Hobart MGA fantasy league prospects

Hobart, TAS, Australia (but just call us Tasmanians) - So the inaugrual MGA Fantasy League upon us, and early indications are every other team is being filled with the Peachs, Benoits and Morleys of the MGA world. Rather than coming down to a pick-the-money-list winner after a handful of teams draw level with the same roster, you want to be a clear winner. And you do that you need a point of difference - you need a Tasmanian.

There are plenty of big names running around the MGA, and while they're proven performers, you can still only take home your $1.300,000 for a tournament win no matter where you play (even if the Aussie dollar IS worth more). Also, with 2012 fields expected to be in mid-high teens, consistent performers will bring you money every month. With half a season under their belts, and a growing player list now playing for full pots, we'll run the eye over some of the Hobart chapter's top prospects for the 2012 MGA Fantasy League.

David Hamilton

The chapter money list winner in Hobart MGA's contracted debut year, "Old Dave" should be on the radar of any medio seriously researching their MGA fantasy league roster. Although only winning one event (a two-shot victory in the FU Open), Hamilton managed to finish top 3 in all five events held by the Hobart chapter last year. Leaving the long drives to the big hitters of the chapter, Old Dave's strengths are his sort game and "experience". Be warned though, a new girlfriend this year has seen his cricket game go to shit. While a more than handy pick-up to your fantasy team, any recruiter will want to ensure Old Dave is staying "dry" on event eve.

Ben Hardaker

Property mogul Hardaker is looking to up the ante in 2012 with the procurement of some new clubs. A rare breed in that his game has actually got better after such a purchase, Hardaker was the only medio to take out two events last year (the Bratish and DBI) and was challenging the chapter money list until a poor second nine in the Last Gasp. The local medio to probably put in the most practice over the off-season, the pen supplier should again be a challenger at the pointy end of the season. Although confirmed as missing the  season's first event, the small purse of the Rebel Beach Am-Am means Hardaker is still worth a look.

Ben March

A new recruit for the 2012 season, March is an unknown quantity. Although a club member at a local course, April is best known for his Thursday night twighlight 9-hole escapades - May has taken six chickens this summer off the hands of Elderslie GC. He is a stickler for safety and June will rarely take more than a 5-iron off the tee - has a love-affair with his gap wedge. A selection for medios looking for a more "adventurous" addition to their roster, although likely to perform well if offered a frozen chook for a win.

Lachlan Hinchliffe

The chapter's most complete medio, the former banana-bender's a rare one in Hobart for actually being on time for his tee-offs. His game summed up by the R&A St Andrews towel on his bag, Hinchliffe will consistintly shoot low-mid 90s which will take you a long way in this chapter.  Took out the MGA trophy last season and, if he follows through with his pledge of a full season of appearances this year, will almost guaruntee a top 3 finish at most events and overall at end of the year. Early money is on Hinchliffe to take out chapter money list honours.

Sam Henry

A starting handicap of 8 will hurt Henry. Tipped to battle out with Hinchliffe for gross awards, Henry will be doing well to maintain consistent finishes high in the money. Maybe best to put on the watch-list for 2013.

Chris White and Stewart Coombes

Put these two in the same boat. Scores will vary between 95 and 110, but consistent enough in Hobart to finish in the mid-upper half of the money. They will also play every event which will be good for the points tally. A debut win from either one or both of these medios is tipped for 2012, and Coombe-dog is probably worth the pick alone for putting a ball through a cart windshield last season.

James Teirney

Chapter president and local favourite. Half of the Australian contingent, Teirney was looking good for a finish in the money at the 2011 MGAWCs unitl a bunker-meltdown 13 lead to a 97. The upside of this deficiency is that, as chapter president, course selection this season will be heavily-weighted to their lack of sand. Winner of the Last Gasp for 2011, Teirney may slide back slightly in the field with increased numbers this year but another who will be consistent money winner. How much remains to be seen.

Keep an eye out on the Hobart chapter player page as more medios, old and new, sign on for 2012.

Cheers, good luck for the season, and don't forget - in fantasy league, we don't have to be the best medios in the world, just kinda-alright in our chapter.