Well apart from Brian Harman tied for 8th last week it wasn't a good week as we didn't break even for the second week running. Jordan decided to show Rory how to duck hook the ball off the property on 12 and just lost the plot, and Austin Cook probably wins this week after coming 64th with me putting him up at 400s and bigger.
This is usually the event a week before the open, where players are remembered more for qualifying for the open rather than winning. It's hardly a stellar roll call of winners that used to be a cash point for Steve Stricker, but although I haven't given much time to stat attacking and course flyovers, this week I'll throw 3 darts at the field for some open money in 2 weeks.
A Par 71 at 7,257 yards, the TPC Deere run is relatively short, guarded by ponds and bunkers, a few tree lined dog legs and is a second shot course meaning approach play is the order of the week.
The theme of this week is recent form and big competition form. It is such a poor field I could have picked half a dozen players with no research this week.
Pick of the week is Nick Hardy. After a ream of missed cuts Nick had gone 35th 14th and 8th in his last 3 comps, in Canada, at the US Open and at the Travellers in that order. He has been in contention in large fields and could have finished much higher but for some stage fright, however there is nothing better for players than experiencing this, as a certain Steely Yorkshireman can allude to. Now Hardy is a wizard off the tee with a very similar game to Cam Young, so his approach play can be hit or miss, but in a field like this he will be in so many good positions I'll have him 4pts ew 33/1 top 8 with Bet365.
2nd pick is a no brainer for me. He's the best putter in the world and he's bang in form. Similar to Hardy his last few outings have him trending hard with a 5th in a stellar field at Jack's place in the Memorial, 7th in the US open where he struck the ball beautifully and a missed cut last week that can't be anything but good for freshness this week, after his exploits in the 3rd major of the year. Denny Mcarthy 25/1 top 8 ew 3 points Bet365 for a tournament which I would have him 2nd fav for on the book.
So I've picked a great driver, a great putter and prattled on about approach play so maybe I should ring true to my word a bit more. The last pick is someone who is Scottish but sounds about as Scottish as Graeme Mcdowell sounds Irish. Floridian resident Martin Laird has long been considered one of the worst putters in world golf. He used to use something based upon the footprint of the Hindenberg, but he's switched to a Taylormade spider recently. Last week however, the flat stick behaved as he tied 13th just 1 shot off 8th. That's what he couldn't do but a PGA tour regular and 4 time winner on tour Laird is a second shot master, whonis regularly in the top 20 or 30 players on tour for SG in approach. In a field like this he could well be a steal at 60s, and last year's Shriners winner is the value bet of the week 3pts e/w top 8 Bet365.
In Summary
Hardy 4pts ew 33/1 8 places Bet365
McCarthy 3pts ew 25/1 8 places Bet365
Laird 3pts ew 60/1 8 places Bet365
