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2019 U.S. Open - PGA DFS Tournament Preview

Hello RotoBallers! In our ongoing attempt to expand and improve our PGA coverage, we will be dropping a 'Tournament Preview' for some of the most significant events on the PGA Tour schedule.

This week, we're diving into the third major championship of the year, providing you a headstart on your PGA Championship research. If you aren't already utilizing RotoBaller's amazing content, fix that right now by joining us this week and throughout the rest of the PGA Tour season.

Access to RotoBaller's PGA content is COMPLETELY FREE, and our dedicated staff covers all of your golf needs.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 30% off using code WIN! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

RotoBaller Weekly PGA Article Schedule

Available Now: It doesn't get any more extensive than this. Check out Joe Nicely's 2019 U.S. Open DFS Bible, featuring a complete breakdown of every player in the PGA Championship field.

Tuesday: We kick your DFS research into high gear with articles from Seth Finkelstein and Joe Nicely. Seth's 'DraftKings Picks' highlights DK lineup options in each price range, and Joe's 'Horse For The Course' is an in-depth look into players with great course history.

Wednesday: We broaden your horizons with some unique PGA content. Spencer's 'Vegas Report' offers comprehensive PGA betting advice that highlights both outright and head-to-head wagers, and to wrap up the week, the entire PGA RotoBaller crew will get together for the 'RotoBaller One and Done Staff Picks' article to discuss optimal game-theory and make their selections.

 

Tournament Overview

The U.S. Open

The PGA Tour has made it one of their top priorities to try and end the season before the NFL begins in September, which has caused a bit of an overload in the layout for the major championships. It feels as if we have a new grand slam event every other week, and it has made things seem quite jam-packed. I'm not necessarily against the new arrangement, but it does take some getting used to from a handicapping and DFS perspective.

With all that being said, one of the tournaments that doesn't necessarily experience much of a change is the U.S. Open. We do see it move from the second to the third major of the year, but there's not much to discuss aside from that. Historically, the U.S. Open has always been one of the better tests each season, even if the USGA has let a few of the recent events get away from them. They mismanaged the greens last season - causing a Saturday meltdown to take place (yes, Phil Mickelson, I am looking at you), and they interfered with the rough in 2017 - turning the contest into a birdie shootout. However, there is no arguing against the U.S. Open continually providing some of the best leaderboards and most memorable weekends for every golf season.

Brooks Koepka enters the event as the two-time defending champion after victories at Erin Hill in 2017 and Shinnecock Hills in 2018. The disparity in his winning totals might be what is most impressive, as he was able to take down the 2017 trophy at 16-under par and followed it up with a one-over triumph the next season. Pebble Beach should play somewhere in the middle of the two most recent tests, but we definitely shouldn't be expecting a ton of scoring to take place at Monterey Peninsula

Recent Winners
2018 - Brooks Koepka (+1)
2017 - Brooks Koepka (-16)
2016 - Dustin Johnson (-4)
2015 - Jordan Spieth (-5)
2014 - Martin Kaymer (-9)

Event Details
When: June 13-16 2019
Where: Pebble Beach Golf Links - Monterey County, California
Field: 156 Players
Cut: After two rounds - Top 60 and ties

2019 U.S. Open: TV Schedule and Channels (all times ET)

Thursday, June 13 - FS1: 12:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m

Friday, June 14 - FSI: 12:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 15 - Fox: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 16 - Fox: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

 

Course Breakdown

The U.S. Open - Pebble Beach, California
Pebble Beach Golf Links - Par 71 - 7,035 Yards - Greens: Poa Annua
Designers: Jack Neville & Douglas Grant (1919). Updates by Arnold Palmer in the late 2000s

I have seen the same false narrative continuously pop up throughout the industry this week. I realize Phil Mickelson was able to capture the title earlier this season when the course held the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but most sources have failed to acknowledge that the event is played on a rotational system. Two of the rounds do feature this week's Pebble Beach Golf Links course, but Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula both make a cameo during the contest. All three courses are corollary setups, but let's pump the brakes slightly when trying to gauge how the U.S. Open will play based on that tournament. The time of the season is different, the setup is different and the course is going to play nowhere near Mickelson's winning total of 19-under.

