This Week’s PGA Tour Predictions!
The PGA TOUR head overseas this week for the Malaysia CIMB Classic. Some big names will make their season debut in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur Golf & CC will play a miniscule 6,985 yards on its pat 72 layout. Despite the lack of length this track played tough last year – the par 5s are extremely tough.
Bet on the 2014 CIMB Classic Lines
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Course: Kuala Lumpur Golf & CC
Date: Oct 30 – Nov 2, 2014
Total Purse: US $ 7,000,000
Winner’s Share: US $ 1,260,000 (18% of total purse)
Defending Champion: Ryan Moore ($1,260,000)
***2014 BONUSES***
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CIMB Classic Favorites:
Last year’s winner Ryan Moore finishes 14 under par – fairways hit and greens in regulation were the difference. Expect more of the same this year as weather threatens to add an element of difficulty.
So who should we keep an eye on – let’s take a peek.
Sergio Garcia 10/1
Garcia makes his first start since the Ryder Cup and arrives as the biggest name in the field – ranked #4 in the World Golf Rankings. He finished T11 in this event last year and enters in far better form this year – making him an instant threat.
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Keep in mind that Garcia ended last season with consecutive top 10s – at the BMW Championship (T-4) and Tour Championship (T-9).
Hideki Matsuyama 14/1
Has been the best player so far this young season – a T-3 finish at the Frys.com Open was followed with a T-10 result in Vegas. He is emerging as one of the better ball strikers around – perfect for this track and he did have a T25 here last year. Matsuyama may be unlucky not to have a win already – expect him to contend on his home continent this week.
Lee Westwood 14/1
In a tournament in which ball striking is crucial, Westy has to be in the conversation. He actually won a tournament here already – the Maybank Malaysian Open just six months ago and he already posted a T12 this young season – at Silverado. Course history is clearly on his side in this one!
CIMB Classic Contenders:
Gary Woodland 16/1
Will tee it up for the first time since a T9 at the TOUR Championship in a tournament he lost in a playoff last year. Although he is known as a long hitter, something about this track fits his eye. He ranked second in par-4 scoring and T2 in par-5 scoring here last year – it kickstarted a good season.
Patrick Reed 20/1
Was terrific in the Ryder Cup going 3-0-1 and then made it to the quarters of the World Match Play. It’s safe to say that his game is on track for his season debut. He was T40 here last year but enters with a ton of confidence this year.
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Cockiness has its privileges and against a slightly watered down field, it may pay off!
Graham DeLaet 25/1
Became one of the best ball strikers on TOUR last year but was not rewarded with a win. He was T7 here last year and got it done by ranking T16 in GIR and T9 in putting. If anyone is due, it’s DeLaet.
Brendon De Jonge 28/1
De Jonge has quietly had a very good start to the season – he lost in a three-man playoff at Sea Island last week and he has made the cut in all three starts the young season, never shooting over 70. He is terrific tee-to-green and like DeLaet is well overdue for his first PGA win.
CIMB Classic Sleepers (50/1 or higher):
Anirban Lahiri 50/1
Is coming off a win last week in Macau – no surprise to those who follow the Asian Tour. He was terrific last year at home and finished inside the top 15 in five of seven international starts. Momentum and a familiarity with the Asian tracks has Lahiri on the radar this week.
David Lingmerth 66/1
Was a standout on the Web.com Tour and has been good again at the start of this year. He finished T14 at the McGladrey thanks to a scintillating 66 in the final round.
CIMB Classic Free Pick:
It was pretty hard to stay away from Sergio this week but I resisted temptation and am going with Patrick Reed at 20/1 – his game has been spot on and this track should suit his game.
My sleeper is arguably the best Asian hope in the field – Anirban Lahiri at 50/1. He won last week and I like him to carry the momentum into this week.
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