The PGA tour continues this weekend with the Zozo Championship at the Sherwood Country Club, Thousand Oaks, California.
The 78 contenders, which include the return of five-time event winner Tiger Woods, compete for the $8M prize money.
Dustin Johnson again remains absent due to testing positive. His agent has reported he is still feeling unwell but remains optimistic that he will make a full recovery for the Masters at Augusta next month.
Tiger Woods is as high as 44/1 on the Betfair Exchange to add to his handful of previous titles at this event and make it number six. I certainly wouldn’t rule him out but due to many non-appearances throughout 2020 I feel this tournament may just have come too soon for him – but then again, it’s Tiger we are talking about.
He can become the most decorated player in PGA tour history with a win here overtaking Sam Snead. Incidentally, Tiger's previous five wins at this event do not contribute to his 82 total PGA victories but this one would, so good luck Tiger in a weekend he can make history and break even more records!
The forecast is for clear skies with a light breeze but the wind is to pick up on Sunday which can only make it more interesting at this par 72 tight and tricky parkland course.
This course will suit the big hitters with five par fives to help gain the advantage with possible birdies and even eagles.
Collin Morikawa
For my first selection I like the look of the young and impressive Collin Morikawa at 25/1 with bet365.
The American is a local native, born just a short distance from Sherwood. His pinpoint accuracy and approach play will prove crucial and he has won twice on Nicholas-designed courses; Muirfield Village and Montreux.
The PGA Championship winner was back on track last weekend and finished a respectable 12th at the CJ Cup while producing his best tee-to-green figures since winning his maiden Major.
Matt Wolff
My next selection is again another native, local favourite Matt Wolff at 33/1 (888sport).
After finishing runner up at the US Open and the Shriners he missed the cut last week at Shadow Creek. However, Wolff has played this Sherwood course probably more times than all the others combined so this must be an advantage. He will be full of confidence on his favourite course which makes him a leading contender at a tidy price, especially if he produces the same form that’s seen him shoot up the rankings.
Jon Rahm
I simply cannot ignore the impressive Jon Rahm (10/1 Ladbrokes), even although I don’t usually like selecting any of the favourites for an event.
He is the favourite for a reason – No.2 in the world, the Spaniard is in the form of his life.
Since winning the Memorial he has finished in the top 25 in six of his previous seven tournaments with one of those being yet another victory at the BMW Championship. He seems to have much more patience and control over his emotions and doesn’t seem to get as agitated when it’s not all going his way, which has made him one of the best golfers in the world just now.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he is yet again contending for another title on Sunday night and uses this event as preparation for his final tournament before the Masters.
Collin Morikawa v Patrick Reed
For my final selection I’m going to stick with Morikawa in a match bet against Patrick Reed at 19/20 NAP (Ladbrokes).
As I mentioned Morikawa is a local native and with Patrick Reed's busy schedule recently including a trip across the pond to Wentworth, I feel this event may be one too many for Reed.
Recommended Bets
- Collin Morikawa 25/1 each-way (bet365)
- Matt Wolff 33/1 each-way (888sport)
- Jon Rahm 10/1 each-way (Ladbrokes)
- Morikawa to beat Patrick Reed in a match bet 19/20 NAP (Ladbrokes)
