Firstly let me say how pleased I was for Matt Fitzpatrick (despite backing him a week too early) but as that Zalatoris putt headed towards the hole on 18 last week I was out of my chair. A poor week betting wise but despite relatively easy scoring conditions Thursday, a good week of viewing and golf. WZ is a definite winner sooner rather than later and despite early season doubts with his putting (and the obvious aesthetics) he is a fabulous putter and has very few weaknesses, so let's hope he stays from the Saudi no ethics tour. Matt showed true class to overcome 2 recent woes when leading and learned lessons to outstay the field with ball striking Tiger would have been proud of. The real surprise was the finishing power or lack of, from Sam Burns. I thought he was a lock for top 5, Morikawa, Mcilroy and Rahm came as no surprise falling away but Burns is so consistent, it really was a shock to me and my profits.
Anyway, excuses over this week we move on to River Highlands (TPC) another par 70 and 6841 yards long (so short in terms of tour length). I'm in the realms of starting a new job so this week it will be a short blog and some very short explanations.
Pick 1 this week is Jordan Speith. I like him and his game for this course, it's tight and scrambling stats generally play a part, plus he loves the challenge of the back 9 here and won in 2018. 25/1 8 places Hills 5 points. Also if I can back Mcilroy and Fitz a week too early it must be a sign right (you watch Burns hose up!).
Pick 2 is Brian Harman. He has 3 top 5s this year despite dreadful putting stats and driving accuracy (for him). The shorter layout and his recent form means he will either place or come 38th, but 93rd SG putting is remarkable for one of the great putters in world golf. 4pts e/w 45/1 skybet top 8.
3 biggys this week which does open up loss possibilities but I cannot bypass any of these blokes at odds.
Pick 3 is Austin Cook. His form and results have dropped off a cliff over Covid, clearly affecting his mental wellbeing. He is a short hitter but a brilliant competitior and fairway wood/hybrid player. 3 years ago he was banging on the top 10 door in majors and big events. Recently he has qualified for the US Open as 2nd alternate and came 13th in Canada, let's just say his odds are an absolute joke at 400/1 top 8 Hills 2pts e/w.
Next is Pat Rodgers again, same rationale as last week, at 400s he was really handily placed a 3under on Saturday but the chinks in his armour just showed in the end. He's still trending and he could appear again after this week where I'm 2pts e/w if he starts. Currently trading around 150s but I can'tget a bet on yet as he isn't in the market apart from with 10bet Sports Nation QBet and Betfred. He will only go in results if placed prior to starting.
Last pick is super tentative, but Kevin Streelman loves this place. A former win, he also has 2nd 8th and 10th in this championship and when he won in 2014 he did so off the back of 4 missed cuts (he has MC in his last 2 startsand 4 from his last 6). His approach play stats are way off, but he is a great ball striker so I'm just backing a resurgence this week for the 42 year old and I'm 2pts e/w 125/1 8 places with Hills. I'll also add that he did run hot in the spring at the Valspar the Players and Valero so he is a streaky player.
In summary:
Speith 5pts e/w 25/1 Hills 8 places
Harman 4pts e/w 45/1 Skybet 8 places
Austin Cook 2pts e/w 400/1 Hills 8 places
Rodgers 2pts @ approx 150s if starting
Streelman 2pts e/w 125/1 Hills 8 places
