Fred Couples’ name has become synonymous with Riviera

Adam Scott, who will be making his 2012 golf debut, is a bit of the unknown quantity 1 1/2 months in to the season. A winner in 2005 and runner-up finisher in their title defense in 2006, Scott hasn't recorded a high 10 since, together with a missed cut here in 2010 before skipping case this season. The Australian were built with a solid 2011, which has a victory in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational among seven top 10s in 18 events. If last years form is any indication of performance, Scott must have a great week.

J.B. Holmes has had some discount golf clubs success at Hogan's Alley, with three top 10s in five starts, and four top 15s as part of his past four appearances. However, Holmes, who had off-season too difficult, has missed the cut by 50 percent of his three starts in 2012, with just a T-45 at Phoenix inside the money.

 K.J. Choi has played at Riviera 11 times, with four top 10s, including a seventh this past year. When Choi is on his game, he's an extremely solid putter and ball striker. He will need both soon. Choi hasn't took part in the U.S. considering that the Sony Open, in which he finished 38th.

Ernie Els has played in the Northern Trust only seven times since 1997, winning in 1999. Els has a third in 2007 and a 10th really, but he skipped this Taylormade Rocketballz Irons past year. With just a 52nd in San Diego on his resume this year, Els would seem to become longshot, but his past success here is worth taking into consideration.

There seems to be no middle ground for Dustin Johnson at Riviera, when they have logged two top 10s and a missed cut. Johnson is playing in his fifth consecutive event, anf the husband is getting progressively better, with a fifth-place finish last week at Pebble Beach. With TaylorMade RocketBallZ Driver a weekend scoring average above 71, Johnson should step up his game now. After opening having a 63 the other day at Pebble Beach, he'd are most often very capable.

 Rory Sabbatini won the wedding in 2006, but his victory is not a precursor of solid finishes. Sabo has missed the cut 3 x, including a year ago. In the past four starts, the South African has recorded merely one best.