June 2 Golf Tips
With the US Open just a fortnight away, the attention of the golfing world reverts to the United States this week for the Memorial Tournament in Ohio.
To recap, similar principles to those which apply for “Sting’s racing selections” will be in place here – bets will only be recommended for a top-5 finish in the tournament of that week where the price offered is $6 or better, with odds offered by Centrebet being used in the analysis.
Results for May 26 selections
Charl Schwartzel (BMW PGA Championship): MC.
Year to date selection results:18 selections, one refund, no winning collects.
The Memorial Tournament
The Jack Nicklaus designed Muirfield Village has played host to the Memorial since its inception in 1976 and was the site of the 1987 Ryder Cup. The Columbus area (including Muirfield Village) has received a significant amount of rain in recent times, which will no doubt lead to a few less than ideal lies in the rough this week.
As with many a Nicklaus design, course management is at a premium – whilst some margin for error exists on the tee box, the smaller than average greens that will still run fast in spite of the recent weather will require precision iron play, something that is difficult to achieve if you’re not on the short stuff.
The characteristics of many Memorial winners have mirrored the Golden Bear himself – strong with the driver in hand, precise when finding greens and solid with the putter. And at the risk of simply shifting this column from a Bubba Watson appreciation society to one for Matt Kuchar, it is Kuchar who will carry my cash this week.
His credentials in this event are extremely sound, having posted a tie for tenth last year, a tie for fifth in 2009 and a tie for eighth in 2008. Statistically he fits the bill, ranking 34th on the tour in total driving, 12th in greens in regulation, 37th in the ‘strokes gained-putting’ statistic and second in adjusted scoring average. His recent form has been solid as well – a brief lull around April and May seems to have been overcome, based on his tie for 16th at Colonial and his tie for sixth last week at the Byron Nelson Championship. At $6.00 to finish in the top-5 this week, he is my selection.
Thanks to Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America for use of the photo
