The PGA Tour has been back for more than a month, and fans have been treated to some of the most competitive golf in years. But something’s been missing. As good as it’s been, there is just one more thing that could make this golf even better.
Not only is Tiger playing in his first tournament since February, but The Memorial is easily one of his favorite tournaments. He’s won on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course a record five times and finished top-10 a total of nine times.
Packed Field
Of course, Tiger isn’t the only top golfer playing this weekend. This loaded field features each of the top nine players in the world, with Brooks Koepka being a late addition in the week.
Overall, 26 of the 30 golfers who played in last year’s Tour Championship are playing this weekend, which is the most since the tour restarted play in June. And along with Woods and his five wins are the 2018 champion – Bryson DeChambeau – and the current defending champion – Patrick Cantlay.
With a win at Muirfield in 2018 and four top-10 finishes in four starts since the PGA resumed in June, DeChambeau comes into The Memorial as the favorite.
Odds on the field:
- Bryson DeChambeau +1000
- Justin Thomas +1100
- Rory McIlroy +1400
- Patrick Cantlay +1400
- Dustin Johnson +1600
- Viktor Hovland +2200
- Jon Rahm +2200
- Collin Morikawa +2200
- Hideki Matsuyama +2500
- Brooks Koepka +2500
- Webb Simpson +2800
- Xander Schauffele +2800
- Tiger Woods +2800
Bets to Watch
It’s a rare confluence of events to have the previous tournament also take place at Muirfield. How that will influence the scoring at The Memorial – which will play a little shorter, but with thicker rough – remains to be seen. But Collin Morikawa just came away a winner on this course last weekend, and at +2200, he might be worth the value.
It’s tempting to jump on Tiger as a five-time champion at +2800. But it is worth remembering that despite his great history at The Memorial, he last won here in 2012. And other than his charity round with Phil Mickelson, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning, he hasn’t played competitively since February.
Because of the way this event plays, approach shots are more important than driving. One name that stands out when considering strokes gained on approach and quality approach shots is Webb Simpson. He is one of the best in the world, and great value at +2800.
Pay Per Head
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