It's U.S. Open week, baby!

Winged Foot awaits us, and what is expected to be a brutal four-day last man standing affair. So get ready and expect to hear plenty of whinging from several tour pros. Allow me to take a moment as I think about that...

Ok, a lot of people are talking about the thick rough and narrow fairways this week, but just like in 2006, expect short game to play a huge part. Whoever's short game is in peak form, may well be holding the trophy aloft come Sunday, and here are my six DraftKings plays for the week.

Xander Schauffele is a major champion in waiting, and Winged Foot should be ideal for the man who loves challenging courses.

The Californian had the lowest score of anyone on his last outing at the Tour Championship, and for this week's test, his game looks in pristine shape. Over his previous 24 rounds, Xander sits in the top-11 in every key Strokes Gained statistic - Approach, Tee-To-Green and Short Game.

Avoid the chalk and take Xander to build your team around this week.

Next up is an Aussie duo who have the experience and the skill to survive the war of attrition this week. Jason Day is known for his spectacular short game, so it's no surprise that he ranks second in the field for his play around the green over his past 24 rounds.

His fellow countryman Adam Scott may not be someone you'd think is as sharp around the greens, but the stats suggest his short game has him primed for a big week, with the 40-year-old finishing the 2019/20 season in the top-10 for Strokes Gained: Around the Greens.

Both men also love the challenge that a U.S. Open offers up, likely down to their calm and patient temperament. Over the last eight U.S. Opens, Scott has recorded five top-10 finishes, while Day has finished in the top-10 here in four of his previous seven starts.

Take the Aussie duo to carve out a strong showing this week.

How about some old school Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson shouts?

It may sound crazy (and certainly may look it at the end of the week!) but the U.S. Open is an event where old (sorry experienced) players usually flourish. I'm not saying they will win, but a top-10 from both wouldn't be surprising. After all, Tiger has been prepping intensely at this week's host course...

...while Phil's short game sounds magic...

Plus, Lefty should be extra motivated thanks to this inspiring tune dedicated to his chances this week!

When looking at lower-priced players this week, you honestly just are hoping for a made cut. Everyone needs a player ranked sub-7k this week, and for my money, you can't go wrong with Kevin Na.

He's a short hitter, but he's straight-ish for the most part, and he has an exceptional short game that will help him get up and down more than most. Over the last 50 rounds, Na ranks 11th in short game and seventh in putting, and he has an oddly good record at the U.S. Open too. In the last six editions of this event, Na has made the weekend five times.

At $6,800 - that's value.

One And Done Play

Xander Schauffele

DraftKings Recommended Plays:

Xander Schauffele $10.1k

Jason Day $8.8k

Adam Scott $8.7k

Tiger Woods $8.6k

Phil Mickelson $7.3k

Kevin Na $6.8k

Written by Fast Eddie
16 September 2020