Frys.com Open Preview, Picks & Analysis

With the European Tour still working towards the climax of the Race to Dubai, and Jordan Spieth still counting his prize-money after winning two majors, five tournaments and the FedEx Cup, the new PGA Tour wraparound season gets under way with the Frys.com Open at Silverado Country Club, Napa, California.

The tournament was won 12 months ago by Sang-moon Bae, of South Korea - he will not be defending his title because he is currently being measured for his uniform as he prepares to start two years of national service in the South Korean army.

Rory McIlroy leads a surprisingly star-studded field and the Northern Irishman returns to action with plenty to prove. He has lost his world No1 ranking to Jordan Spieth, and Jason Day has pushed him further down to third place. McIlroy insists that it is only a number - if you believe that's how he really feels then you will believe absolutely anything. His fall from grace really hurt, all the more so because much of it was self-inflicted, having injured himself playing football. It meant he missed The Open and was only half-fit for the US PGA Championship.

He has struggled to rediscover his best form, especially on the greens, but you can be sure that he will have been working tirelessly in recent weeks to put that right. When McIlroy holes putts, nobody can beat him. He has made it clear that his top priority is to win The Masters and complete the career grand slam. First of all, he needs to get back into the winning habit - and I reckon he is a certainty to do that at the first time of asking.

McIlroy won't have things his own way. In fact, his main opposition is expected to come from Justin Rose, the most successful English golfer ever to play on the PGA Tour. Rose had a magnificent 2015, playing brilliant golf at Augusta that would have won him The Masters had it not been for the extraordinary performance of Spieth. The Englishman has discovered an enviable consistency and must surely win his second major soon.

Daniel Berger has a glorious rhythm to his golf swing - it should make him one of the more consistent players on tour, but his form has been up and down. Progress for Berger will be putting together a series of top-10 finishes, and he certainly has the game. Look out for big things, too, from Ollie Schniederjans, who recently turned professional after a terrific amateur career. He will make the same impression on the PGA Tour that Matthew Fitzpatrick is making in Europe - he really is that good. Schniederjans hits the ball a country mile, but he is also blessed with a wonderful short game and is the sort of player who is capable of contending when not at his best.

It is good to see Erik Compton back in action. The double heart transplant recipient has been struggling with his health and there were fears that he might have to walk away from the game, but he is one tough individual and returns for another crack.

And finally...I spent a good deal of the most recent PGA Tour season singing the praises of Justin Thomas. He had a terrific maiden season but still hasn't managed to enter the winners' circle but I am going to predict here and now that by this time next year, Thomas will have at least two victories tucked under his belt and will be a member of the US Ryder Cup team.

Frys.com Open Betting Tips

To Win: Rory McIlroy. Has the bit between his teeth

Each way: Justin Rose. Mr Consistency

Each way: Daniel Berger. Is there a better swing on tour>

Frys.com Open Fantasy picks

Rory McIlroy. Wants to get back to winning way

Justin Rose. Loves life in America

Daniel Berger. Confidence is sky-high

Justin Thomas. This will be his breakthrough season

Ollie Schniederjans. A winner of the future

Brooks Koepka. Due another title

Sean O'Hair. It was great to see him back to his best in 2015

Ryan Palmer. Money-making machine

Charles Howell III. Rediscovering some sort of form

Erik Compton

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