We are backkkkkk. After nearly a month dragging through dogshit tournaments, we’re finally back to having competitive golf on TV. After the last few weeks, we suddenly have to respect Tony Finau as a potential winner. Tom Kim won his first event at 20 years old too, which was a cool moment at the Wyndham.. but other than that a pretty boring three weeks as far as competition goes. We also had LIV Bedminster a couple weeks ago where we saw Stenson step up in a pretty big way and drag his nuts all over the entire field. I will say that I attended the event and it felt pretty similar to a normal PGA event. People were drunk, some big names were golfing, and overall the biggest thing I noticed was that Bedminster is a pretty sick course. I think it could have been a really fun PGA Championship, but nevertheless that’s not the topic of the week — so let’s move on to the present.
LIV Updates
I guess this will just be a continuous segment on the blog as the drama never ends…
I still think there has to be some sort of conspiracy behind this Netflix show because everything within this rivalry is just too much. Since we last spoke, LIV has now filed a lawsuit against the PGA saying that the LIV Golf players have a right to participate in the PGA Playoffs. Talor Gooch, Matt Jones and Hudson Swafford are the three suing to play, and as far as I have read they will likely be allowed in. I am so incredibly not a lawyer NOR have I read the entire filing, but from my understanding the PGA doesn’t necessarily own the right to ban players so I guess they’ll be able to get the restraining order for at least this tournament. As I have said from the beginning, I just want everyone to get along. I wish so much that LIV could have been a side series in which the top 48 played for 6-8 weeks.. butunfortunately it has become what it is now. Overall, I don’t anticipate many updates from LIV until the FedEx Playoffs are over — we will definitely see some big names leave the PGA after the Playoffs and then another set after the Presidents Cup so that should provide at least some action over the summer. The drama will likely stay, so the blogs and page will keep you updated! Now let’s finally get to some fuckin golf.
Recap of Last Year
Last year we were at Liberty and saw Finau come out on top for his first legitimate win on the PGA Tour. Yes, I know he had won the Puerto Rico Open.. but this was actually a real field so it counts in my book. We did get a playoff, though it was one of the least exciting playoffs I’ve ever seen in my life as Cam Smith sent his drive straight into the Hudson to start it off. Overall, this was an exciting win for Tony and it was cool to see him finally get a real one.
Course Preview
This year things are changing a bit as the tournament is no longer called the Northern Trust and has moved away from Liberty to TPC Southwind in Memphis. In my opinion, this is a bit of a downgrade as Liberty is a way nicer course (and I can go to the tournament) but we’ll see how it goes. The Tournament is now called the FedEx St. Jude Championship, taking over for the WGC St. Jude.
Odds for the Weekend
Coming in, Rory is our pretty obvious favorite with Scottie and Cam not far behind. Personally, I think that Cam could have been the favorite as he has performed well in the past here but suppose it’s fair how it is. Rory could definitely come out firing here and prove that he is indeed all the way back but per usual I won’t be giving out the favorite here. Let’s get into the weeds:
- Rahm has had a fall from grace, once the constant favorite to now +2000
- Definitely something to look closely at as he did perform well here back in 2019
- JT is a former winner here, pulling out the win in 2020 — he also has proved to perform well in the Playoffs, finishing 4th last year
- Morikawa has played here twice, finishing 26th and 20th but something about him getting +2900 doesn’t sit right with me. I think he has a lot more value here and it could be time for him to get his name back in the game
- Hovland sits at the same odds after proving at The Open he still has that dawg in him
- Homa continues to be one of the most disrespected players in the game, landing 55-1 odds and could easily make a run at this thing
THE PICKS
Winner – Cameron Young +2800
I’m taking a chance here with the young guy.. There is a surplus of data out there on this course, so instead I am going to throw that all out and pick the guy that has never played here. I am picking the hottest golfer in the game and his name is Cam Young. If it wasn’t for Finau at the Rocket Mortgage and Cam Smith at The Open, he would have won back to back tournaments coming into this. He has proved he is the best young star and I think seeing Tom Kim win at the Wyndham just ignited a fire for not being the youngest guy to win. It’s time for Cam to finally cash his first win and I can’t wait for it to be on this big of a stage.
Longshot – Harold Varner III +10000
I have taken him a bunch of times this year and I have been genuinely impressed by his play throughout the year. HV3 started the season out hot winning the Saudi Invitational and has had a few other opportunities to take home some W’s. He’s performed well in the Playoffs in the past and although he hasn’t played great at this course, I think +10k is way, way overvalued here. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see his name on Sunday with a chance to steal this tournament.
Fuck This Guy – Hideki Matsuyama to Miss the Cut +195
I don’t love making this pick and I am definitely sticking my neck out taking it, but I just don’t think Hideki has it right now. He embarrassed himself at the 3M Open and he has been dealing with neck injuries as well as a lot of distractions with LIV all year. I don’t feel his mind is in the right place heading into this tournament and I think this could be an easy winner.
Scottie Sprinkles – Scottie Scheffler to Win +1500
There were a few moments that I thought we could cash our first Scottie Sprinkles at The Open but we are still chasing that first win. I actually like this setup a lot for Scottie and considered making him my outright but wanted to get a little cheeky with Cam. I will definitely be placing some cash on Scottie to win this and actually think it could be an easy winner.
MORTAL LOCK – Sam Burns Top 20 +175
It is time that I admit something to all of you… I am addicted to betting Sam Burns. I don’t know what it is, but I feel like he is so disrespected and I just want to cash a huge ticket on that take so I can rub it in everyone’s faces. The guy lost in a playoff here last year and has been on fire all year including three wins. He has proven that he should have odds below 2k but somehow Vegas keeps giving him over 3k. Sam is easily going to cash this top 20 and I’ll even throw something extra on him winning outright.
Three Putt Bogeys 