Sleeper picks: Bridgestone Invitational

Editor's note: PGATOUR.com has tried to make our experts work a little harder when they make their picks each week. The favorite can be anyone in the field, although Tiger Woods could only be used seven times during the year. Sleepers can't have won in 2008 or had a top 10 in their last five starts. A sleeper can't be ranked in the top 30 in the field, either.

• Who could win? Expert picks
• Join our new Facebook fan page and get in the discussion: Give us your picks on Facebook

T.J. Auclair
PGATOUR.COM Interactive Producer
Pick: Darren Clarke
Haven't heard that name in a while, have you? That's probably because the Ulsterman is making his first start on the PGA TOUR in 2008 this week. He has enjoyed some success on the European Tour this year with a win at the Asian Open. I like him at Firestone because it's a place where he's played well before. Clarke had a win there in 2003 and finished third in 2001.

Lauren Deason
PGATOUR.COM Editorial Coordinator
Pick: Zach Johnson
Surprised he's a sleeper? I was too. But he's only finished inside the top 10 once this season, so Johnson dropped down to No. 32 in the Official World Golf Ranking. His best finish came at the World Golf Championships-CA Championship and, not so coincidentally, I'm picking him to do well at another WGC event. Johnson has proven that he can rise to the top in an elite field and might do it again at Firestone.

Melanie Hauser
PGATOUR.COM Correspondent
Pick: Martin Kaymer
Sadly, Graeme McDowell moved into the top 30, knocking him out of contention. Kaymer's moving on up. Gets this week's dart.

Dave Lagarde
PGATOUR.COM Correspondent
Pick: Chris DiMarco
Finally showing some semblance of a golf game after a long downturn. Has had some success around Firestone. Good opportunity for him there.

John Maginnes
PGATOUR.COM Contributor
Pick: Nick Dougherty
He dresses cool. No, really, that is the only reason that I am picking him. Obviously he can play or he wouldn't be in the field. Soccer season seems to be over so the Englishman shouldn't be distracted. How do you know when soccer season is over anyway? So why not a guy who has been around for a while, has a winning smile and can flat golf his ball.

Win McMurry
Host, PGA TOUR Today
Pick: Stuart Appleby
The Aussie hasn't had a top-20 since the Memorial Tournament despite starting strong in 2008. I think as the close of the regular season approaches, he is anxious to jump inside the top 30 in the FedExCup standings to assure a spot in the field for The TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola. He has two top-10s in Akron in nine starts, and tied for 14th a year ago.

Scott Pianowski
The Fantasy Insider
Pick: Stuart Appleby
His game has been solid but not great over the last three months -- Appleby has made seven cuts in a row, but normally one bad round trips him up. He's had plenty of success at this event, bagging five Top 20 checks this decade, and it's also where he met his wife, Ashley, eight years ago. Good vibes in place, look for the likeable Aussie to make another run this week.

Helen Ross
PGATOUR.COM Chief of Correspondents
Pick: Stuart Appleby
It's hard to find a sleeper among a quality field like this one. Appleby has a trio of top-10s at Firestone in the last eight years, though, and he's cooled off after a very hot start to the 2008 season. Maybe a return to Akron will signal a return to form for the Aussie.

Dave Shedloski
PGATOUR.COM Senior Correspondent
Pick: Stuart Appleby
Might be the last time we go to the well on this talented Aussie, who has been showing a troubling penchant for fading on the weekend (see U.S. Open, British Open). Has proven he can navigate Firestone South with some proficiency. Needs to put it all together for 72 holes.

John Swantek
PGA TOUR Productions Fantasy Insider
Pick: Zach Johnson
This is more than a sleeper, as Johnson's game has been semi-comatose this year. And if it rains and the course plays long, he's toast. Why am I making this pick, anyway? He made the cut at the British Open - anyone who survived the carnage at Royal Birkdale for four days should be applauded. Also, the track record at Firestone is pretty solid, including a T11 last year.