The PGA Tour is back in the States this week for the Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas.
The 132 field will all be competing around this par 70, parkland layout for a share of the $7.5m purse with the winner receiving $1.26m and the title.
Carlos Ortiz returns to defend the title he won last year, his maiden PGA Tour victory.
The weather is forecast to be sunny and warm throughout with only gentle breezes for the players to contend with.
This event will be screened on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf with live coverage starting at 6pm GMT on Thursday.
Last week we could only manage 3rd place at the World Wide Technology Championship where Justin Thomas was in with every chance and gave us all a run for our money. It was still a profit if you backed JT each way as advised.
So let’s move on to this weeks selections for the Houston Open.
Sam Burns
For my first and main selection in Texas I just can’t resist one of my favourite players on the PGA Tour at the moment, Sam Burns 14/1 EW Bet365.
The 25yr old from Louisiana has already done the business for us just a few weeks back when winning the Sanderson Farms Championship at an advised 16/1.
His recent form has seen Burns rise to No.18 in the world rankings and as I’ve mentioned before, there is still plenty more to come from this kid.
He just strikes the ball so effortlessly and makes the game look so easy when we all know it’s quite the opposite.
With two PGA victories in the bag now, both this year with the other being the Valspar Championship, Burns can now relax and play his talented game with ease.
He was the leader at this event last year after three rounds only to falter away on Sunday's final round but still managed 7th place.
I just have a feeling that Burns will turn up in Houston this week and put on another dazzling display on his way to a hat-trick of PGA victories in just a few months.
Cameron Tringale
For my next selection I’m going to advise Cameron Tringale 55/1 EW Ladbrokes.
The 34yr old from California finished runner up at the Zozo Championship recently and has five Top 25 finishes at his last ten events.
It’s hard to imagine that a player as talented as Tringale is still looking for that elusive PGA maiden title at 34yr old but he still has plenty of time to fix that and it could be coming sooner rather than later.
He finished T3rd earlier in the year at the Valspar Championship so he is certainly knocking on the door and it would come as no surprise to see Tringale challenging on the back nine on Sunday evening, on his way to winning the Houston Open with what would be a well deserved victory.
Maverick McNealy
For my next pick I’m liking the look of a player that I advised last weekend, Maverick McNealy 40/1 EW Bet365.
The young 26yr old from California played some nice stuff at the Mayakoba last week where he finished in 11th place.
He has two runners-up prizes this year, finishing 2nd at the Fortinet Championship a few weeks ago where he was sublime and also 2nd at AT&T Pebble Beach. With some fine recent form to his name, I feel that McNealy’s price may have been overlooked by the firms and 40/1 is more than decent especially if your happy with just a place to get a tidy return with the each way value.
McNealy is another who I think will get off the mark soon and land that PGA Title that has so far eluded him.
Talor Gooch to beat Scottie Scheffler
For my final selection it’s the customary matchbet and this week I’m going to suggest Talor Gooch to beat Scottie Scheffler 6/5 Nap Betfair.
Houston Open Tips
- Sam Burns 14/1 EW Bet365.
- Cameron Tringale 55/1 EW Ladbrokes
- Maverick McNealy 40/1 EW Bet365
- Talor Gooch to beat Scottie Scheffler 6/5 Nap Betfair, 72 hole matchbet
