Quicken Loans National Preview, Picks & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements

IF YOU can remember that the defending champion at the Quicken Loans National to be played at Congressional Country Club, just outside Bethesda in Maryland, is Troy Merritt then it might well be the case that you need to get out more.

It is fair to say that Merritt was a surprise winner, although that is to take nothing away from his 18-under-par winning total of 266, that included a remarkable third round of 61. He ended up winning by three shots from Rickie Fowler, and you don't do that unless you can play. It is fair to say, however, that Merritt hasn't kicked on since that victory.

And most of the attention this year will once again be on somebody who isn't even playing. The tournament is run by the Tiger Woods Foundation and the 14-time major champion will be at Congressional. Sadly, he will be there in a ceremonial role and is still not fit enough to consider a return to competitive action.

"While I continue to work hard on getting healthy, I am not physically ready to play in this year's Quicken Loans National,” Woods said. “I am making progress, but I'm not yet ready for tournament competition.

"I want to thank everyone for their continued support. The positive texts, emails and calls I have received have been incredible.”

Woods has not played a PGA TOUR event since finishing 10th at the Wyndham Championship in August last year, and it seems increasingly likely that will not see him in action at all this year.

“I will be hosting and attending my foundation's tournament, the Quicken Loans National, at Congressional. It's the 10th year of our tournament, and we continue to support the community, the military and the programs of the Tiger Woods Foundation.”

There is always an element of "after the Lord Mayor's show" about any golf tournament held in the week after a major. In the first place, the main protaganists are probably going to want to take the week off, and those who don't will either be shattered if they have been in contention or will struggle for motivation if they haven't.

However, this tournament consistently attracts a quality field and has produced some great winners. Justin Rose has won it twice (2010 and 2014), as has Woods (2009 and 2012), while Nick Watney took the honours in 2011, and Bill Haas in 2013.

Haas is one of the more consistent players on the PGA Tour, and a former winner of the FedEx Cup. he is a hugely talented player with a wonderful swing and an even better temperament, and he badly wants to be part of the US Ryder Cup team. Speaking of which, after a disappointing performance at the US Open, Patrick Reed will be absolutely determined to put things right this week ahead of a busy few weeks.

Reed has played as well as anybody else all year without getting the job done. He is a mercurial golfer and when he gets the bit between his teeth there are few better players in the game. The American has made it known that he fancies his chances of winning The Open Championship at Royal Troon but he is a man who feeds off confidence and will be looking to get a win under his belt before he heads to Scotland - this course should suit his game, and I think he will take some stopping.

Quicken Loans National Picks

To Win:

Patrick Reed. A natural-born winner

Each Way:

Bill Haas. Ready to contend again

Each Way:

Kyle Reifers. Keep your eye on Reifers

Quicken Loans National Fantasy Picks

Patrick Reed. Desperate for another victory 

Bill Haas. As consistent as they come

Kyle Reifers. Fancied by many for a big breakthrough

Patrick Rodgers. Tipped for big things

Ryan Palmer. There or thereabouts most weeks

Ben An. A world-class golfer, with a world-class temperament

Bryson DeChambeau. Has taken to the pro game after the manner born

Chesson Hadley. Good enough to win anywhere

Martin Laird. Needs a few big weeks

Jamie Lovemark. In fine form