Here at GOTM, we like all things golf, and all things that prove you’re better than other people. So we, along with a couple other compadres decided to make a snake draft for the Open, to prove that I’m better than they are, and have the online documentation to prove it. Picking order was Wyatt -> Mike -> Jack -> Grant.

The Rules

10 players for each team picked in a snake draft. Best combined score from top 5 players wins.

Final Update

Grant: -55

Jack: -46

Wyatt: -43

Mike:  -40

When asked about his win, Grant replied with nothing, because he’s up north and doesn’t have internet access.

After Day 1 Update

All our players are off the course and finished after day 1 of the (British) Open (Championship). Current standings, with all the scores looking like they came from some sort of (American) football scoreboard:

Grant: -27

Jack: -14

Wyatt: -10

Mike:  -7

Grant is the clear favorite at the moment, having DJ, ZJ, Willett and Louis leading the way. Grant’s thoughts on the day:

Fantasy Leagues, like golf tournaments, aren’t won in the first round. I am happy with the foundation that today’s performance has built but the players and I both know that many twists and turns lie ahead and we need to continue to play the tournament one swing at a time if we wish to obtain victory come Sunday evening.

Mike’s words of support to his team after being solidly in last place:

Really, really good. Great job, squad. Proud of you.

Tune in tomorrow for another update!

Jack’s Picks

Big fan of my lineup. Goal was to have all players that can win, and I think I managed that. Even if Kevin Kisner won, I wouldn’t be completely surprised. Generated this team by looking at the betting odds and picking the top guy who hadn’t been picked yet.

1. Justin Rose
2. Adam Scott
3. Brandt Snedeker
4. Martin Kaymer
5. Phil Mickelson
6. Fatrick Reed
7. Luke Donald
8. Charl Schwartzel
9. Francesco Molinari
10. Kevin Kisner

Mike’s Picks

Look at those first three picks! Definitely the best top end of the draft, not even close really. Really unfortunate that I piled seven garbage picks after that. I’ll be lucky to not take last. Tiger Woods with the 4th pick?? What was I thinking? That said, there is no way that I lose.

1. Jordan Spieth
2. Henrik Stenson
3. Hideki Matsuyama
4. Tiger Woods
5. Branden Grace
6. Victor Dubuisson
7. Jimmy Walker
8. Ian Poulter
9. Keegan Bradley
10. JB Holmes

Grant’s Picks

As a much less knowledgeable picker of players my strategy was a combination of gut instinct, googling “(player name) British Open” and searching results in last 7 days, and relying too heavily on the three hours of Scottish Open I watched last Sunday (see Lowry, Shane and Fleetwood, Tommy). I ended up with a team of players that are diverse in age, nationality, and playing style which will be ready to take on any elements they may face at the Open. Also, I’ve got a true “Angel on the Golf Course” in Miguel Jiminez so there’s no way I can lose.

1. Dustin Johnson
2. Louis Oosthuisen
3. Paul Casey
4. Shane Lowry
5. Brooks Koepka
6. Tommy Fleetwood
7. Zach Johnson
8. Graeme McDowell
9. Danny Willett
10. Miguel Angel Jiminez

Wyatt’s Picks

Initially, I was set on DJ with the first pick but then I thought ‘could I really pass up Jordan Spieth.’ I didn’t think I could but then there was Rickie. Rickie has a strong record in the British, coming off the win in the Scottish Open, so he became the guy. I feel this squad has the best top-5 but also the most risk top to bottom. Look for a few top-fifteens but know there could also be twice as many MC’s.

1. Rickie Fowler
2. Sergio Garcia
3. Jason Day
4. Matt Kuchar
5. Bubba Watson
6. Billy Horschel
7. Bernd Wiesberger
8. Jim Furyk
9. Jamie Donaldson
10. Joost Luiten