The 2009 Valero Texas Open Six Pack

Don't mess with Texas.

Zach Johnson showed up for the first time at the Texas Open in 2008, and lookey there, he's got a nice 'ol shiny trophy on his shoulder. Looks like it weighs a ton.

It must be filled with crude.

Unfortunately I can't pick ZJ this week, or Justin Leonard, or Anthony Kim, OR Tim Clark. They are all under 20/1 odds this week.

One thing about this event is that people from Texas, or people who went to school in Texas, seem to fare well here. My six pack and Yahoo! selections are filled with Texans this week.

I don't have a ton of stats to lambaste you with this week, as this field is pretty weak. But each guy has at least one or two good reasons to be selected.

Let's get going with the Yahoo fantasy picks. Oh yeah, I am still doing great in Yahoo! at 99th percentile still...thanks for asking.

GROUP A
Justin Leonard (ST), John Mallinger

GROUP B
Charley Hoffman (ST), JJ Henry (ST), Zach Johnson, Bob Estes

GROUP C
Charlie Wi (ST), Harrison Frazar

Now let's try and make some cash with our six pack this weak, er, uh, 'scuse me, I meant week.

1. Chad Campbell

It's kind of funny that I have big 'ol Chad pictured here with his putter, as I am not sure in the eight years he's been on the tour he is still sure how to use it effectively.

The bottom line here is that Chad Campbell is big, and he is from Texas.

He also has made nine out of 11 cuts so far this year and has two top-10 finishes, one of which being in the Masters, in which he choked with fellow compatriot Kenny Perry.

I typically avoid Campbell in any fantasy/wagering situations, however, the Valero and any Texas based events are about the only times you will see me take a chance on Chad.

Chad is 25/1 odds to win this week.

2. Charley Hoffman

Really? That's the hairstyle you actually choose for your cranium? Really?

Although his "surfer gone wrong" hair looks awful, Hoffman's game looks GREAT.

Charley tends to fade in early spring when the tour swings to the east, but he has continued to play very well in 2009. He has two top-10 finishes this year, and seven in the top 25.

Did I mention he has yet to miss a cut? That's right, he is a perfect 11/11 so far in '09.

Hoffman is another guy that I typically don't select for my six packs or fantasy teams, but I am turning a new leaf. I think he is on top of his game right now, and his skills should not be ignored by me anymore. He is finally showing some very consistent results.

Hoffman has played well at this track with two T10's in three attempts.

At 25/1, I have to give him a shot this week (even though he was not raised or schooled in Texas)

3. JJ Henry

Not only do I like his name, but at this event, I like his game.

Henry has been in the top five at the Valero four times.

He is from Connecticut, but went to school at TCU, giving him that Texas connection.

Another thing to consider is that Henry has played above himself early. He has already made 2/3 of what he made all last year, and it's only mid-May. Timing is everything, and his timing of playing well at an event he likes could produce a winner this week.

JJ needs a good tournament. He has played terribly in his past six events, and missed the cut in his last three, including last week's Player's Championship.

At 50/1 odds, I am going to give him a shot at turning around his cold streak.

4. Dustin Johnson

Dustin is one of the young tour players that I really like. He has already won this year, and I think he may be fixin' to do it again this week in Texas.

He placed T15 here last year and is one of those guys that stood out to me in this field.

He's got the skills to win. He can absolutely crush the ball, and is one of the best at scoring birdies and eagles on tour.

At 50/1, take a look at Dustin Johnson this week. He should not disappoint.

5. Harrison Frazar

Harrison has missed five out of his last six cuts and placed 51st at Quail Hollow.

He ranks amongst the worst on tour in driving accuracy and can't putt worth a damn.

He only has two eagles on the year, and ranks 172nd on tour with a total score of -20 on par five's for the year.

Why on earth is Harrison Frazar in my six pack then?

1. He was born in Dallas.

2. He is a Longhorn.

3. When he bleeds, he bleeds BBQ sauce.

4. He has been in the top 10 three out the past four years at La Canterra.

Give me some love with the lovable gearbox; Harrison Frazar at 60/1 odds.

6. Chris Stroud

I hope he breaks out the bucket hat for this one.

Stroud is one of those guys that will not find his way on to the six pack very often. He is playing much better than he usually does this year.

He has made the cut eight out of 12 attempts, which, for him, is very good. Plus, he has made almost as much money as he did all of last year.

Stroud shot two sub-70 rounds at Quail Hollow two weeks ago, but, unfortunately, botched that event up with a third-round 78.

The good news is that Stroud is from Texas and went to school at Lamar, which is one of the top golf schools in the USA.

Chris has played here twice. He played here in 2007 and in 2008. He placed T6 both times.

At 60/1, Chris Stroud has a real good chance of pulling off something special this weekend.