As Spring turns into Summer so too does the PGA Tour season heat up, starting with the U.S. Open. The season’s second major always brings out the best, and worst, in every player who is good enough to have the opportunity to play it. Every Father’s Day weekend the Tour and some of the best players around the world compete for the honor of United States Open Champion. There are unique aspects of this tournament, in particular, to keep in mind for your DraftKings lineup.
Focus on steady, consistent players
There is a reason why Phil Mickelson has won just about every other tournament on the planet besides the U.S. Open. He doesn’t keep the ball in play. The roughs are so penal at every course that if you find yourself in them enough, that will take a toll not only on your body but also your score.
Keep an eye on driving accuracy
This concept goes hand-in-hand with the first. Players who spray the ball off the tee generally don’t compete, and Erin Hills is as unforgiving as most Open venues.
Don’t just focus on American players
Even though it’s called the U.S. Open, don’t forget about the vast array of foreign talent at Erin Hills this week. Martin Kaymer, Justin Rose, and Rory McIlroy all dominated in the past few years at the second major, and many foreign-born players have a knack for the long roughs and lightning quick greens.
Here’s to wishing all the dads out there a safe and happy Father’s Day. May you enjoy the day however your heart desires, and maybe even win a little extra cash via DraftKings. Value plays await.
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Matt Kuchar ($7,600)
Leading off the more expensive end of the value plays section is the man formally known as KUUUUUUUUUUCH. He is seeking his first major and could not be playing better as he has gone T4, T12, and T9 at his last three events. He scored 91 fantasy points at The Memorial Tournament and boasts a rock-solid 10th ranking in scrambling this year. Players spend much of the time just hoping to make a par on a hole at the U.S. Open because of the difficulty of the course, and Kuchar prides himself in getting up and down to keep himself in position. Past history shows that he can compete in this event as he posted two T12 finishes in 2014 and 2015. Look for Kuchar to anchor your lineup from a consistency perspective.
Rafael Cabrera-Bello ($7,400)
Rafa finished T4 last week at the FedEx St. Jude Classic and also posted the same position at the prestigious Players back in early May. He has not had the most consistent season thus far – missing four cuts – but Cabrera-Bello does have a knack for making putts as he ranks fourth in shots gained from putting. This shows his ability to sink longer putts and save himself from worrying about three-putts. His fiery attitude and Sergio-like demeanor make him a force to be reckoned with, especially at an event of this magnitude.
Jimmy Walker ($6,700)
The 2016 PGA Champion is priced lower than most major champions on this list, mostly due to the fact that he has not won on Tour this season. However, don’t sleep on Walker due to his ability to gain strokes from his approach shots. He ranks sixth in shots gained from approach-to-green. If he can find the fairway this week, watch out.
Don’t Forget about These Guys
- Marc Leishman ($6,700)
- Lucas Glover ($6,800) *Past U.S. Open Champion
- Graeme McDowell ($6,600) *Past U.S. Open Champion
Off the Cart Path
Ryan Brehm ($6,200)
Brehm brings unparalleled length to an event where length wins championships. His sixth ranking in driving distance is enough to warrant a cheap play this week.
Matt Nystrom is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Matt, check out his archive and follow him @matty_NY4.
