Final-round picks for the Greenbrier: Is Hurley even the favorite?

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Billy Hurley III enters Sunday afternoon at 12-under, but the Greenbrier Classic has a pack of contenders in tight pursuit.

Here’s how a couple of MetroNews golf analysts forecast the final round, from their comfy perch at Slammin’ Sammy’s overlooking the 18th green. Neither believes Hurley can hold on, but we’ll see how the scores stand once the Naval Academy graduate tees off at 2:05 p.m.:

Fred Persinger’s original picks

Bubba Watson, Brendon Todd and Brian Anania (dark horse)

Fred Persinger’s final-day picks

1. Angel Cabrera:  Has shot rounds of 68-68-64 for a three-day total of 10-under. Has two career wins including the Masters. A tour veteran with over $12 million in winnings, he won’t be bothered by being in the final group on Sunday. Plus, he received a big boost when his native Argentina defeated Belgium 1-0 on Saturday to move into the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1990! 

2. Billy Hurley III: Still looking for his first PGA Tour win and has been close with 5 top ten finishes.  Has had three solid rounds, but might find being in the final group of the final round a little unnerving!

3. Cameron Tringale:  Has won over $5 million during his short time on the PGA Tour, but has never finished first. He has a lot to play for, including becoming eligible for the British Open that will be played in two weeks. With rounds of 72 – 66 and 64, he has improved everyday.

C.J. Ricker’s original picks

Keegan Bradley, Steve Stricker and Shawn Stefani (dark horse).

C.J. Ricker’s final-day picks

Well, my three original picks all made the cut, and two of them are still in contention, so I’ll stay with them—just may reverse the order.

1. Steve Stricker (-8): He has the best chance of all of the guys at 8-under to make a charge and chase down Hurley.

2. Keegan Bradley (-5): He’s seven shots back but can get hot at any time, and I think that can post a 62 or 61 and make the leaders worry.

3. Billy Hurley III: I will drop Stefani and add Hurley, who hails from my hometown of Annapolis, Md. Call it a sentimental pick, but he is playing most consistent all week.