St Jude Classic Preview, Picks & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements

THE FedEX St Jude Classic is the tournament that nobody wants to win. It comes the week before the US Open and, tournament professionals being the superstitious lot they are, none of them want to pick up this trophy because they fear it will harm their chances of doing well at Oakmont.

It could well be the reason that so many decide to sit things out this week. Fabien Gomez finished on top 12 months ago, beating Greg Owen by four strokes. Neither of these men mind where they win as they have somewhat different career priorities than the likes of Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy - you won't be in the least surprised to learn that none of the so-called Big Three will be in action at TPC Southwind in Memphis. The course measures 7,244 yards and is a par 70.

Ben Crane won in 2014, Harris English in 2013, Dustin Johnson in 2012, Harrison Frazar in 2011 and in 2010 it was won by Lee Westwood, of England.

One constant in recent years has been Phil Mickelson, who was third last year and runner-up in 2013. Lefty is one of the few top golfers who likes to compete in the week before the majors because he believes it makes him more competitive, as well as giving him a chance to assess his form and tweak anything that might be troubling him. You don't need me to tell you that Mickelson has finished second in the US Open on six occasions and it remains the one major to elude him.

Most people who know about these things says his chance has come and gone. I am not so sure. He has done everything this season other than finish the job off and must be encouraged by his play. There would be no more popular winner of the US Open than Mickelson and remember this: when he won The Open in 2013 he preceded it with victory in the Scottish Open. This man is not afraid to win in successive weeks. And you have to take your hat to him - he is not afraid to put himself out there, week after week.

Charles Howell III has had an extraordinary run of form this season, with 13 finishes in the top 25. He has played in 19 tournaments and missed just three cuts, with six top-10 finioshes and almost $2m in prize money banked so far. If ever there was a PGA Tour pro has hasn't lived up to his potential, this is the man. Perhaps he has become too comfortable but it is scarcely credible that he has only two victories to his credit - and the last came way back in 2007. He has proved this season that he has the game to win, but he clearly lacks the killer instinct. Nevertheless, he has to be a great each-way bet.

Two others who are also long overdue a victory are Gary Woodland and Ryan Palmer. They are among the most consistent players on tour, finishing in the top week after week. Palmer's last victory came in the Sony Open in Hawaii in 2010 while the most recent of Woodland's two wins was at the 2013 Reno-Tahoe Open. Woodland has missed just one cut this season. Palmer has done even better. He was fourth in the Texas Open and third at the Dean and Deluca Invitational. Palmer has already collected more than $1m in prize money and is comfortably inside the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings.

And then there is Daniel Berger, a 23-year-old from Florida who is one of the most gifted young players on tour. Twice last season he finished second and while his progress this year has not been quite as dramatic as many people expected, he has enjoyed three top-10 finishes and is comfortably inside the top 50 in the world rankings. Berger tends to play his best golf on tough courses, and could be a great each-way bet for the US Open, but his first win must come soon, and TPC Southwind ought to suit his game. He hits the ball long and straight and has a wonderful short game. He is also one of an increasing number of young players who have arrived on the PGA Tour with a ready-made temperament.

Look out, too, for Patrick Rodgers, regarded by many pundits as the next big thing. The young American has few weaknesses and has contended several times as he climbs both the world rankings and the FedEx Cup standings. He reminds me a lot of Justin Thomas, already a tournament winner this season, and has the confidence of Patrick Reed. He will win soon, and it may open the floodgates.

To Win

Patrick Rodgers. Ready for his first tour win

Each Way

Gary Woodland. This guy is due a win

Daniel Berger. A terrific allround golfer with no weaknesses

Fantasy Picks

Patrick Rodgers. Terrific prospect

Gary Woodland. Could bring this course to its knees

Daniel Berger. He must win soon

Ryan Palmer. Mr Consistency

Kyle Reifers. Has enjoyed some good weeks

William McGirt. Memorial champion will be on the crest of a wave

Brooks Koepka. Capable of beating the very best

Kolt Knost. As gutsy as they come

Charles Howell III. Time for him to believe

Phil Mickelson. Rule him out at your peril