RORY McIllroy blitzed the field last week, but who does Louis Ross (@KingLouis2105) fancy this week?
Crowne Plaza Invitational | Thursday – Sunday | Sky Sports
Well, last week was a little predictable. I think I wrote something along the lines of “Rory could win by 8 shots” but he was almost unbackable at 3/1. Mickleson holed an 11 footer on the last to grab a place for us at 25/1. He had us going halfway through round 3 level with Rory, but his bravado proved his undoing ultimately.
On to the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth Texas and a very similar course and setup to Quail Hollow a week ago. A classical Par 70 of 7204 yards, this is once again a shot makers course. Accurate driving is essential but the power players have no real advantage here.
It's second shots and iron play that will get the job done. Course management is essential and it is one of those tournaments where experience counts for an awful lot.
Adam Scott is the reigning champ, but with recent winners like Boo Weekley, David Toms and Zach Johnson (twice), you can see that it is anything but 320 yard drives that are required here. Another common theme going back over a decade is that winners had all had a recent Top 10 finish in a Major.
I started with 15 names, that was still eight by Tuesday afternoon. It's not the greatest field you will ever see, but incredibly competitive.
Jordan Speith has had a little break since Sawgrass and has the bookies running scared. Jordan is a wonderful golfer, but I hope you agree I could not back someone at 6/1 on the back of a missed cut at The Players. He will certainly win again and soon, but I will swerve him here.
Since I started this, one name has consistently paid out for us and I have every confidence that we will get a big run this week. Paul Casey has been in great form for most of the last 12 months. He has the finesse to plot his way around here. I don't need to give you chapter and verse on the Englishman. 33/1 with Coral is big in this field.
The Texas native and member of Colonial, Ryan Palmer must have a huge chance. 5th here last year, you get the impression that outside of The Majors, this is the tournament that Palmer would love to win above all others.
Ryan has form on these type of courses as his 2nd at TPC Scottsdale in similar soft conditions proves. I will tell you honestly that there are three or four golf tipsters who's opinions I value. Each one makes Palmer their main pick this week. The early 35/1 has gone, but I like 28/1 with Bet365.
At this point, I would normally give a Top 10 pick and if that is a bet you like then my next choice is 4/1 in that market with Betfred. I am going to add Charley Hoffman to my EW list. I love this guy. He even gave Speith and the rest a scare at Augusta.
Hoffman is becoming a solid Top 50 golfer and has all the tools to win any PGA Tournament. He is another that has solid form on these courses and conditions. Top 20s here in 2012 & 2013. I'm onboard at 45/1 with 888 Sport.
A previous winner here, Boo Weekly is a golfer like no other really. He looks like a redneck (and talks like one), has the build of a 1980s British wrestler but he can hit a golf ball beautifully. He doesn't drive far enough to contend with the big boys but on a course like this and in good form with three Top 10s in 2015, I will happily take 11/4 on a Top 20 finish.
Best Bets
Crowne Plaza Invitational – Paul Casey each way (33/1 Coral)
Crown Plaza Invitational – Ryan Palmer each way (28/1 Bet365)
Crowne Plaza Invitational – Charley Hoffman each way (45/1 888 Sport)
Crowne Plaza Invitational – Boo Weekley Top 20 Finish (11/4 BetVictor)
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