After one of those awful weeks last weeks, where nobody was ever in place contention we move on to yet another disappointment this week as players travel to play the Genesis, but not at Riviera, possibly my favourite course on the tour Roster, due to the LA fires which have decimated the Palisades. More angst also as we are without Tiger this week, who is still coming to terms with the loss of his mother, but with some hope for a strong event, as the tours best players travel to San Diego, to one of the most brutal courses on tour, and the venue a few weeks back for the Farmers, Torrey Pines. Four rounds on the South course this time, this signature event will play like a major, as narrow fairways, undulating greens, thick kikuyu rough and cold, wet and windy conditions will grind these guys down and double figures don't seem anywhere near achievable. It's a no cut event and most firms are paying 7 places in this reduced field and we go 40 points this week with 4 players.
First up after almost 2 seasons out with back injury, fit again and back to form DANIEL BERGER has 3 things going for him this week. Statistically he is the best Driver of a ball on tour this season, he finished 2nd in Phoenix last week and his price is 70/1. A former Ryder cup player, 4 time winner Daniel finished 7th at The US Open here in 2021, the only thing against him is he doesn't like the cold, and even though he says he is 100% fit, this cold wet weather could derail his chances, but at the odds, 70/1 Hills, 7 places, we can't ignore him and we are 4pts e/w.
Sticking with form, another back from injury player, who finished 4th last week, JORDAN SPEITH was let down by his long putting last week. There are 2 things Jordan can be relied on for, a wedge in hand and long putting, so that cannot last, but the main reason for his selection this week was his driving last week. Scotsdale isn't exactly wide open, and Jordan just hit fairway after fairway and if he can keep it straight this week he again, is very appealing, as he appears fully over his wrist operation. 35/1 with Hills 7 places, we go 5pts e/w. No point in me typing any more on him, if you need any more info on Speith, you don't like golf, watch tiddlywinks this blog isn't for you.
Next up a welcome return to San Diego state player and Californian resident JJ SPAUN. My pick for player to watch last season, JJ mugged me off like a good un, but this season he has found his stride again, finishing 3rd, 29th, 15th and 33rd so far, he played the weekend really well at the Farmers with back to back 71's, and he will cope with the San Diego weather and the Kikuyu as well as anyone in the field. Corals are offering up 8 places this week and are also 80/1, so we go 3pts e/w on JJ, with the only concern being a withdrawal last week with a sickness bug that has been going around the players, let's hope he is fully recovered.
Driving, short game, ability to play in adverse weather and the ability to compete in the best fields, a late decision jumped at me this morning, and I had to shoe horn in (hence the extra 5points this week) SHANE LOWRY. Shane usually flourishes more in Florida, but seldom does the west coast offer up such Irish, wet, coastal conditions where accuracy and staying power is key. This week is literally set up for the man from Offaly, and if he can fall in love with Torrey, which he hasn't as yet with a top 25 his best finish here, then anything is possible. Like Jordan there is not a lot of juice in his price but we go 5pts e/w with Hills on him 7 places at 35/1, I think he has a better shout than Rory who is 8s!
Last up it's a price pick only. Apart from a good weekend last week WYNDHAM CLARK hasn't tore up any trees so far this year, but he is a big game player, for a big test in a big field. He has 3 wins on tour, a US Open win at LA Country club, a win a Pebble and a win at Quail Hollow, all beasts, and he has the driving and putting game to win any event on the planet. He is very feast or famine, if he gets out of position early with a slow start he can switch off, but big number will be out there this week for the players, and low scores will not be seen, so if he turns up in fight mode, it is a big if, his game suits this place and this type of event. He's from Colorado, so cold and wet won't bother him and he hits a lovely fade tee to green which suits most of these holes, especially the par 4s, Again Corals offer 8 places, but somehow odds compilers have put him at 66/1 so our last 3pts this week go on him e/w.
It'll be a great watch this, and if you like watching players suffer, then stay tuned because I see many of them getting chewed up and spat out on Thursday and Friday.
TEWT
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