Not my favourite tournament for viewing purposes as TV editors become obsessed with the A-list celebrities that tee it up for the annual Pro-Am at Pebble Beach. Nonetheless, with their absence last year due to the pandemic restrictions, I should be grateful to view the golf this week particularly as we are treated to quality golf courses and perhaps enjoy the banter amongst the golfers & celebs as it shows a return to normal and a general feel-good environment. I won't be spending as much viewing time as per normal PGA week though !
A very tough tournament to solve this week, but having first looked at the inaugural event in Dubai to be played this week, I thought this one might be a better one to tackle. History shows that multiple winners are the norm, that those winners come of a certain ilk, whether thats being American or of a certain age. Only 3 non-Americans have won this tournament in the last 30 years (Brett Ogle 1993, Vijay Singh 2004 & Nick Taylor 2020). During that span, Mark O'Meara was winning his 4th & 5th title, Phil Mickelson would win his 5 titles also, DJ - 2, Snedeker - 2, David Love - 2 and not to forget Johnny Miller winning his 3rd title aged 46 in 1994. Thirteen players have won this tournament more than once since its inception back in 1937 with Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson & Tom Kite winning both the AT&T and a US Open here at Pebble Beach
So for me this week, I'm going to side with experienced players and first on my list is Jordan Spieth who won here in 2017 and has posted a further 4 TOP10s in his last 8 visits. Jordan was way down the field last time out but his personality and game for the links is very much ideal for the week ahead and he can join the multiple winners list @ 20/1 - 8 places.
I'm going to chance Matt Kuchar here also @ 66/1 - 8 places given his fondness for links/wind tests. "Kooch" has won the Sony Open & The Mayakoba Classic at courses that require wind control and he boasts a not too shabby record at The Opens also having posted 5 TOP10s in his 16 starts (4 further T-25s). Form at this event though is nothing to get excited about but is clear that a return to form is well underway having posted 5/5 this season with a 7th place finish last time out at the Sony Open. The experienced laid back 43yr old is a decent price amongst the assembled field.
Speaking of experience and multiple winners, I'm not when I last had a few pennies if at all on Brandt Snedeker but given the winners history here I thought he was worth a speculation this week @ 80/1 - 8 places. Winner here in 2015 & 2013, "Sneds" has also posted a 4th place in 2019. He has however, missed the cut on his last 3 visits but we can ignore that and go on the confidence that the setup is to his liking and recent form suggests he could be ready for the week having posted a TOP-15 LTO @ The Amex.
Lastly, in direct contrast to reasons above I'm having a small interest in Denny McCarthy on the back of latest results where he has improved his position each time with 6-10-11-15 (edit: Price is far too short for me so not a bet here)
Selections
2.5 pts e/w J.Spieth @ 20/1 - 8 places
1pt e/w M. Kuchar @ 66/1 - 8 places
0.75 pts e/w B. Snedeker @ 80/1 - 8 places
No comments:
Post a Comment