The truth is nobody knows what to make of Chambers Bay. The course, near Tacoma, Washington, was a gravel mine as recently as eight years ago. It is the first course in the Pacific Northwest to host a U.S. Open, as well as the first links-style course. Aside from a couple players like Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka who played in the U.S. Amateur there in 2010, most of the field has never played a competitive round at Chambers Bay.

On top of that, many of the top players come into the tournament struggling. Rory McIlroy has missed his last two cuts, including at the Irish Open which he just happens to host. Phil Mickelson tied for third at the FedEx St. Jude Classic, but that was just his fourth top-10 in his last 33 events. Adam Scott has struggled since ascending to world No. 1 a year ago. Jason Day has missed two consecutive cuts and struggled at the Accenture Match Play. Dustin Johnson withdrew from the St. Jude Classic on Thursday after playing the first several holes well over par. Bubba Watson has played just twice in the last three months and has never done well in links golf. At least a couple of those players will probably have big weeks, but good luck guessing which ones. I am avoiding them all.

With so much uncertainty surrounding the course, as well as the games of several of the top players, I have to have at least three players with proven track records in majors. For me, those players are Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar, Jimmy Walker, and Hideki Matsuyama.

The toughest decision fantasy players will have to make this week is determining how much stock to put in previous experience at Chambers Bay. According to USGA executive director Mike Davis, knowledge of the course should be a huge advantage. That being said, the guys who played in the 2010 U.S. Amateur are all 25 or younger, and expecting them all to play well this week is probably a mistake. I like Patrick Reed as much as anybody, and his U.S. Amateur makes him an even more attractive fantasy play, but when push comes to shove I would rather pay slightly more for Matt Kuchar or Jim Furyk.

The two players who could have the greatest advantage at Chambers Bay are Jordan Spieth and Michael Putnam. Spieth’s caddy, Michael Greller, has caddied more than 40 times at Chambers Bay, and while only a couple of those rounds were on Spieth’s bag, he should know the course better than most.

Putnam, on the other hand, will be playing on his home course. He should know better than anyone how to get around Chambers Bay. His problem may be execution.  Putnam has finished in the top 45 just once in his last 10 events, a T25 at the Shell Houston Open. He played great in qualifying, however, and he is an attractive punt play. Just remember he is ranked 300th in the world for a reason.

PlayerFantasyAcesDraftKingsComments
Branden Grace42006800Has made 20 of his last 21 cuts, including a T11 at the BMW PGA Championship his last time out.
Brooks Koepka55007800Better value on DraftKings. T3 last week.
Jim Furyk61008700No. 3 in the world rankings. T5 at the Memorial last time out.
Jimmy Walker61509100Top-10s in three of the last five majors.
Jordan Spieth760012600His caddy knows Chambers Bay as well as anyone, as if Spieth needed an advantage.
Kevin Na44507100Has eight straight top-20s including the Arnold Palmer, Masters, PLAYERS and Memorial.
Matt Kuchar59008800In 22 majors, Kuchar has never missed a cut.
Michael Putnam38006300Hasn't played well this year but is a GPP play on his home course.
Rickie Fowler695010800Top-20s in six consecutive majors.
Thongchai Jaidee30506100The 32nd-ranked player in the world should cost more.
Victor Dubuisson41507000Mired in a slump, but his shotmaking ability could make him the perfect fit for Chambers Bay. Worth a shot in a GPP.
Zach Johnson50007600Six top-20s in last seven tournaments.