The PGA Tour departs Florida and makes a return to Texas for the AT&T Byron Nelson. Outside of Dallas in Irving, Texas, TPC Four Seasons Resort at Las Colinas (otherwise known as TPC Las Colinas) plays host this week. The 7,166-yard, par-70 track will see its final contesting of the tournament this year as the event changes locations in 2018. Jay Morrish was the original architect, with the great Byron Nelson himself offering guidance. A 2007 reworking by D.A. Weibring and Steve Wolford accentuated large, heavily sloped greens with closely mown areas just off the putting surfaces that penalize wide approaches.
Water comes into play on roughly half the holes. Players will find it difficult to find the tree-lined fairways, but with rough that isn't overly penal, driving (distance or accuracy) isn't terribly important this week. The bermudagrass greens run in the range of 11 on the stimpmeter, and even with the significant slopes, don't overwhelm players.
Iron and wedge play are paramount at TPC Las Colinas, with play from 100-200 yards trumping all other statistical categories this week. Bear that in mind with your picks this week.
Creme de la creme
Brooks Koepka: $10,200
BK has finished 16th or better in his last two turns at the Byron Nelson. Everyone will be drooling over Dustin Johnson's track record and his ownership will naturally be through the roof. Drop down $2,300 and get yourself some Brooks Koepka. Top-20 showings in his last three outings, including a tie for 16th at The Players. Koepka is 11th on Tour in birdies, ninth in approaches from 175 to 200 and 22nd in approaches from over 200 yards.
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