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Expert Picks: Valero Texas Open

T.J. Auclair
PGATOUR.com Interactive Producer
Pick: Anthony Kim
Though he hasn't played exceptionally well of late, Kim is one of the top prospects on the TOUR and he returns to a tournament where he finished second a year ago. That should serve him well this week. On top of that, Kim hasn't played in four weeks. His last start came at the BMW Championship, the third event of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. He should be refreshed and hungry for a big finish.

Brett Avery
The Fantasy Insider
Pick: Harrison Frazar
OK, so this pick is more with the heart than the head. He's had a brutally difficult season -- 17 missed cuts in 27 starts, yet remarkably he's barely inside the top 125 in money ($688,814). Why? Of the 10 checks he's cashed, five have been for $75,000 or higher, including last week's $84,000 on an 11th-place tie at the Viking Classic. One more big check protects his card for 2008 and the Texan would like nothing better than to do it this week. P.S.: It certainly helps that the last two years at LaCantera Golf Club he's tied for 10th and eighth.

Lauren Deason
PGATOUR.com Editorial Coordinator
Pick: Colt Knost
After picking Anthony Kim to win, I'm going with another potential young superstar in the making: Colt Knost. This past summer Knost won both the U.S. Amateur Championship and the U.S. Public Links titles, a feat that's only been accomplished by Ryan Moore in 2004. Knost, a Texan who attended Southern Methodist University, played in the EDS Byron Nelson Championship this spring and tied for 67th there.

Melanie Hauser
PGATOUR.com Correspondent
Pick: Anthony Kim
He finished second here a year ago and, well, this is a place where guys seem to break through. After a good early season, malaise set in. It's time to snap out of it.

Dave Lagarde
PGATOUR.com Senior Correspondent
Pick: Brendon de Jonge
If it isn't one Virginia Tech Hokie (Wagner), then how about another? The rookie from South Africa got his first taste of the final pairing spotlight at Turning Stone. He learned enough. He can be a birdie machine when he gets it going.

John Maginnes
PGATOUR.com Contributor
Pick: Carlos Franco
I don't know which is more confusing -- the San Diego Chargers offense or Carlos Franco's putter. Franco is too good to have fallen so far. Aside from his four PGA TOUR victories, the man has 27 international wins. He is neither too old (42) or in pain. He just hasn't played well in a couple of years. The one thing that we know about Carlos is that he isn't going to let it bother him. Nor will he pass on an opportunity to get back to where he belongs. He should feel at home on the Bermuda greens and he may just smile his way all the way to the winner's circle. Texas has become famous four resurrecting 40-somethings careers. Look for the real Mr. Franco to stand up.

Helen Ross
PGATOUR.com Chief of Correspondents
Pick: Justin Leonard
It's been a quiet year for the two-time champion at LaCantera, who has been the runner-up there twice, as well. Leonard is coming off an 11-under performance and tie for 13th at the Turning Stone Resort Championship, so things could be looking up for the talented Texan. A return to a place where he's had so much success might be exactly what he needs.

Dave Shedloski
PGATOUR.com Senior Correspondent
Pick: Anthony Kim
He finished second a year ago on a sponsor's exemption, and he's got the firepower to go low and win a shootout if one develops. He hasn't played since the BMW Championship so he should be eager to tee it up.