DraftKings Preview: Fortinet Championship

After a two-week hiatus, the PGA TOUR is making its return in Napa, California, at the Silverado Resort and Spa for the Fortinet Championship on the North Course. This par 72 course spans 7,123 yards and features Poa annua/Bentgrass greens. The headline act of the week is the two-time defending champion and California native, Max Homa.

Below, I've highlighted three standout DraftKings picks for the upcoming tournament:

Golfers to Consider

1. Max Homa ($11,000)

   It's hard to ignore Max Homa's presence in this field. He stands out as the top-tier player, backed by recent impressive performances. Homa's track record includes five consecutive top-12 finishes, extending back to the Genesis Scottish Open, where he showcased his prowess with a pair of top-six finishes at the BMW Championship and FedEx St. Jude. As mentioned earlier, Homa is the back-to-back champion at the Fortinet Championship and aims for a remarkable three-peat.

   Homa's affinity for California courses, combined with his exceptional putting skills on Poa greens, makes him a formidable contender. His previous victories at this event, with scores of 16-under and 19-under par in the last two years, highlight the importance of scoring. Fortunately, Homa ranked sixth on the PGA TOUR in birdie average last season. Given his win potential, even at a price tag of $11,000, passing on Homa this week may come at too high a cost.

2. Mark Hubbard ($8,300)

   Mark Hubbard is a consistent performer during the fall segment of the PGA TOUR calendar. He frequently stands out as one of the more talented players in these events, including the Fortinet Championship, where he is making his eighth appearance in the last decade. Over his seven previous starts in Napa, he has made the cut five times and secured finishes of T21 or better in three of his last four appearances.

   Hubbard showcased his potential last season with five top-10 finishes, including a T9 at Colonial and a T6 at the RBC Canadian Open. Furthermore, Hubbard ranked 13th on the PGA TOUR in SG: Approach in 2023, topping the field in this category. Priced at a reasonable $8,300, he represents a dependable choice this week.

3. Dylan Wu ($7,600)

   Dylan Wu appears to be undervalued relative to his skill level within this field. He is coming off a commendable 2023 season, boasting a couple of top-10 finishes and an additional six top-30 finishes in his 26 starts. One of his top-10 finishes occurred recently at the 3M Open, where he finished T5, indicating his current form is in good shape.

   With Silverado hosting four par-5s, proficiency in par-5 scoring is essential, and Wu excels in this department. He ranked 13th on the PGA TOUR in par-5 scoring in 2023 and sat 19th in birdie average. Wu's prior two outings at Silverado resulted in a missed cut and a T47 finish, but his improved skills make him a promising candidate to perform well this week. At an affordable $7,600 price point, Wu offers great value.

In conclusion, the Fortinet Championship at Silverado Resort and Spa promises an exciting return of the PGA TOUR after a brief break. Max Homa, Mark Hubbard, and Dylan Wu present compelling options for DraftKings fantasy golf lineups, catering to a range of budgets and offering the potential for a strong performance on the course. Don't miss out on the opportunity to create your lineup and engage in the game within the game with DraftKings.