Each week during the official PGA Tour season, a panel of CBSSports.com staffers each will identify nine players to watch in three distinct categories -- longshots, favorites and ‘tweeners. The picks will be based on a combination of homework, guesswork and just plain instinct.
| Favorites |
Steve Elling
CBSSports.com Senior Writer | Ross Devonport
CBSSports.com Fantasy Writer | Dan Lubin
CBSSports.com Golf Producer |
 Vijay Singh
Fiji is an island. So is Hawaii. Small wonder this guy kicks butt at Kapalua, where he has five top-5s this decade. |  Ernie Els
The Big Easy turns 40 this year. If he wants to again be an impact player, he better become the Big Hurry. |  J.B. Holmes
Fourth in his lone appearance on the long, wide-open Kapalua layout, where bombing it is an advantage. | |  Adam Scott
Three top-10s at Kapalua in three trips, and the Aussie will want to get the bad taste left in his mouth from a poor 2008. |  Anthony Kim
First trip to this event, he is probably the class of this field with Singh nursing a knee problem. |  Stewart Cink
Started fast last year with three top-3s in first five events, and will want to put rough playoffs behind him. | | Vijay Singh
Vijay went gangbusters at the end of 2008, picking up three wins in August and September. Is he back for good? |  Camilo Villegas
The colorful Colombian silenced all doubters by winning the last two playoff events in '08. Is he the real deal? | Anthony Kim
Buzz about Kim reached a peak at the Ryder Cup. This year, his superstar credentials will be put to the test. | |
| Under the radar |
Steve Elling
CBSSports.com Senior Writer | Ross Devonport
CBSSports.com Fantasy Writer | Dan Lubin
CBSSports.com Golf Producer |
 Justin Leonard
Resurrected his career last season and played on the Ryder Cup team. Has some good finishes at Kapalua. |  Davis Love III
Won the '08 season finale to earn second Mercedes bid in past five years. Won event a million years ago in ‘93. | Adam Scott
Had a brutal 2008 marked by injury, illness and interpersonal discord. Hopefully, he won’t hurt himself surfing – again. | | Davis Love III
Has always played well here, and ’08 season-ending win will have given him a much-needed confidence boost. |  Andres Romero
Awfully inconsistent last season, but is clearly talented and will want to prove he belongs in 2009. | Camilo Villegas
Dazzled in final two playoff events last year to show he’s more than just the flashy clothes. | |  Geoff Ogilvy
Won the Aussie PGA just a month ago. Despite huge inconsistencies, he's a huge talent. |  Carl Pettersson
Made it to the Tour Championship and finished 21st on the 2008 money list. Thanks to outstanding putting. |  K.J. Choi
Superb showing in FedEx Cup playoffs -- T12, T21, T5, 9 -- was overshadowed by Singh and Villegas. | |
| Longshots |
Steve Elling
CBSSports.com Senior Writer | Ross Devonport
CBSSports.com Fantasy Writer | Dan Lubin
CBSSports.com Golf Producer |
 Parker McLachlin
He is the second-most famous golfer from Honolulu’s famed Punahou School to Michelle Wie. |  Brian Gay
Had a career year and nearly finished in the top 30 in earnings. Gay is so soft-spoken, you hardly know he’s there. |  Ryuji Imada
Given the Japanese presence in the Hawaiian Islands, he’s sure to curry the favor of the fans, right? | |  Dustin Johnson
Has the length to deal with Kapalua and will look to build on Turning Stone title. |  Boo Weekley
Everyone loves Boo, and you know Boo will love Hawaii. |  Steve Lowery
I think Steve would look good in a Hawaiian shirt and a lei. | | Andres Romero
I'm looking for bigger things from Romero in 2009. Tee to green, he must improve. |  Marc Turnesa
Displayed lots of game in the Fall Series, picking up a win in Vegas and second place in Mississippi. |  D.J. Trahan
Captured his title in early 2008, but came on strong at the end of the season, reaching it to East Lake. | |
