Fantasy Island: Hyundai Tournament of Champions

New year, new equipment deal, but it's the same Northern Irishman who finished last season with a tie for second place (Shark Shootout) and a playoff victory over Tiger Woods (Chevron World Challenge).

He didn't do much after his second consecutive victory at Kapalua last year, but then he didn't have to. He's also fresh off a 1-2 finish at the Australian Open and Aussie PGA, respectively.

Co-Mr. 59 capped his comeback year with a victory at November's Australian Masters and there was a time, not that long ago, when he owned Kapalua with three consecutive "W's" (2004-2006).

With the Euros pushing each other to impressive heights, this Englishman is motivated to scale past them all.

After a nice warm-up victory in South Africa, the Big Easy is ready for a hot start.

With three victories in a row at Kapalua, from 2004-06, Appleby could contend here blindfolded.

Staying in his home behind the third green has to be an advantage on a course he loves and has won on.

The Aussie turned it around last year and could get off to a great start this year.

Another Aussie that turned it around in 2010 and has won this event three times.

At a laid-back opener, his intensity is worth a few strokes at the least. Very good putter on tough-to-read greens.

He has been playing, so no rust, which will derail many Americans. Has won here before.

Another past champ, terrific wind player in his prime. Could become an extension of his so-called comeback – the dude fell off the face of the earth before winning last summer.

I’m never doubting this dude again. Anyone who can stare Tiger Woods in the face and beat him has the chance to win any week.

Played well here last year, which propelled him to his best season on Tour. I’m guess he’d like another solid beginning.

It’s crazy to classify a three-time winner at Kapalua as just happy-to-be-there, but Appleby is. But good vibes, are good vibes.