The PGA Tour finally kicked off
on Monday with 36 holes played by the 30 man field in The Tournament of
Champions. Those staying on in Hawaii this week won’t have much time “in-between”
before they tee it up for the Sony Open at Waialae GC where Johnson Wagner
defends his title. A tight track with wind (hopefully toned down) to blow will
make shot making a premium this week. Not too sure if this track will suit the
favourite and TOC champion , Dustin Johnson, but he has practised hard
coming into the TOC that it’s difficult to ignore him to win back to back in
Hawaii. he is a proven wind player though so I would not be surprised if he does go in again. With a full field though, I’m looking for bigger odds in the hope that
a place return will keep the blog ticking along if not produce a winner. That
said, my top pick this week is just about backable on price at 18/1.
Matt Kuchar didn’t enjoy Kapalua this
week but he finished it off well. This tight track will suit his game and I’m
hoping he will be chomping at the bit to get going on Thursday following the “stop-start”
shenanigans at the TOC. The betting is difficult this week as the bookies seem
a bit tighter then normal with their prices. I was tempted to leave the Sony
Open out of the week’s plan but the 18/1 for Kuchar just about gets a nod. (I
would have like 20/1+). He did finish well yesterday and he can carry that form
into this one on Thursday and shouldn’t be too tired after 54 holes over 2 days
to compete for 4 days this week.
Tied 10th last year here and
2nd in the US Open, Michael Thompson grabs my attention at 60/1 with
Betpack / Stanjames. He did miss quite a few cuts last year in his 2nd
year on tour but had some notable results. Hot & cold he may be, but the
chance is taken that he reproduces the form he showed here last year. He
certainly has the ability to turn it on any given week and at these odds it’s
worth chancing. Anything lower I would be looking elsewhere.
My final selection this week is Zach
Johnson. The former Masters Champion is ideal for this kind of course. He has
an early start on Thursday and plays alongside his namesake, Dustin which can
only be good. Zach won the Sony Open in 2009, so he too like Thompson will
enter here with good memories. A winner twice on tour last year, Zach is in
good form and I’ll take the 25/1.
TIP 1: 1.5 pts e/w M.Kuchar @ 18/1
TIP 2: 0.5 pts e/w M.Thompson @ 60/1
TIP 3: 1.5 pts e/w Z.Johnson @ 25/1
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