This Week’s PGA Tour Predictions!
The PGA TOUR returns to North America this week to play the Canadian Open at a familiar venue for this event – Glen Abbey Golf Club for the 27th time. It is a 7,273 yard par 72 track – relatively short in the grand scheme of things.
2015 PGA Tour Golf Gambling
When: July 23 – 26, 2015 on Golf Channel/CBS
Where: Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
Purse: $5,600,000 / Winner Share: $936,000
Defending Champion: Tim Clark
***2015 BONUSES***
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That said with four par 5s (three of which come in the last six holes on this course), distance could come in handy. Par 4 scoring average seems to be a stat that most recent winners have excelled in – expect much of the same this week. A hot putter will also be crucial.
So, assuming none of the bigger names drop out after an extended, emotional week at St. Andrews, who should we be keeping our eyes on this week in a less-than-spectacular field of golfers? Here’s a look.
2015 RBC Canadian Open Favorites:
Jason Day 8/1
As of now Day is still expected to play but don’t be shocked to see him withdraw after his week in Scotland. He is absolutely in that elite class of golfer and has the all around game that could make Glen Abbey his playground.
Bubba Watson 16/1
Has missed the cut just twice this season – both Majors! He will be eager to avenge a weak performance last week with a good effort here – it’s hard not to like his chances. Bubba finished T21 here in 2013 and has been good this year outside of the Majors. He could win this tournament on the par 5s alone – watch out for Watson!
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Matt Kuchar 16/1
Kuchar finished T2 at the Scottish Open two weeks back but was unable to duplicate that feat at St. Andrews. Still, he is coming on a bit. Kuch finished T2 on this track in 2013 and is built for a track like Glen Abbey. In a field short of big names, Matt could emerge with his first win of the year.
2015 RBC Canadian Open Contenders:
Jim Furyk 18/1
Loves the Canadian Open – he has won it twice but never at Glen Abbey – he did finish T9 on this track in 2013. He finished an OK T30 last week at the Open and had a T5 at Memorial about a month ago so we know that his present form is pretty good. Furyk is always a factor in Canada – I am expecting more of the same this week.
Brooks Koepka 22/1
Koepka isn’t under the radar anymore. He finished T10 last week at St. Andrews and now has top 10 finishes in two of his last three starts overall. Koepka’s arrow is pointing up and in a watered-down field he could be poised for another win
Luke Donald 22/1
Has quietly been playing well as of late – a T12 last week at The Open and T-7 at the Travelers Championship. In a tournament short on names and on a relatively short track Donald is worth a look at very least.
Graham DeLaet 30/1
Canadian boy would love nothing more than to win this week. He has made seven straight cuts but has just one top 10 over that span. He’ll be looking to win his first PGA Tour event in his career and be the first Canadian to win the Canadian Open since 1954.
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Hunter Mahan 40/1
Was the 30 hole leader here in 2013 before withdrawing to be with his pregnant wife. He is back to finish what he started against an unflattering field – one that could cure his recent uninspiring play.
2015 RBC Canadian Open Sleepers (50/1 or higher):
Brian Harman 50/1
Missed the cut last week at St. Andrews but had a third and a T24 respectively on TOUR in two starts prior. His all around game has been good – this is a good spot for him to break through indeed.
Jerry Kelly 50/1
Love me some Jerry Kelly! He has five top 25 finishes in his last eight starts on TOUR and is best in par 3 scoring. Kelly finished T5 on this track in 2009 as well. He has been knocking on the door and should be in the mix in this underwhelming field.
Pat Perez 75/1
Has been on my radar for a while. He has made the cut nine straight tournaments with six top 25s over that span, is T7 on TOUR in par 4 scoring and is 44th in stroked gained-putting. Perez could make some noise this week as well.
2015 RBC Canadian Open Picks:
The pick this week is Jim Furyk at 18/1. He has proven in the past that a cross-Atlantic flight doesn’t bother him in the least – he has two wins in the Canadian Open and was runner-up last year. Furyk always shows up in Canada – this week is no different.
The sleeper this week is Pat Perez at 75/1. I have been on his wagon all season long- he has to pay off some time!
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