with upside. Because scoring swings can happen quickly on this layout, particularly around the risk‑reward finishing stretch, prioritize players who gain off the tee and approach, as these metrics historically correlate with success here. This means anchoring your lineups with steady tee‑to‑green performers who avoid big mistakes, then mixing in a few high‑variance, aggressive scorers who can capitalize on the par‑5s and short par‑4s. The event’s intense, crowd‑driven environment also favors mentally resilient players comfortable in chaotic settings, so weighting course history and composure becomes more important than in typical stroke‑play weeks. Ultimately, the goal is to build lineups that combine safety, spike‑week potential, and adaptability to a course where strong fundamentals and emotional control often separate contenders from casualties.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Sahith Theegala – If you want a fresh sleeper who actually brings course‑fit credentials, Sahith is your guy. He finished T3 here in 2022, proving he can thrive amid the chaos and pressure. His aggressive style can lead to streaky scoring and while he’s not as consistent as the top‑tier picks, he’s exactly the type of player who can catch fire at Scottsdale when the moment gets loud.
• Keith Mitchell – Ranked third in the field in strokes gained off the tee entering the week, Mitchell’s driving advantage plays extremely well here. He also posted a top‑11 finish last week, suggesting strong current form.
• Joel Dahmen – Yes, Joel Dahmen is somehow both a sleeper and a fade this week. His recent form doesn’t inspire much confidence, but his sponsor’s exemption—earned via that now‑famous letter‑and‑polo stunt—adds a bit of buzz and low‑owned upside. Just don’t mistake chaos for consistency… buyer beware.
• J.J. Spaun – Listed among this week’s marquee names, Spaun doesn’t command the same star attention, but his tee‑to‑green skill set aligns with what succeeds here. He’s a solid lower-ownership pivot.

⭐️ Pro Tip: Prioritize elite ball‑strikers with steady tee‑to‑green numbers, but leave room for one high‑volatility scorer who can ride the adrenaline of the stadium atmosphere to a weekend surge.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

❎ One-and-Done Corner

This is a second-tier purse week, and there are still plenty of bigger leverage spots ahead:

• 15 picks remaining in tournaments in a higher purse tier
• 6 picks remaining in tournaments with a higher first prize, but in the same purse tier

Once again, we want to balance how we select golfers, considering both win odds and how strongly we want a golfer available for higher-purse events in the future. This is especially true in an event where Scheffler is taking up a large chunk of the win equity.

Picking for one‑and‑done at the WM Phoenix Open is a bit like trying to snag a prime seat at the 16th – if you wait too long, the best options are gone, but if you sprint recklessly, you might waste a star too early; the trick is choosing someone steady enough to cash but bold enough to ride the chaos, because patience may be wise, but fortune usually favors the fan who commits before the crowd roars.

Download the One & Done strategy guide by Team Rankings

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Scottie Scheffler +225
Xander Schauffele +2000
Si Woo Kim +2200
Hideki Matsuyama +2200
Cameron Young +2200

Mid Tier Contenders
Rickie Fowler +4500
Jordan Spieth +4500
Nicolai Højgaard +7000
Keith Mitchell +7500
Max Homa +10000

Long Shots
Akshay Bhatia +10000
Eric Cole +12500
Ryo Hisatsune +12500
Joel Dahmen +15000
Webb Simpson +15000

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?

Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

Majors Challenge is the leading fantasy golf platform designed for everyday golf fans. Trusted by golf clubs, state golf associations, and charitable groups, we make it easy to run engaging, customizable fantasy golf contests. Whether you’re playing with friends or supporting a cause, Majors Challenge brings people together through friendly competition around the sport they love.

www.majorschallenge.com
© 2025 Majors Challenge ™. All rights reserved.