Last used for the U.S. Open in 2010, Graeme McDowell was able to capture the title at even-par. The U.S. Open has always been synonymous with providing some of the sternest tests yearly, and I believe we are in store for another grind it out affair in California. The fairways feature Poa Annua and Ryegrass, while the rough is projected to be nearly four inches thick. The property is heavily bunkered with 118 sand traps, and the average green size is usually the smallest on tour at 3500 square feet.

If tiny landing areas weren't difficult enough, the course sits on the Monterey Peninsula and can wreak havoc when the wind picks up. Heavy rough surrounds the majority of the putting surfaces, and players can leave themselves short-sided quite easily. The greens are projected to be somewhere between 12-13 on the stimpmeter, making them faster than tour average, and the par-fives actually played over par in 2010. Pebble Beach will not be for the faint of heart, and there is a good possibility that we see carnage ensue this weekend.

 

Fantasy Outlook

We have a massive change in the DFS industry this weekend. DraftKings 'Millionaire Maker' contest has moved from a $20 buy-in to $100. Entries will be limited to 33,333 players, and a total prize pool of $3,000,000 will be guaranteed. If you are looking for a smaller contest, DraftKings will also feature a $10 'Return to the Beach' tournament that will have a $1,000,000 prize pool and a max of 117,647 players. Over at FanDuel, the $3 'PGA Stinger' guarantees $100,000 in prizes and $10,000 to first place, while the $15 'PGA Eagle will be $15 to enter and the winner will earn $100,000.

Sometimes courses being played earlier in the season can incorrectly change our perception. While the USGA was preparing the venue to veer towards their standards, we didn't get an accurate depiction of what to expect. In this case, our best bet is to start with what we know to be true. With extremely tiny greens, GIR percentage will be significant. Driving distance has been nearly 16 yards shorter than tour average, but driving accuracy has been about 10 percent higher. Fairways gained is in play as a plausible area to target, but I am going to avoid that and try and pinpoint ball strikers and quality iron players - especially from 200+ yards and 100-125 yards.

Putting is such a challenging category to target in models, but the ability to save par from around the green will be necessary. Most tournaments don't necessarily reward such a thing because if you are out of position, you aren't competing for the title, but scrambling and things of that nature will be significant at a course where par is a solid score. Add in a little bunker play, and I think we have a better good gauge of what we will be attempting to figure out this weekend at Pebble Beach.

 

Key Statistics To Target

  • Strokes Gained: Approach
  • GIR Percentage
  • Ball Striking
  • Proximity From 100-125 Yards & Proximity From 200+ Yards
  • Strokes Gained Around the Green
  • Scrambling
  • Sand Save Percentage

Golf DFS News and Player Outlooks

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Braden Schneider

Limited in Training Camp
Lars Eller

Recovering From Abdominal Procedure
Nick Jensen

in Danger of Missing Start of Season
Brandon Montour

to Miss Two Weeks After Ankle Surgery
Gabriel Landeskog

a "Full Go" for the Season
Samuel Girard

Avalanche Hope to Have Samuel Girard Available for Start of Season
Mackenzie Blackwood

Out Week-to-Week
Alex Tuch

Day-to-Day With Undisclosed Injury
Jordan Greenway

to Sit Out Training Camp
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Simon Edvinsson

to Miss a Couple of Weeks
Mikael Backlund

Signs Two-Year Extension
Connor Ingram

to Be Waived by Mammoth
Zach Hyman

Misses Start of Training Camp
Nick Paul

Out Until November
Kris Letang

Cleared for Training Camp
David Pastrnak

Out for Start of Training Camp
Matthew Tkachuk

Expected to Be Out Until December
NBA

Trevelin Queen Joins Chinese Team
Damian Lillard

Not Rushing His Return
Brooklyn Nets

Keon Johnson Waived by Nets
Justin Verlander

Plans to Pitch in 2026
Junior Caminero

Day-to-Day With Back Tightness
Will Smith

Won't Return When First Eligible
Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
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LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

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Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

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Santiago Luna

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Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

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Chase Briscoe

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Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
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DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
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CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
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Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
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Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
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Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
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Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
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CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
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Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

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Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
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Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column

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