With next week's US Open at Torrey Pines fast approaching it's the last chance for some of these players to prepare at the Palmetto Championship, Congaree Golf Club, Ridgeland, South Carolina.
The 156 field will all be competing for the $7.3M prize money with the winner collecting the title and $1.3M.
There is nothing to compare this new Palmetto event with as it is new to the PGA Tour, replacing the RBC Canadian Open.
This is a long course with slick fast greens so big hitters will enjoy this track if matched with accurate approach play to avoid any hazards around the greens. The course is young, designed in 2017 and is a par 71 parkland lay out.
The weather is forecast to be very hot and sunny throughout with a slight risk of thunderstorms.
This event will be screened live on Sky Sports Golf with coverage starting at 8pm GMT on Thursday.
Last week at the Memorial Tournament my selection Colin Morikawa nearly provided us with yet another winner but it wasn't to be in the end, finishing runner up to Patrick Cantlay who won at the first play-off hole. He did however earn followers some decent each way money and also landed my NAP when beating Bryson De Chambeau comfortably, as predicted, in the 72 hole matchbet.
However the big story from last week was Jon Rahm being ejected on the 18th and final green during his the 3rd round on Saturday. The Spaniard carded a superb -7 to take a six shot lead into what he thought would be his final round on Sunday. However he tested positive and had to withdraw from the tournament when receiving the news when looking like the almost certain winner. I thought it was a nice gesture from most of the bookmakers to pay out on both Jon Rahm and Partick Cantlay as the winners.
Brooks Koepka
For my first selection this week I’m going to advise the complete golfer who is Brooks Koepka 9/1 EW Bet365. The 31 yrs old American comes here ranked 7th in the world and will be looking for a performance like last time out when he finished runner up at The PGA Championship at Kiawah Island.
Since winning the Waste Management Phoenix Open title back in January, Koepka has finished runner up at both the WGC Workday Championship at The Concession and The PGA Championship but also missed two cuts, mainly dealing with some knee surgery.
I feel that Brooks season is still to ignite this year and with The US Open just around the corner, a major that Koepka has bagged twice in his career in 2017 and 2018 and finished runner up in 2019, he will be motivated and up for the challenge this week heading into next.
With eleven titles, four of them majors, the 31 yrs old from Florida looks like the one they all have to beat at the Palmetto Championship this weekend.
Lucas Glover
For my next pick I’m liking the look of Lucas Glover 45/1 EW Betfair especially with the 1-7 places available.
In the two events in his home state this year, the 41 yrs old Texan has finished inside the Top 10 on both occasions. 4th at the Valero Texas Open and 8th at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
The 2009 US Open Champion will be back on home soil and will be inspired in front of the home crowd.
Glover is an official ambassador for Congaree Golf Club and his local knowledge on this new track can certainly give him an advantage over most of the field who have never been to this venue.
He was 12th in shots gained approach to the green and 13th in putting at Colonial so if he comes here with those figures then the 45/1 on offer looks huge.
Glover is definitely finding some form after being in a slump for a couple of years and where better to get back to winning ways than in your home state in front of your home fans. He is a Bermuda grass specialist and will relish this challenge and could well be the winner on Sunday evening.
Matt Fitzpatrick
For my next selection I’m going to single out Matt Fitzpatrick 16/1 EW Betfair.
Listen, I know the young 26 yrs old Englishman missed the cut at The Memorial Tournament last week but I’m more than willing to stick with him, and why not? Fitzpatrick is ranked 21st in the world and has gained shots off the tee at every event he has played this year.
The Englishman is one of the best putters in the business and these greens will require a hot putter.
His best results this year amongst his five top 15 finishes include 4th at the Valero Texas Open, 5th at the Mayakoba Golf Classic and 8th at the Charles Schwab Challenge.
He was a very respectable T23rd at The PGA Championship just a fortnight ago and I just feel that the Englishman will win that elusive maiden PGA title soon, possibly this weekend in South Carolina.
Lucas Glover v Patton Kizzire
For my final pick it’s the customary 72 hole matchbet and I’m going for the local boy with course knowledge, Lucas Glover to get the better off Patton Kizzire. 10/11 Nap Bet365.
