Picks: The Barclays

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Editor's note: PGATOUR.com has tried to make our experts work a little harder when they make their picks each week. The favorite can be anyone in the field, although Tiger Woods could only be used seven times during the year. Sleepers can't have won in 2008 or had a top 10 in their last five starts. A sleeper can't be ranked in the top 30 in the field, either.

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T.J. Auclair
PGATOUR.COM Interactive Producer
Pick: Anthony Kim
The postseason is finally upon us. This week at the Barclays brings a new course for PGA TOUR players -- Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J. The last time Ridgewood saw a professional event was the 2001 Senior PGA Championship. Ridgewood is a prestigious venue. That means things line up perfectly for Anthony Kim this week. This season alone he's won at Quail Hollow and Congressional. If it's hard and classic, look out for Kim. This week will serve as a level playing field for everyone at a course that's new to the TOUR. There might not be any predetermined favorites, but look for Kim to make a statement.

Lauren Deason
PGATOUR.COM Editorial Coordinator
Pick: Phil Mickelson
Until I stopped and examined the stats, I didn't realize just how great Lefty was playing this year. Think about it -- 2008 was first the year of Tiger and the broken leg, then young star Anthony Kim and veteran Kenny Perry stole the spotlight followed by major extraordinaire Padraig Harrington. This year Mickelson has been overshadowed but consider this -- he's won twice, only missed one cut all season, finished in the top 20 in all four majors and notched five top-5 finishes. Now it's his turn to win one on the big stage and on a new course where no one has the advantage of experience.

Melanie Hauser
PGATOUR.COM Correspondent
Pick: Steve Stricker
It was a close call over Padraig Harrington and Anthony Kim, who'll battle for the Cup title. But this week, we're pulling for the story. Tears a year ago to complete an incredible comeback. Tears this year to defend and make the Ryder Cup. Defending hasn't been this sweet since... last month and Harrington.

John Maginnes
PGATOUR.COM Contributor
Pick: Phil Mickelson
I think that you have to go with the top player in the field this week. The last month hasn't exactly gone that left-handed fellow's way. But Phil is still the best player in the field and has something to prove over the next couple of months. Don't be at all surprised if Phil has a couple of great weeks and takes a stranglehold on these Playoffs. So what if he didn't win a major this year. He can still win the FedExCup.

Win McMurry
Host, PGA TOUR Today
Pick: Phil Mickelson
I think Lefty will make good with A.W. Tillinghast at Ridgewood with his third victory of the season. Winged Foot will become even more of a distant memory for Phil with his first title on the way to winning the FedExCup. .

Scott Pianowski
The Fantasy Insider
Pick: Jim Furyk
Let's hope for fast greens, penal rough, hot conditions. Advantage, Furyk, who can grind with the best of them.

Helen Ross
PGATOUR.COM Chief of Correspondents
Pick: Padraig Harrington
I picked him to win the FedExCup, so I might as well go with Padraig Harrington to get off to a good start with a win at The Barclays. The 3 1/2-inch rough at Ridgewood Country Club could be penal and Harrington is nothing if not patient. He's rested and confident, too.

Dave Shedloski
PGATOUR.COM Senior Correspondent
Pick: Jim Furyk
A week's rest could have done him a world of good after a grueling stretch. Ridgewood's length, especially on the par-5s, might just nullify the long hitters in favor of a control player, like the former U.S. Open champ.

John Swantek
PGA TOUR Productions Fantasy Insider
Pick: Ernie Els
Personally, I think Ernie would be a terriffic FedExCup champion; he has star power, global appeal and the unwavering respect of his peers. He also has as much raw ability as anyone, though it has only surfaced periodically this year. But for an opening round 80 at Royal Birkdale, he could have won the British Open. I get the feeling Easy's best is close. Real close.