Hello from being back down to earth. Last weeks underwhelming US Open done, we move onto the Travellers in Connecticut at TPC River Highlands.
I am in for knee surgery tomorrow and time has gotten the better of me so this weeks tipping will be short in terms of words, but no less depth has been spent picking players. It's an elevated event and a top field, but rather than just picking the obvious form horse round here in Schauffelle, I'm going with form and form only, as the event has a field which is much deeper than in previous years.
First up we have HIDEKI MATSUYAMA. 2 weeks ago at Muirfield Village we saw an opening two rounds from the gifted Japanese star which was eye opening, not least for the new putting style which had a touch of Crenshaw/Faxon about it. The hover, grip milking technique with toe up seemed to take hold, but like most changes it didn't hold up under pressure. It has lots to be positive about though and these mid-high birdie courses suit his fantastic tee to green game. The straightest hitter on tour, he is a multiple winner and looking fit again, if he can put 4 decent round putting he is a huge price this week. The 45s I got yesterday have long gone but I am 4pts e/w at 40s this week 8 places with Skybet.
Next up we stick with RUSSELL HENLEY. Such streaks in top 20s eventually lead to him going close or winning, and I'm sticking with him after yet another strong showing last week and some strong shows here in previous years. He's the same odds as Hideki and we go in at 4pts e/w 40/1 8 places with Skybet again (despite the 50s I got yesterday).
2 top newly turned pro players now, who again, I'm sticking with. One in LUDVIG ABERG who showed no nerves on debut finishing 35th in the Canadian Open. I refer back to previous notes, this lad will go close very soon, and at 125/1 8 places with Skybet I'm 2pts e/w and hopeful. The same can be said with SAM BENNETT. Bennett even more so because of his showing last week, his fight, his talent, his game, he has it all and despite showing his best at these big events, he is a ridiculous 200/1 top 8 with Betfair this week I'm 2pts thinking maybe it should be more!
Last up we have a guy who I have huge affection for as most readers know, but given his 2nd place here last year I can't not chuck the last 3 points at him. SAHITH THEEGALA is playing his way into the Ryder Cup team, I can't say more than I have already said in previous blogs, he's 60/1 8 places with Hills and I'm having 3pts e/w.
One of these guys will place this week, I really love the odds we have on this team of players and I will be laid up on painkillers watching this with great interest.
Sorry it's short, just no time for detail this week. Back to normal next week.
In Summary: (all 8 places)
Matsuyama 4pts e/w 40s Skybet
Henley 4pts e/w 40s Skybet
Theegala 3pts e/w 60s Hills
Bennett 2pts e/w 200s Betfair
Aberg 2pts e/w 125s Skybet
TEWT