As the practice opportunities ahead of the June 15 US Open diminish, PGA Tour pros will be looking to take every available opportunity to tinker with their games before they have to take on the notoriously difficult tournament (this year at Chambers Bay). With that in mind, the Wells Fargo Championship has attracted a strong field, with all of them keen to snap up the 500 FedEx Cup points, as well as some confidence ahead of the year’s second major.
The Course
Quail Hollow Club is well known amongst the golfing fraternity. After ten years of hosting the Kemper Open, the club gained familiarity in 2003 when it first hosted the Wells Fargo. Ever since the 7,562 yard, par 72 has been a popular stop for the pros. Much like last weeks difficult closing, The final three holes here are considered to be some of the toughest closers on tour. Dubbed the “Green Mile” it’s a difficult stretch, and presumably one of the reasons Quail has been given 2017 PGA Championship and 2021 Presidents Cup.
The Sound Bites
“It’s one of those stretches in your career where you know you’re playing well, you’re hot so you better keep playing and do it as long as you can, hopefully it will last the rest of the year.” – Kevin Kisner spoke of his good stretch of form (he’s listed below in our predicted contenders).
“I think I’ve experimented a lot this year with equipment, which isn’t usually what I do. I think the consistency will start to show in my results as I become more accustomed to where I’m at” – World number 11 Adam Scott spoke of his new equipment struggles. He’s 108 in the FedExCup and at $29.00 to win this week.
The Defending Champion
J.B. Holmes won this event last year in a compelling story of triumph against the odds. It was the bug Kentucky man’s first win since brain surgery and started a run of form that’s continued to this day. He beat Jim Furyk by a shot after finishing with a one-under 71.
He’s paying $34.00 to repeat last year’s feat.
The Contenders*
Rory McIlroy – Won two weeks ago and has won here previously too. Shares the course record here and was decent last week in tying for 8th. The number one player in the World, first in the Race to Dubai, 17th in the FedEx Cup standings. Need any more reasons? – $4.00
Henrik Stenson – The sinewy Swede is one of the best ball strikers in the game, however a bout of illness has seen him lose several points and length off his driver. He’s still been there or there about all season without a win. T17th last week thanks to a solid final round 68 means he’s a chance at Quail – $17.00
Jim Furyk – The all-time money leader at the event and coming off a second place here last year. A winner this year on tour (RBC Heritage) and having just celebrated his 45th birthday two days ago could be looking to cash in – $19.00
Bill Haas – Has two top 5 finishes at Quail Hollow and grew up nearby making it somewhat of a home venue for him. Was effective last week at TPC Sawgrass, just missing the playoff. Will be looking to make a Presidents Cup move and catch the captains eye (his dad Jay Haas) – $29.00
Kevin Kisner – It’s only a matter of time before the South Carolina product triumphs so why not this week. After a disappointing 73 first up at the Players bounced back superbly to make the playoff. Played all four holes well but missed chances on 18 and 17 to win / continue. Tied for 6th last year – $34.00
*Players Championship odds available at Luxbet.
The Winner
We hate to sound like a broken record, but, Rory.
