I wanted to get on board early with Collin Morikawa this week so tweeted the 2.5 pts e/w selection @ 15/1 - 8 places late Sunday evening as Bay Hill was coming to its conclusion. I was then reminded by a follower that recent winners have all posted a TOP-20 at The Players previously of which Morikawa hasn't yet produced here. Hopefully that trend stops this week ! I thought his price might drift to be honest but 24 hours later he seems to be holding favouritism alongside Justin Thomas, the defending champion and Jon Rahm. Speaking of bucking the trend, JT aims to become the first to defend his title and go back to back at the Pete Dye designed TPC Sawgrass. Phil Mickelson & Bryson de Chambeau are still missing in action and Kevin Na s a late withdrawal as he awaits the birth of his third child during the week.
"The 5th Major" as its often called moved from its May slot to its new slot in March in 2019 where we saw Rory win. It was at this event in 2020 when the PGA Tour went into lockdown during the unfinished first round so its just the two March events to date that are in the record books. A who's who of world golf adorns the roll of honour at The Players and I think we'll see that trend continue come Sunday. Morikawa arrives having not played since Riviera but it may find that he's fresher than those that endured a tough Bay Hill last week.
I'll add 3 other players to the staking plan this week in Daniel Berger @ 33/1 - 9 places, Shane Lowry @ 35/1 - 11 places (eleven!) and of course, Alex Noren @ 100/1 - 9 places. Berger may indeed be smarting from his collapse at the Honda but he should be able to dust himself down and be ready to go again and continue producing solid results to complement his 3 TOP-10s from 5 starts this season. He has Sawgrass form and the price is more than fair. Lowry was added in lieu of Talor Gooch as I think Lowry is edging back to some solid form of late and Sawgrass should suit his game. He's posted an 8th place finish (2021) and a TOP-20 in 2016 and tees it up on the back of his near miss at the aforementioned Honda Classic when looking like the winner coming in. No need to reiterate Norens potential this week; he's in form and giving me a run for my money of late and @ the 100's with 9 places abegging he can't be left out at a course where he has posted 1 T-10 & a T-20 from his 4 visits.
Selections
2.5 pts e/w C. Morikawa @ 15/1 - 8 places
1.5 pts e/w D. Berger @ 33/1 - 9 places
1.5 pts e/w S.Lowry @ 35/1 - 11 places
.75 pts e/w A. Noren @ 100/1 - 9 places
No comments:
Post a Comment