THE PGA tour continues this week in the Nevada desert, Las Vegas with the CJ Cup at Shadow Creek.
The big news before the tournament even starts is Dustin Johnson has been forced to withdraw after testing positive. DJ has a month to recover before the final Major of the year, The Masters. Let’s all wish DJ a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him at Augusta.
JD Poston has replaced Johnson leaving the bookmakers to decide upon another favourite among the 78-field competing for the $9million prize money.
This PGA tournament, just like the European Tour events, has had to be reinvented and instead of teeing off at its usual location at Nine Bridges Jejo Island, South Korea it's been moved to Las Vegas. The long par-72 hole Nevada desert course at Shadow Creek is a spectacular venue and it’s where Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson duelled for $9million in 2018 but this is its debut for a PGA event .
A list of big names return for this tournament including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and Xander Schauffele to name but a few.
John Rahm
I always like to look for value but my first selection I’m going to stick with the bookies here, John Rahm (8/1 bet365) has been replaced as the favourite with DJ pulling out.
I've just been so impressed the away Rahm swings and strikes the ball. He looks like he can win any tournament among the big hitters just now.
He has won two of his last seven events, 6th in two others and two top 25 places in all but one. He will be suited with the long yardage on this desert parkland course and must surely be a worthy favourite.
Matt Wolff
For my second selection I like the look of the impressive Matt Wolff.
I think he is slightly overpriced at 18/1 each-way (bet365). Second at Shiners last week, 2nd at the US Open, 4th at the PGA Championship and 2nd at the Rocket Mortgage, the figures from his past 10 events leave me thinking, with this consistent form, he is very hard to ignore.
Wolff is enjoying the form of his short career and will surely go on to win many events and can add to his 3M Open victory this weekend.
Viktor Hovland
Another to consider is Viktor Hovland 28/1 each-way (888sport).
The young star hasn’t missed a cut since the Honda Classic way back in March and is another who has been impressive recently.
The Norwegian can add to his Puerto Rico Open title if he produces the same kind of form that has seen him finish in the top 20 in three off his past four tournaments including the US Open at Winged Foot.
Jon Rahm & Matt Wallace Double
For my final selection it’s the same as the one posted on my preview for the Scottish Championship as it’s a cross tour special bet, Jon Rahm and Matt Wallace to both finish in top 5 off their respective tournaments on both sides off the pond at enhanced odds 17/2 Ladbrokes.
Recommended Bets
- John Rahm 8/1 Bet365
- Matt Wolff 18/1 each-way Bet365
- Viktor Hovland 28/1 each-way 888Sport
- Matt Wallace (Scottish Championship) & Jon Rahm (CJ Cup) both finish in top 5 17/2 Ladbrokes
