As we close out the Florida swing this weekend, players head to the Copperhead course at Innisbrook in a B standard field off the back of a nail biting and ultimately gut wrenching finish at TPC Sawgrass.
That 360 degree lip out from Wyndham Clark on Sunday saw us making a small profit again, but it could have been so much better. Scheffler was again imperious and well done to him, I haven't seen a ball striker like him since Woods and the stats play out that he is on track to beat Woods' 2006 record for SG Tee to Green. The main difference will always be their putters, but when Scottie puts well he wins (Tiger, the god that he is, always putted well). Two huge takeaways from the week were the fighting qualities of Brian Harman and our man Clark. Brian shot 16 under over the weekend and is moving into the realms of world class, and he may win another major if he can retain his self belief. A great putter he now makes so few mistakes he is so reliable for punters, and he only misses out on the list this week due to his exploits last week that have to have had some effect on him mentally. Clark, who played like a dog over the weekend, just kept fighting, kept fighting his swing, the occasion and some shocking shots to almost win, and for that reason he is the player to keep following this season in the biggest events, especially as the bookies keep getting him wrong (he drifted to 50s before the off last week!). I guess if we throw 1 other point in, it's that Schauffelle should only ever be backed from 5 back on a Sunday, he just cannot win from the front, great player, but if I ever back him I won't watch!
Copperhead, owner of the infamous snake pit 15, 16, 17th holes, at the Innisbrook resort, hosts this week with Taylor Moore returning to defend. A tree lined, tight and undulating track with some intelligent bunkering and sneaky water hazards will provide an excellent test for the players. Driving accuracy and a towering ball flight on approach are huge weapons here, and Taylor Moore showed this last year, when bombing it around the course for his maiden PGA tour victory. A Par 71, 7340yards with 4 Par 5s and 3 Par 3s will test all facets of the players, and long iron play is the key, as there will be a lot of driving irons, and long irons this week, as fairways get smaller the further you travel.
30 points and 4 players this week and the leader of the pack has to be CAM YOUNG. I won't waste time going through my obsession with him- again, I keep the faith, he drives like god, his putting needs improving and his long irons are excellent, he must win soon, and a small event like this offers huge value at 22/1 with Hills 8 places and we go in with 7points e/w.
Next up is an exciting price from an exciting, trending and soon to breakthrough talent in DOUG GHIM. Left behind at the start of his career, by fellow 2017 Walker Cup team mates, Scheffler, Zalatoris, Morikawa and Champ, Doug is coming into his own now and is having his breakthrough season right here and now. After missing the first 2 cuts of the season, he has finished 13th, 12th, 8th, 16th and 16th in stellar fields and against an undercard field this week he is amazing value for a run at this. He is top 40 in all main strokes gained metrics, he has no known weaknesses (other than maybe not being the biggest hitter out there) and he is primed. He's a whopping 50/1 8 places with Hills and we go in with 3pts e/w this week.
Given his time off this does come with a health warning, but tee to green I was amazed with how quickly DANIEL BERGER has slotted back into his rhythm after a year out with a back injury. He has missed 4 of 6 cuts this season, but that is down to his putting, and given his 18 month absence and posture concerns, I think the week off last week will have given him time to touch up his putting. He's 80/1 with 888, 8 places, he's a class act, Ryder cup star, 4 time tour winner and a few good putts away from being 20/1 in this field. He was a Florida college player, he loves Bermuda and tee to green he is looking sharp. It's a 2pt e/w investment this week at 80/1.
Last and definitely not least, a battle of the putters was won by MAVERICK MCNEALY this week, as he edged Taylor Montgomery out for the final pick this week. Taylor's driving round here is a worry, and Maverick is the better all round golfer right now. especially given his swing changes after his accident last year. Strangely. a guy who usually ranks in the top 3 on tour on the greens sits just 23rd currently and this along with 4 consecutive top 20 finishes make him a mouth watering prospect for this week, if he can overcome the slight disappointment of his even par 72 at the players o Sunday, leaving him with a 9th place finish which he would feel should have been a top 6. He has full playing rights in 2024 on a medical exemption, and he has also found a switch to Butch Harmon to his liking, and a fade that is working. Also a member of that stellar 2017 Walker cup team, he is last off the rank, but the best odds on show this week in terms of sheer value. At 66/1 8 places with Hills we go in with our last 3pts e/w......confidently!
