Quicken Loans National preview, picks & analysis

JUSTIN ROSE is the most successful Englishman in the history of the PGA Tour. He has already won this season and is preparing to defend his title at the Quicken Loans National at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. He edged out Shawn Stefani in a playoff 12 months ago.

Rose played steadily at The Open without ever really getting into contention, but he will relish returning to a tough course. He is at his very best when tackling testing golf courses and will fancy his chances of a successful defence. He is a good bet for the US PGA Championship, being staged next month.

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Club is a shot-makers' course, which is why Rose did so well there last year. It means that we are unlikely to see a first-time tournament winner. But I do believe that Justin Thomas could be an exception - he certainly has the game to prosper on any golf course, but he needs to find a way to close the deal. He keeps getting himself into position to win but comes up short on the final day. The longer is goes on, the harder it becomes to get over the winning line. Thomas is in prime position to land the rookie of the year title and a victory would be the icing on the cake.

Time is running out for those players who are trying to hold on to their Tour cards, and we can expect to hear some heart-rending stories and witness plenty of gut-wrenching drama over the coming weeks. One decent tournament can turn around an entire season and, indeed, an entire career. Johnson Wagner and Sean O'Hair are two men who seemed to be heading back to the Challenge Tour, but found some form when they needed to do so. Neither has managed that elusive victory, but you feel it is not far away.

Rickie Fowler is also in the field, knowing all too well that he has failed to kick on after playing so well in the majors in 2014. His game looks like it isn't far away, but with the regular season nearing its end he will not be satisfied with how he has played, despite winning the Players Championship.

Tiger Woods tries once again to get into contention, and it will be worth watching Ollie Schniederjans, who makes his first professional start after playing so well at St Andrews. Not so very long ago, amateurs joined the paid ranks and generally struggled, but there is a whole new breed out there now and when they turn pro they are already complete players. I watched Schniederjans at the Old Course and he looked like an old hand. Do not be in the least surprised to see him contend straight out of the blocks.

Quicken Loans National Betting Picks

To win: Justin Rose 9/1 Superb, consistent player

Each way: Jimmy Walker 16/1  A really, really impressive golfer

Each way: Rickie Fowler 11/1 Needs a big week

Quicken Loans National Fantasy Picks

Justin Rose: Seldom has a bad week

Jimmy Walker. Looking for his third win of the season

Rickie Fowler: His game is very close

Sean O'Hair: You have to love the way he has battled back

Justin Thomas: Come on young man, get it done

Ollie Schniederjans: Has bags of confidence

Daniel Berger. One of the best swings on the PGA Tour

Russell Knox: Gone off the boil in recent weeks, but it won't last

Robert Garrigus: Big hitter coming back to form

Erik Compton: Should love this golf course