In the battle between the two wonder boys of Golf, 26 year old Rory McIlroy took the advantage last week with an impressive win at Quail Hollow which included a course record 61. 21 year old Jordan Spieth gets the opportunity to respond in his home State at the Crowne Plaza Invitational.
Spieth is the odds on favourite to bounce back from a poor Players showing to get back in the winners circle and strike next in the individual duel that will define golf for the next 10 years.
The Course
The Fort Worth based Colonial Country Club is a challenging treat of doglegs and tight fairways. The 7,204 yards par 70 course, opened in 1936 and began hosting PGA Tpur event just ten years later. It has been as stop ever since, including hosting the US Open. The Perry Maxwell and John Bredemus design has also welcomed LPGA Tour stars. Mainly due its smaller length adding a layer of flexibility needed for women’s events. Only two par 5’s may see scores a little higher than some PGA Tour weeks, especially with the Horrible Horseshoe stretch (3, 4, 5).
The Sound Bites
“I’ve changed equipment a little bit, and that’s taking a little while to straighten itself out and get to a comfortable spot” – Adam Scott’s looking for an explanation of his putting woes. He ranks 196th in the PGA Tours putting statistic, strokes gained.
“I think it’s sandwiched between a couple of shirts, [I] kind of just hold it as if it’s the greatest trophy that I’ve ever had” – Jordan Spieth talks about his Masters trophy, room for another trophy in amongst those shirts?
The Defending Champion
Last year Adam Scott celebrated ascending to number 1 in the world with a playoff victory over Jason Dufner. The Aussie made his move after trailing by two heading into the final day, and his 4-under 66 was enough to join Dufner in the playoff. Scott played the three holes 2-under and cemented his place at the top of the world. The win also saw Scott complete the “Texas Grand Slam”. Scott’s at $29.00 to win against this year.
The Contenders*
Jordan Spieth – The local hero has some points to win in his personal duel with Rory so should be in contention. The Masters champion also has two top-15 finishes in his last two starts at Colonial – $6.25
Jimmy Walker – Admittedly not in the best form but we like his overall consistency. Second in the FedEx Cup standings an tied for 10th here las year. Should go alright again this week – $19.00
Paul Casey – Casey’s enjoying an excellent season in the States, and has many people tipping him to do this week on a course where he’s played well before – $26.00
Chris Kirk – Incredibly Kirk has never finished outside the top 20. If you’re in to you’re fantasy golf he’s an absolute must, otherwise if you just like the odd flutter send some love Kirk’s way – $31.00
Throw in the likes of Ryan Palmer, John Senden and Zach Johnson and it’s a pretty handy field.
*Odds from Luxbet.
The Winner
Kirk’s record here is superb, and although he finished poorly at The Players he should bounce back this week.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
