HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. ' The Verizon Heritage has gone by a variety of names since Arnold Palmer won the inaugural event in 1969, but the editors of Fantasy Island humbly suggest a name change to the more accurate, and probably more commercially appealing, Boo Bash.
Two years, two tartan jackets for the pride of Milton, Fla. Some say its the legendary fishing around Hilton Head, others suggest its the agreeable Southern cuisine, but there is no real secret to Weekleys hold on Harbour Town.
The tree-lined layout is a ballstrikers paradise, particularly if the wind blows like it has the last two years. This ones a layup, pencil in Weekley and watch the fun.
Pick a Foursome: Paul Casey is probably playing better right now, fresh from his first PGA Tour victory in Houston, but Camillo Villegas ' the only other player ranked among the top 10 in the field this week ' has history at Harbour Town, having tied for seventh last year. Similarly, we went with Furyk over up-and-comer Rory McIlroy because of the Americans Verizon record. Hes finished outside the top 10 just once in his last five Low-country starts.
Picks: Camilo Villegas, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Tim Clark
Note: One player from four categories based on the World Golf Ranking (1-10, A; 11-20, B; 21-30, C; 31-40, D). Points awarded on money earned ($1 = 1 point).
Salary Cap: Joe Durant has struggled mightily in recent years, but were playing a hunch. The guy led the Tour in ballstriking for most of his career. Always a good fit at Hilton Head regardless of form. As for Charles Howell III, after watching the Masters from the wrong side of the ropes for the first time since 2001 chances are he will be properly motivated to quickly punch his ticket for next years tournament.
Picks: Camilo Villegas ($4.4 million), Boo Weekley ($2.3 million), Charles Howell III ($1.4 million), Joe Durant ($802,000), Webb Simpson ($250,000).
Note: Five players with a $10 million cap based on 2008 earnings. Rookies without 2008 earnings will be priced at $250,000. Standings based on overall team earnings.
Pick One: The only way Weekley could have more fun on the shores of the Calibogue Sound is if he set off down the first fairway on Thursday riding his driver Ryder Cup style.
The two-time champion owns the Pete Dye gem like he owns the Tours most endearing disposition. Check the numbers, in the last two Verizons Weekley has hit 82 of 112 fairways, 87 of 144 greens in regulation and recorded just 14 bogeys and not a single double bogey.
Note: Players must be picked before the start of the season and used only once. Standings based on total earnings.
In addition to my PGA Tour Pick One, the GolfChannel.com staff will be offering up their picks to win. A player can be picked a maximum of five times. We will be keeping a running tally of the monies earned each week. The participants include: Jay Coffin, Editorial Director; Mercer Baggs, Editorial Manager; Brian Koressel, Senior Producer; Dena Davis, Assistant Editor; Erik Peterson, Travel Editor; Jerry Foltz, special contributor.
| Name | Player Pick | Reason | Money | |
| Rex Hoggard | Boo Weekley | The two-time champion owns the Pete Dye gem like he owns the Tours most endearing disposition. Check the numbers, in the last two Verizons Weekley has hit 82 of 112 fairways, 87 of 144 greens in regulation and recorded just 14 bogeys and not a single double bogey. | $1,869,550 | |
| Jay Coffin | Jim Furyk | Boo Weekley is the obvious, easy choice but Ill go with a guy who was in the hunt at Augusta. He may be a little weary but he has finished fourth or better three of the last four years. | $3,579,565 | |
| Mercer Baggs | Aaron Baddeley | Nice record at Harbour Town and a past champion. | $3,170,798 | |
| Erik Peterson | Ernie Els | Hes been in the top-10 7 out of 10 times. | $2,658,330 | |
| Brian Koressel | Kevin Na | Solid showings in his last two starts at Harbour Town and, more importantly, three top-5s already this season. | $3,168,508 | |
| Dena Davis | Aaron Baddeley | Would love to take my boy Boo here, but he’s just not playing well and that MC at Augusta doesn’t sit well with me. Gotta go with Badds.com. He’s coming off a T-17 at the Masters and, of course, has had success at Harbour Town. | $2,573,372 | |
| Jerry Foltz | Aaron Baddeley | The last guy to win not named Boo. It’s hard to pass on Boo going for a three-peat and I’ll certainly be pulling for him, but I need to make up some ground against my counterparts and I’m sure most will pick Boo. Badds is back with the coach that taught him how to play when he was a kid which will be great for him in the long term.. | $1,903,129 |
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