The 2009 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic six pack

Ah yes, the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic is upon us.

Bill Murray doing crazy things, Joe Buck lighting up the course, Hopefully Charles Barkley and his God-awful swing don't show up. If Sir Charles and his side kick, "bad swing," do show, I hope the beer wenches have their carts filled.

I really hope comedian Danny Gans takes a pass on this tourney in 2009. For what ever reason they love to paste the camera to him, nauseating most of America in the process.

But why are we really here?

We are here for Bottom Line J's six pack of the week, of course. Not to toot my own horn (HONK! HONK!) But I believe Zach Johnson was in my sixer last week, fielding a beautimous 28/1 pay day.

Thank me later.

Handicapping the Bob Hope is difficult. Most tournaments have your "usual suspects." This tourney does not. Several factors contribute to the difficulty in predicting a winner here.

1. It's a pro am. Many Pros don't want to rub elbows with the Ams, so they don't show up here.

2. Many golfers do not have this as a "regular" tournament stop year after year.

3. Many years this tourney produces an obscure winner. That does not mean people who have won here in the past aren't good, it simply means that they are flying under the radar.

My mission this week is to tell you folks who the six guys are, at 20/1 odds or higher, that are going to possibly win this thing.

It wasn't easy, but here they are.........(insert drum roll sound effect here)

1. Mike Weir

At 20/1 Mike Weir is a great choice for my six pack. Mike underwent some major swing changes back in '08 and I think the results speak for themselves.

He jumped 81 places up fro 2007 and was 6th on the PGA money leaders at just over $3 million.

Canada's golden boy won here back in 2003. He then had two so-so years. After that in 2006 he placed fifth. Then he had two more off years. Do you see a pattern here? Looks like Mikey plays well at this tournament, EVERY THREE YEARS......Sign me up.

My buddy Cam "The Ragin' Redhead" Stewart also has Mr. Weir in his six pack this week.

2. David Toms

I was so very close to putting Mr. Toms in my six pack last week. But something told me, "Jay, wait....Let's see how he does in his season opener...."

My suspicions of his re-dedication to the game of golf were confirmed at the SONY Open last week, in a BIG way.

David spent a little more time focused on family and community last year. This guy could walk away tomorrow with a richly satisfying golf career already accomplished.

The fire is still burning. That fire is the Masters. I think David is really going to take the PGA by storm in the early season to either:

A. secure a victory that would qualify him for the prestigious event in April

or

B. place in the top 50 on the money list by the week before The Masters.

He is currently sixth on the PGA money list. Look for him to try and lock up that invite by winning. This very well could be the week. At 20/1, I smell value.

3. Scott Verplank

Picking Scott Verplank was easy. Out of all the players in the field, he is by far the most consistent player to place in the top 20 over the past 12 years. He's come in 4th, and he's been a runner up here at the Bob Hope pro am.

Think he wants it?

I'm going with, "Yes."

Scott's odds are 33/1 to win. Not bad for someone with such a rock solid track record. The big question mark is if he is going to show up in 2009. 2008 was a bit of a let down after his stunning year in 2007 when he won the Byron Nelson Open (one of his greatest heroes).

I'm not sure how Verplank will fare this year, but what I am sure of, is that he shows up this weekend and kicks some ass.

4. Steve "DCMD" Marino

You guys are going to get sick of hearing me say this guys name. Unless, or course you start wagering on him now. This guy continues to fly under the radar. He is the stealthiest of the stealth when is comes to publicity. I am not sure if that is by design or not, but he will have his day in the sun this year.

You heard it here first. Steve Marino will win at least TWO tournaments this year, and will contend for at least one major.

A lot of people for some reason think this guy is laid back. He has established solid goals for himself and is dedicated to success.

He led the entire PGA in birdies made last year. Think about that. Let it sink in. Now say it out loud: HE LED THE PGA IN BIRIDIES LAST YEAR!!!!

People still don't even know who he is.

He played in 32 events last year. He only missed 5 cuts. Out of the 27 he made the cut on, he placed T25 or better in half of them.

Oh, and by the way, did i mention he is still on most sports books at 40/1?

"Hi, I'm Steve Marino. Get to know me!"

5. Harrison Frazar

Ok, I admit this may be a bit of a stretch, however what this guy did at Q-School this year, simply cannot be ignored. One of his five qualifying rounds was a 59. That's for eighteen guys, not 9. Oh and by the way one of the courses he shot the 59 on is at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

The PGA West Nicklaus course is just waiting for Harrison to have his way with it.

You do the math.

66/1 spells V-A-L-U-E Take a shot on this guy this weekend. If he can put four nice rounds together and a decent fifth, he will contend for sure.

He is a risky pick, but with risk comes reward. He's either going to be T10 or better, or he will miss the cut.

6. Tom Pernice Jr.

At The Sony Open last week, he came out gangbusters lasering a 69 and a 63. Unfortunately for dessert he had a 75 and 73 after he made the cut, which spelled a crappy T59 after all was said and done.

Over the past twelve years Tom has only missed one cut here, and averages a placement of T39.

His last PGA victory came in 2001 at The International. That may explain why he is my Dark Horse Special of the week at 100/1 to win.

Good luck to you all in fantasy, and in Vegas!

Bottom Line Jay