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Sleeper Picks: Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
 
Jan. 16, 2007
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PGA TOUR.com Staff

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Which player could sneak up on the field in this weekend's Bob Hope Chrysler Classic? Our experts weigh in:

T.J. Auclair
PGATOUR.com Interactive Producer
Pick: Justin Rose
It's going to be tough, but seriously, at this rate how can you bet against the New England Patriots on Sunday? What's that? Oh these are the golf picks for this week? Sorry about that. On to the golf. It wouldn't shock me to see newly married Englishman Justin Rose come out on top in Palm Springs. In 2006, he tied for 10th at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, so we know he can play well there. Also, Rose is still looking for his first win on the PGA TOUR. After the way he played last season -- five top-10s, including a tie for second at the Valero Texas Open -- it's only a matter of time. Oh, by the way, he won his last start, the Australian Masters against a stellar field at the end of November.
Brett Avery
The Fantasy Insider
Pick: Bernhard Langer
TFI tried to work up a Will MacKenzie item but his heart wasn't in it (famous last words). The German, though, could have serious mojo. 1.) He's coming off 2006 season-ending wins in the World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup (with Michael Siem) and Del Webb Father-Son Challenge (with son Stefan). 2.) Since returning to the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in 2004 after a long absence, he has gone solo eighth, tied for 23rd and tied for 10th. 3.) It wouldn't be the first time a soon-to-be Champions Tour rookie has torn allegiances after a late-40s TOUR win. 4.) His concentration blocks out all the pro-am funny business.
Lauren Deason
PGA TOUR.com Editorial Coordinator
Pick: Charley Hoffman
Charley Hoffman. He was born in San Diego and sports shaggy, streaky blonde hair that gives him even more California style. No doubt, Hoffman will feel at home in the upcoming tournaments in the Golden State. But what about the most important aspect -- his golf game? The 2004 Permian Basin Charity Golf Classic winner on the Nationwide Tour, Hoffman is still searching for a victory on the PGA TOUR, but in his rookie season last year he had five top-10 finishes and was 10th in average driving distance on TOUR.
Melanie Hauser
PGATOUR.com Correspondent
Pick: Mike Weir
Harrison Frazar, Anthony Kim and Lucas Glover all catch my eye. But... we're thinking Mike Weir. He flew under the radar last season, worked hard over the break and... it's time.
Dave Lagarde
PGATOUR.com Contributor
Pick: Fred Couples
Fred Couples. Another desert fox. He comes in rested and healthy and knows how to go deep.
John Maginnes
PGA TOUR Network on XM Radio analyst
Pick: Kevin Stadler
My dark horse pick remains unchanged. I am once again going with "the pup." Kevin Stadler has shaken off the rust and is ready to show what he is capable of on the PGA TOUR.
Helen Ross
PGATOUR.com Chief of Correspondents
Pick: Jerry Kelly
Jerry Kelly was running on fumes last week while battling bronchitis but still managed to tie for 13th at the Sony Open in Hawaii. He escaped winter and spent 10 days in Mexico working with his swing coach before he went to Honolulu. He's got a new Cleveland driver that he calls "revolutionary" and he's fired up about 2007. Now that the antibiotics have kicked in, look for good things from Kelly this year.
Dave Shedloski
PGATOUR.com Senior Correspondent
Pick: Harrison Frazar
He's still looking for that first PGA TOUR victory and might find it in the desert, where he has played decently in the past (two top-10s). The Texan can handle any wind that might whip across the playing fields, and, though he is not the straightest of drivers, his length will be an advantage, especially on locations where the rough is down for the amateurs.
Mike Vitti
PGATOUR.com ShotLink Analyst
Pick: Jesper Parnevik
Parnevik finished second in birdie average and was tied for third in par breaker percentage at last weeks Sony Open in Hawaii. He also tied for fourth in ball striking and ninth in putting average. He appears to have his game in good form at the start of the season, and with his good track record at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic -- four top-10s in 11 career starts, including a win in 2000 -- he is definitely a player to watch.

Wondering how our experts are doing so far this season? Here's a look:

How they're doing
The 2007 record of PGA TOUR.com experts after last week's Sony Open in Hawaii
PGATOUR.com Experts 1st 2nd 3rd Top 10s Missed Cuts Total FedExCup Points
Helen Ross 1 - 1 2 1 6321
Melanie Hauser 1 - - 2 0 6088
John Maginnes 1 - - 1 0 4799
T.J. Auclair - 1 - 1 0 3289
Mike Vitti - 1 - 1 0 3247
Lauren Deason - - 1 2 0 2847
Dave Lagarde - - - 0 0 1083
Brett Avery - - - 0 0 879
Dave Shedloski - - - 0 1 681

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