This Week’s PGA Tour Predictions!
The final tune-up before the Masters takes this place this week in Houston, Texas when the Shell Houston Open is contested on Redstone GC (Tournament Course).
2015 Shell Houston Open
When: April 2 – 5, 2015
Where: Redstone GC (Tournament Course) – Houston, Texas
Tournament Format: 72-Hole, Four-Day Official PGA TOUR Event
Purse: $6,200,000 / Winner Share: $1,080,000
Defending Champion: Matt Jones
***2015 BONUSES***
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
It is a par-72 layout of 7,441 yards – one that has prided itself on replicating the conditions the Pros will find next week at Augusta.
Premier ball strikers top the list of Pros to look at this week – proximity to the hole and ability to hit greens will also be crucial – obviously. Those who can shape their shots, muster a little creativity and be precise will do well – Redstone has consistently ranked among the toughest tracks in terms of scrambling on TOUR.
With that in mind, who should we throw our support behind? Let’s break it down.
2015 PGA Shell Houston Open Favorites:
Jordan Spieth 7/1
The hottest player on the planet enters off a second place finish at the Valero – his fifth top 10 in his last seven starts including at win at the Velapar, a T17 at the Cadillac and a T4 at the Northern Trust. He has vaulted to #4 in the world and will be looking for a strong tune-up for the Masters.
[dfads params=’groups=63742&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
There is little doubt that Spieth will be in contention – but is there a better choice in the field?
Jimmy Walker 11/1
Walker cruised to the win last week and looked terrific on a very tough track at home. He is the only two-time champ on TOUR this year, has never missed a cut in five tries here and was T24 in this event last year. He is tops on TOUR in birdie average and strokes-gained putting and is a close 1B if Spieth is 1A this week.
Matt Kuchar 14/1
If you lean on course history over current form Kuch may be your man. He has finished inside the top 10 three of the last four years here and should have won last year en route to a playoff loss. Kuchar is coming off an OK T15 at the Valero last week but hasn’t recorded a top 10 since the Humana. Present form isn’t great but Kuch is always a threat.
2015 PGA Shell Houston Open Contenders:
Patrick Reed 14/1
Will tee it up for the first time since a playoff loss to Mr. Spieth at the Velspar. He has six top 25s in nine starts this year, is eighth on TOUR in stroked gained, 13th in adjusted scoring and second in scrambling from the rough. Reed missed the cut in his only start in this event but there is no denying that he has elevated to the top tier or two of PGA Pros.
J.B. Holmes 25/1
Missed the cut at Bay Hill but has still put together a terrific season. He has two runner-up finishes on TOUR this year and has done very well on this track in the past – a P2 here in 2009, T8 in 2012 and T12 last year. Holmes can smash the ball which is essential here and his confidence is on another level right now.
Sergio Garcia 25/1
Had the lead after 36 holes in this tournament last year en route to a T3 finish. He played well at Riviera this season just missing out on a playoff but was T31 the last time we saw him. Garcia will certainly be one of the more motivated guys out there – a strong tune-up for an elusive Major could give him a leg up.
Lee Westwood 33/1
Westy is another guy that needs a Major on his resume and will be attempting to build a little momentum for next week. He has seven straight top 25s worldwide and has finished inside the top 25 in his last six trips to Houston.
[dfads params=’groups=526&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
His worst finish this year was a T25 – he has quietly been very solid. Westwood knows this track well and looks like OK value ahead of this week.
2015 PGA Shell Houston Open Sleepers (50/1 or higher):
Hunter Mahan 50/1
Mahan has been a tad disappointing so far this season but anytime ball striking is the key for success, he has to be in the conversation. He has yet to miss a cut this year but has no top 10s – a breakout seems imminent – doesn’t it? He won here in 2011 when he blistered the course and finished -16. If there is any time Mahan can break a slump it is on a track where tee-to-green play is the determining factor.
Graham DeLaet 66/1
One of the best ball strikers on TOUR absolutely has to win sometime. If his putter doesn’t let him down, expect DeLaet to make things interesting.
2015 PGA Shell Houston Open Picks:
It’s pretty hard not to go with Jordan Spieth in this one but I am – JB Holmes is the pick at 25/1. He has been very good this year, he has a good history on this track and is certainly due for a win this week.
The sleeper is Hunter Mahan at 50/1 – a former winner here and a premier ball striker on TOUR.
[dfads params=’groups=63706&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
