Expert Picks: Pebble Beach

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T.J. Auclair
PGATOUR.com Interactive Producer
Pick: Phil Mickelson
Sure, Lefty lost in a playoff at the FBR Open on Sunday, but he's over it. In his first two starts of the new season, Mickelson has a tie for sixth and the playoff-loss to J.B. Holmes. Five of his last six rounds have been 68 or better and this week he's at Pebble Beach where he's the defending champion -- 2007 marked one of his three wins on the Monterey Peninsula. Mickelson has finished third or better in five of his 12 starts in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Look for him to make it six of 13 this week.

Lauren Deason
PGATOUR.com Editorial Coordinator
Pick: Phil Mickelson
For the second week in a row the obvious pick is Phil Mickelson. He's coming off a tie for sixth at the Buick Invitational and a playoff loss last week at the FBR Open. After getting so close in the past two weeks, Mickelson is hungry for his first taste of victory in 2008. Besides, he is the defending champion at the tournament, which is one the California product has won three times. This should be another "phantastic" week for Phil.

Melanie Hauser
PGATOUR.com Correspondent
Pick: Phil Mickelson
Nice place for a bounce back, Pebble Beach. Going back-to-back? Not bad either. Lefty would like a piece of that action, especially after losing in a playoff in Scottsdale. Raspy voice and all, he's ready to fend off the likes of Jim Furyk and Veege.

Dave Lagarde
PGATOUR.com Correspondent
Pick: Mike Weir
He came into 2008 riding a wave of momentum garnered from his performance in The Presidents Cup. He tied for fourth at the Mercedes-Benz Championship and has three pedestrian results since. Sterling record on the peninsula might provide the right recipe for a trip to the winner's circle.

Win McMurry
Host, PGA TOUR Today
Pick: Phil Mickelson
He's feeling better and goes to Pebble ready to defend his title alongside the celebs. Plus, he's got to be pumped up after battling J.B. Holmes in the Super Bowl Sunday playoff at the FBR Open.

Scott Pianowski
The Fantasy Insider
Pick: Daniel Chopra
While it's risky to not pick Phil Mickelson off his Arizona near-miss and history here, I've used too many selections on left-handers this season. Daniel Chopra has been rock-solid at this event (11-5-16-25) and I've yet to have a fantasy stake in him all season. Welcome to the club, D.C.

John Maginnes
PGATOUR.com Contributor
Pick: Phil Mickelson
I tried to come up with a solid reason that Lefty wouldn't successfully defend at the A&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am this week and couldn't come up with one. He seems to be getting better each week and he loves those hallowed grounds. So, Mickelson repeats here on the Monterey Peninsula, his kids will run onto the 18th green again and everyone will smile. Some things never get old.

Helen Ross
PGATOUR.com Chief of Correspondents
Pick: Phil Mickelson
After a tie for sixth and a playoff loss already this year, I certainly can't pick against Phil Mickelson this week. He's come so close, and he's the defending champion of a tournament he's won three times total. Phil is always a quick starter and this is another great opportunity.

Dave Shedloski
PGATOUR.com Senior Correspondent
Pick: Mike Weir
I could definitely be selecting the wrong lefty. Steve Flesch and that other guy, the defending champion, world No. 2 Phil Mickelson, are pretty good options, too. But we're thinking Weir is ready to claim a title that he's been close to winning on a number of occasions. Ten starts on the Monterey Peninsula have produced six top-10 finishes, including fourth place or better four times. Four of his last five PGA TOUR victories have been on the Left Coast.

John Swantek
PGA TOUR Productions Fantasy Insider
Pick: Kevin Sutherland
The Sacramento native was going to be my sleeper pick this week, but the secret is out after a T13 at Torrey Pines and a very sharp T4 in Scottsdale last week. The Fresno State product is comfortable and confident at Pebble, where he was runner-up to Mickelson in 07'.

Editor's note: Our experts have had their say. Now it's your turn. Here are some of the responses we got when we asked PGATOUR.com viewers to make their picks for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

- I am going out on limb and picking two veterans who are trying to make their way back to the PGA TOUR. These two golfers will finish inside the top 10 this week, and could even possibly win. Jeff Gove is a straight, consistent hitter of fairways and greens and a sentimental pick in Skip Kendall. - Brian

Kris Cox -- the pride of Lafayette, Louisiana. It's Kris' turn. - Paul

This is a week for Vijay. He missed the cut in Phoenix and hasn't really played well. This is a big event with big crowds and would be a good springboard for Vijay's first win of the year. - Jeff

Davis (Love III) has been off too long and will finish in the top 10, but won't seriously compete for the win. - Kenny

John Daly seems focused and is half of my leading candidate for long shot. - Stan

The other long shot is (Greg) Norman. I watched him play in the (Del-Webb Father-Son Challenge) and he still has a lot of game. This is the kind of stage he likes and I think he has settled a bit in his personal life with Chrissie. - Don

The low celebrity -- without question -- will be Kelly Slater. - Wayne

The expert picks need to be a little more interesting....How about Argentine Andres Romero....why hasn't anybody mentioned he's a PGA TOUR member for 2008? This guy can play. - Duncan