THE PGA Tour returns to North America this week at the oldest golf club on the continent, the Royal Montreal Golf Club, for the RBS Canadian Open.
Fourth at The Open last week, Jim Furyk is my pick for this one. The two-time champion has had nine top-20 finishes in his last 10 starts. He is ninth on driving accuracy on the Tour which could benefit him on this short par 70 course.
After his superb 65 in the last round of The Open following on from 68 71 71 he certainly looks in great form.
Charl Schwartzel returns for his fourth consecutive tilt at this event. He’s had six top-20s in his last 10 worldwide starts, which includes a great T7 at Royal Liverpool last week. His 11-under total included two rounds of 67 so looks to be coming into form.
After missing him out of my Open selections I have to pick Dustin Johnston this week. He also hit a 65 but his last-round 72 let him down and finished T12. His form dipped slightly at the Travellers recently but apart from a few loose drives last week his game doesn’t look too bad. As we all know Dustin can be a wee bit wayward off the tee but his other stats all hold up. Well worth a punt.
Meanwhile, can Colin Montgomerie win his third Major championship of the season after lifting the Senior PGA Champion and the US Senior Open. He is certainly having a great season and is leading the Charles Schwab Cup standings after overtaking Bernhard Langer with his Open win.
The Senior Open Championship is being held at Royal Porthcawl in Wales and Tom Watson, after playing four great rounds in The Open has certainly had lots of practice on a links course, and must have a great chance. Having said that I can’t go past Monty after he did us a turn in the Senior PGA. He isn't the big lover of wind but could be helped kind weather conditions which are forecast.
It could be a shoot-out between number one and two in the Charles Schwab Cup between Monty and Bernard Langer. There is only 23 points between them and with double points award in Major championships so this could be some battle. Langer has a chance to finish in the top 10 in all five Major championships this season.
Jeff Sluman is fourth in the Charles Schwab Cup and has been knocking on the door of the Major championships all season with three top-10s in the first four. He lost in a play-off to Langer in the Constellation Senior Players Championship and good be a good outsider this week.
20pt staking plan
Jim Furyk (ew) 2.5pts 12-1 Betway
Charl Schwartzel (ew) 1.5pts 20-1 Betfred
Dustin Johnston (ew) 2pts 12-1 Betfred
Colin Montgomerie (ew) 2pts 6-1 Betfred
Bernhard Langer (ew) 2pts 6-1 Betfred
Ace Venturer
Jeff Sluman (ew)
Richie De Laet for me in great form this year and is always there or there abouts, with ew paying top 5 places then 30/1 is good price for me
yeah he’s a good defender ,but 30/1 is terrible price.
i do think de laat has a good chance ,and will win soon ,but gonna go with
KUCHAR 16/1
C HOFFMAN 40/1
JERRY KELLY 66/1
WILL MC GIRT 70/1
and a few outsiders at bigger prices.
R.GOOSEN 125/1
B CRANE 100/1
JOSH TEATER 500/1
SCOTT PIERCY 150/1 AND TOP TEN FINISH @10/1
Like the look of Furyk but not great value at 12/1. McGirt and Van Pelt may offer better value – both 70/1.
SWJLL, my only outright this week is Langer to win the Senior Open at 6-1. Reckon he’ll get the better of Monty who isn’t the biggest links fan.
Russian open. Kieffer for me. Decent start. Trading at 12’s now
Does no one fancy Mc Dowell this week i think he is a cracking each way bet.
Mc Dowell 16/1 Boylesports.
De Laet 28/1 Boylesports.
nev, McDowell being tipped in the Racing Post as well as Jim Furyk.
Also putting up Mike Weir at 150/1 each way Paddy Power.Showed a few weeks back he is still capable and a homeboy to
Canadian Open KJ Choi 66/1
Previous form here and excels on the shorter courses so will be on each way