No sooner has the bunker dust from the FedEx Cup Playoffs and Ryder Cup settled, than the first tournament of the new PGA Tour season is thrust upon us. The Frys.com open is held in the Napa Valley, California. The field features an interesting mix of seasoned Americans and Web.com Tour graduates all looking to make a fast start in the FedEx Cup.
While the field is not the strongest, there will be plenty of interest in how the Rookies get on. It’s also worth checking to see if anyone can make a Jimmy Walker-esque start to the season. Notables in the field include Ryder Cup players Lee Westwood, Jimmy Walker, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan; champion cancer survivor Jarrod Lyle; and youngsters Chesson Hadley, and Carlos Ortiz.
It’s not fair to suggest the field is weak. That simply does not happen on the PGA Tour. However, all things considered, this a great opportunity for players to grab some cheap points (500 on offer for the winner).
This week’s Frys.com tournament is being held at the Silverado Resort, unused on the PGA TOUR since 1980. The par-72 North Course will play 7,203 yards; it is a favourite of commentator Johnny Miller. Not only did he win two titles here, he also helped redesign it.
Players have the winning score somewhere between 10 and 12 under. Lee Westwood saying “there’s a decent bit of rough and the greens are very quick and severe in places. … I think it’s a difficult test.”
Top Picks
Picking a winner on the PGA Tour is never easy. Here’s a look at some of the players who I expect to be there or thereabouts come Sunday.
Hideki Matsuyama – $21 – Unibet
Cameron Tringale – $26 – Unibet
Brooks Koepka – $15 – Totesport
Matt Kuchar – $17 – Sportsbet
Sang-Moon Bae – $26 – Bet365
If I had to stick my neck out and pick a Frys.com winner, I would go for Sang-Moon Bae. Good odds; had a win in 2013, and six top 25’s last year.
