The Pga Tour is back today, with six of the world’s top seven golfers playing at Colonial.
We’re still waiting for confirmation on whether the Ryder Cup will go ahead as planned but with three majors, The FedEx Cup and the World Golf Championships all set to go ahead this year following the break in play due to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s an epic run of events for golf fans.
It all culminates at Augusta in November, with Rory McIlroy being well backed to complete a career Grand Slam and win The Masters.
So who do we think the winners and losers are from the three-month break and where is there value for a flutter over the next few months?
Without any form to go by, it’s very difficult to predict – but that makes it all the more exciting as the bookies aren’t too sure either, so you can find some great prices and some great bets with a bit of research.
Listen to live radio coverage of PGA Tour’s return at Colonial Country Club on talkSPORT 2 from Thursday evening
The first two events – at Colonial this week and Harbour Town the following week – are really not events you’d expect to see McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson at. They’re courses where driving distance isn’t as important, so it’s going to be fascinating to see what happens with the big boys.
There’s definitely value down the leaderboard, and we think Top 20s are a good bet rather than looking for winners. If there’s one thing for sure, expect the players who do well at Colonial to also go well at Harbour Town.
If rumours, social media and pre-Covid19 form are anything to go by, Justin Rose is struggling to keep it on the planet and Brooks Keopka’s swing looks horrendous – we reckon there might well be a few surprises over the next couple of months.
Here are the players to keep an eye on in the coming weeks…
Alex Noren
One player we expect to have a massive season is Alex Noren. He’s had a tough year or two, but his swing looks better than it’s looked for a while. Expect when he resumes play that he’s ready and could even be a sneaky outsider in the majors.
Bryson DeChambeau
The American has turned himself into maybe the longest player on the PGA Tour.
His driver ball speed is 203mph flat out. PGA Tour average is 166mph. He follows an intense training schedule and has gained more weight in lockdown – and it’s all muscle.
He’s simply turned himself into a long drive guy, his distance and strokes gained off the tee are incredible.
It’s not for the purists, but the stats say he’s elevating himself to absolute top 10 world level.
View this post on InstagramHard work happens even in the off season. #LiveVictoriously in every moment and the rest will pay off. Back in competition in Abu Dhabi next week! @greygoose
Tiger Woods
He needed that break to heal from his latest back problem, and if The Match 2 was anything to go by, Woods will win this season.
When he’s fit, he’s the best iron player in the world, and that’s by a distance.
While he is not in action this week, Woods may well make his comeback at Harbour Town and maybe it might be win 83…
Harris English
We tipped him to go well at The Players, and he shot an opening round -7.
He’s made some swing changes with a new coach over the last year, the big difference is his driving stats.
He has two Top 5s at Colonial, including a T2 in 2016. This guy is value at the moment.
Jordan Speith
If there’s one player who needed the break, it’s Speith. His ball striking hasn’t been good for a while, he’s frankly slapped it over the last year. But he’s still Jordan Speith, he’s a brilliant mid range putter, and an incredible strategist.
We think he may come out of the hiatus in a much better place from tee to green.
Shane Lowry
The 2019 Open champion isn’t qualified for the Ryder Cup yet. If it does go ahead, he’s going to need a good few months.
He and his family have stayed in America during the coronavirus pandemic, we think he’s playing well and will be a good shout over the next few weeks and months. He’s got the game required, he’s probably the best chipper in the world.
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