This is a short tradition, one that has only lasted a mere two years, but Grad School loves it. Each year after a few PGA tournaments begin, Grad School JMP and Grad School TJK put on a little bet. We each pick five PGA Tour members in a “draft” order who we believe will win the FedEx Cup. Throughout the year at the beginning of each month, up until the PGA Championship, we are allowed to make two transactions—which can either be add/drop’s or trades. Grad School JMP took home the trophy, and the purse prize, last year by picking Rory McIlroy (fifth and final pick in the draft) from day one. Rory had an absolute stellar 2019 year to be the favorite just ahead of Grad School TJK’s leading stallion—Xander Schauffele. This year, Grad School Sports is presenting a little “draft preview” to help Grad School JMP and Grad School TJK in selecting their 2020 draft picks. Check back Monday December 16th for the final draft picks.
Rory McIlroy: This is an obvious first-round pick. Rory is coming off arguably his best year to date. Turned pro in September 2007, this golf phenom is a four-time major champion. In 2019, he had 18 Top-10 finishes, won THE PLAYERS Championship, and is 2019’s Player of the Year.
Brooks Koepka: Overall, just a great guy. We love him here at Grad School Sports. The man won three events in 2019 and captured his fourth major championship. For the second year in a row, he beat our McIlroy for the PGA of America Player of the Year. The man holds the record for the fastest time in golf history to go from zero to four major wins. Simply said, this guy is an alpha male. Look for him to have a breakout 2020 season.
Justin Thomas: Mr. 2017. Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, this professional had his star moment in 2017. In one year, he managed five PGA Tour wins—including the 2017 PGA Championship, and culminating his first FedEx Cup. If there’s one thing Thomas is—it’s consistent. It seems that every event I watch with Thomas in the field, his name is always near the top. He may not be having another breakout season this year, but the 2019 FedEx Cup fourth-placer will always find a way to be in or near the spotlight.
Patrick Reed: Eh. It hurts me to say it, but maybe if he improves his lies this season he’ll manage to steal a few wins on Tour. Or get his card revoked. Solid Top-265 FedEx Cup player.
Tony Finau: The last player in this preview is one I think could have a record-breaking 2020 season. He placed seventh in the FedEx Cup standings in 2019, but his 2018 season gives me high hopes with 11 Top-10 finishes. Finau was Tiger Woods’ first captain’s pick for the 2019 President’s Cup, and I think this is both a high honor and a little appetizer for the work Finau has in store for 2020. Look for him to have a great performance in Australia this week, and a phenomenal 2020 season.
Honorable 2020 Mentions:
- Xander Schauffele
- Paul Casey
- Kevin Kisner
- Hideki Matsuyama
- Patrick Cantlay
- Francesco Molinari
- Joaquin Niemann
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Webb Simpson
- Jon Rahm
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