Who are the top players in men’s professional golf? This question was explored as “Draft Week” commenced on The Shotgun Start. Inspired by a listener’s suggestion, Andy, Brendan, and I assembled teams of 15 players to populate our own imaginary tournaments. The idea is straightforward: we have unlimited funds for appearance fees to attract the biggest names. This could involve picking the best players for a fierce competition, creating a social media buzz, or maximizing ticket sales. Ultimately, it’s likely a blend of all these factors.
Round 1
Pick 1 – Bryson DeChambeau (Brendan): “With unlimited budget, I’m selecting Bryson DeChambeau first.”
Pick 2 – Rory McIlroy (Andy): “I’m going with Rory; he was my second choice after Bryson.”
Pick 3 – Tiger Woods (PJ): “I’d spend my entire budget for a non-major PGA Tour appearance by Tiger. His presence has immense value.”
Round 2
Pick 4 – Scottie Scheffler (Brendan): “I now have both Bryson and Scottie Scheffler. For my next pick, I’ll go with Scheffler.”
Pick 5 – Phil Mickelson (Andy): “The significance of Tiger and Phil highlights how longevity impacts the PGA Tour. Players like them often enjoy extended careers.”
Pick 6 – Jon Rahm (PJ): “Jon Rahm remains a big draw, especially after his performances this year.”
Round 3
Pick 7 – Jordan Spieth (Brendan): “Spieth is a major ratings booster and resonates well with younger audiences.”
Pick 8 – Justin Thomas (Andy): “I find Thomas to be incredibly entertaining to watch due to his diverse skill set.”
Pick 9 – Tommy Fleetwood (PJ): “I believe Fleetwood’s popularity has been underestimated and continues to rise.”
Round 4
Pick 10 – Sahith Theegala (Brendan): “Taking Theegala for his social media appeal, particularly among younger audiences.”
Pick 11 – Xander Schauffele (Andy): “Schauffele’s unique app gives him a distinct edge as a two-time major winner.”
Pick 12 – Viktor Hovland (PJ): “Hovland is popular online for reasons that extend beyond his gameplay.”
Round 5
Pick 13 – Hideki Matsuyama (Brendan): “Selecting Matsuyama for his international appeal, even if I’m less interested in his recent play.”
Pick 14 – Adam Scott (Andy): “Scott has been a long-standing figure in golf and continues to attract crowds.”
Pick 15 – Justin Rose (PJ): “Rose will put in a strong effort at the tournament and can attract attention.”
Round 6
Pick 16 – Aldrich Potgieter (Brendan): “I’m taking Potgieter, a rising star who can draw crowds.”
Pick 17 – Collin Morikawa (Andy): “Morikawa is frequently featured on commercials, boosting his visibility.”
Pick 18 – Rickie Fowler (PJ): “Fowler’s recognition and appeal are undeniable; I’m happy to select him.”
