The 2009 Verizon Heritage Six Pack

It's kind of ironic that Boo Weekley is a back to back winner here at Harbor Town Golf links, in my opinion.

Boo crushes the ball off the tee. Harbor Town is not known to be a long ball hitters paradise, but typically favors the accurate player.

Somehow Boo has ignored the norm, and managed to overcome the typical to be a champion here twice consecutively.

I don't want to route against Boo because I think he is great for the tour, but I am not picking him this week, even though he provides decent odds at 24:1.

My picks this week are focused on driving accuracy, a high GIR percentage, and/or some above average scrambling ability.

I am still in the 98th percentile in the Yahoo fantasy golf league, so why don't we start off there?

GROUP A
Paul Casey (ST) Ernie Els

GROUP B
Rory McIlroy (ST) Brian Gay (ST)
Lucas Glover Davis Love III

GROUP C
Luke Donald (ST)
Matt Kuchar

Also keep in mind, Harbor Town has some of the smallest greens these pros will see all year. Accuracy is truly a premium in this weeks event. I have a solid six pack this week, so take some notes...

(Notice how I have not mentioned anything about Kenny Perry's choke job at The Masters last week?)

1. Ernie Els

The big easy is no stranger to Harbor Town. He has had success here in the past, yet there is one thing he has not had here.

That one thing would be, a win.

Els has had a very good start to the 2009 season. Overall he has been trending up the scale, with exception to his missed cut last week at Augusta.

I am willing to overlook last week, and choose to focus more on what makes Ernie great.

Els is currently 7th on tour in GIR and is ranked 9th in total driving. These two stats are vital to having success at the postage stamp sized greens at Harbor Town.

Els has played well over the years here, and has a few T10 or better finishes. Look for his strong approach shots from 150 - 200 yds to help carry him this week.

Ernie Els is exceptional value at 20:1 odds of victory.

2. Davis Love III

Davis Love III has won here five times in his successful career.

Although he did miss the Masters, he is still having a darn good start to 2009. Heading to Hilton Head, is pretty much like going home for this man. I wonder if he is going to take his boat to the course as his transportation as he has done in years past.

Love is 13th on tour in GIR and is absolutely deadly on approach shot from inside 100 yds.

I know DL3 is going to be a factor this week. Can he win his sixth trophy here this weekend?

At 30:1 odds, Davis Love III is one of my top selections this week.

3. Justin Leonard

This course was pretty much designed for a golfer like Justin Leonard. If you could transpose the statistics of a golfer that is set up for success on this course, then Justin's stats are the ones to read.

Leonard is 30th on tour for accuracy, and he is by no means considered someone who bombs the ball. I also like the fact that he is 36th on tour in GIR.

Top that off with the fact that he ranks 15th on tour in scrambling, and you almost have to ask yourself if it is possible for him to lose this week.

Leonard won this event in 2002, and is someone whose strengths suit him greatly on this type of course. Justin Leonard has also had a fabulous start to 2009, with his last 5 tourneys going; CUT, 19th, 9th, 52nd, and 5th.

I can overlook the cut at The Masters, and I really like what he has going for him thus far.

Look for JL to be there on Sunday and you have to love the value with him being 40:1 to win it all. Watch $5.00 become $200.00 on Sunday.

4. Matt Kuchar

There is only one big question surrounding this young man this week.

Can he overcome his 3rd round let downs that he has been experiencing this year?

Matt is off to a wonderful start this spring. He is 12th in scoring average at just under 70 strokes per round. He is a terrific putter as well.

He also is a "Mr. Thursday" and "Mr. Friday", so you may want to find some action on taking him in some 1st and 2nd round matchups.

Kuchar has made 6 cuts out of 7 events. Four of those six have been T25's and one of those was a T10.

I love the value that Matt Kuchar brings to the table this week, at 50:1 odds

5. Brian Gay

Brian's new nickname should be "Value King"

This guy has done nothing but get better over his last 5 events. He has made nine out of ten cuts in '09 and of those nine cuts, he already has two T10's and 5 T25's!!!

He is amongst the best on the PGA in two essential stats for Harbor Town. He ranks 4th in driving accuracy, and he is 10th in scrambling.

I have no idea how or why this guy is at 60:1 odds, nor do I care! Brian is a steal of a pick this week.

6. Steve Marino

I really wish I knew what was wrong with Mr. Marino. He is truly an exceptional young talent on tour, but he has had his struggles this year.

I have been very high on this guy. He has been quietly improving. He placed T19 at the Shell Houston Open, and I am of the opinion that he has regrouped his composure. Last year this guy was a cut making machine.

I am looking for Marino's rebound to continue this week with a victory in Harbor Town.

Did I mention he is 80:1?

I wish you all the best of luck in this weeks event! Lay it down, and WIN!