WM Phoenix Open experts' picks

— -- Apparently everyone's playing for second this year as ESPN.com senior golf writer Bob Harig picked his second winner in three weeks with  Bill Haas' victory on Sunday at the Humana Challenge. We're not saying you can take his picks to the bank, but that's a streak that would even impress the folks in Vegas.

In a fresh twist for the 2014-15 season, our golf experts (Matt Barrie, "SportsCenter" anchor; Jonathan Coachman, "SportsCenter" anchor; Michael Collins, ESPN.com senior golf analyst; Bob Harig, ESPN.com senior golf writer; Kevin Maguire, ESPN.com senior golf editor; John Ziomek, "SportsCenter" coordinating producer) will pick one player they think will win that week's PGA Tour event.

They will "earn" whatever cash their selection makes that week. Finish first and it's likely a $1 million-plus payout. Miss the cut and it's a bagel in the bank.

The catch? They can pick any particular golfer only once all season. And we'll keep a tally, updated every week -- for bragging rights, of course.

This week, the tour stops at the "Greatest Shows On Grass" at TPC Scottsdale for the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Matt Barrie, "SportsCenter" anchor: Jordan Spieth
I'm taking Spieth this week. Normally, I'd probably avoid a golfer making his debut in an event. However, changes at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course level the field in terms of players with experience there.

He always seems to be in contention, and with Tiger making his return and Phil Mickelson always a Scottsdale fan favorite, Spieth will want to shine amongst the stars. And he's rested. Plus, my pick last week ( Brandt Snedeker) didn't make the cut. So if Spieth makes the weekend, I've improved!

Jonathan Coachman, "SportsCenter" anchor: Jordan Spieth
Spieth had a goal for 2014 -- he wanted to win twice. Well, he waited until his final two events to do it. He had a dominant final round in Australia and then one of the all-time dominant performances ever in Tiger's tourney in December.

His 26 under par at Isleworth was ridiculous. Spieth has shown great restraint waiting until this week to begin his 2015, so he is fresh and his game is at an all-time high level. I believe this will be the biggest year yet for him.

Michael Collins, ESPN.com senior golf analyst: Jamie Donaldson
Coming off a ninth-place finish in Abu Dhabi, this will be Donaldson's first appearance at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Although you can never be totally prepared for the madness of the 16th hole, his lack of knowledge about this course's previous layout and its old greens will help bring him victory this week.

Ignorance isn't only bliss, it can be a big payday, too.

Bob Harig, ESPN.com senior golf writer: Brendan Steele
Taking a flyer on a guy who is coming off a strong week at the Humana Challenge, where he tied for second at an event where you have to go low. So confidence is high and his 2015 is off to a good start as he made a nice jump in the Official World Golf Ranking to 122nd.

Steele has also had success at TPC Scottsdale, where he tied for sixth last year and also finished in the top six three years ago.

And then there is this: He ought to at least cash a check, given his recent run of made cuts going back nine tournaments. In fact, Steele has made the cut in 15 of his last 18 starts.

There's a lot of big-name cache this week in Phoenix, so let's see if it is Steele who steals their thunder.

Kevin Maguire, ESPN.com senior golf editor: Justin Thomas
Going out on a limb here picking a 21-year-old rookie, but the kid is on fire after top-10 finishes in three of his last four PGA Tour starts. The Alabama product, who won a national title with the Crimson Tide, already appears on the fast track to rookie-of-the-year status. A victory in the desert could cement that award.

John Ziomek, "SportsCenter" coordinating producer: Brendan Steele
After a T-2 at the Humana Challenge, Steele will take the next step and claim the title this week in Phoenix. He's played well in the past at TPC Scottsdale, so I expect that trend to continue.