When Jack calls, you pick up the phone.
In the buildup to the US Open, you can always count on a strong field at Muirfield Village for Jack Nicklaus’ annual invitation-only tournament.
When the Golden Bear calls, golfers answer
Looks like we’ll have a liberal dose of the world’s Top 30 in the field and some good betting matchups to handicap.
Last week I was 2-0 with the Byron Nelson Classic matchups (Jason Day pulled out, nixing one of my plays). That takes my golf record to 5-3 so far this season.
Let’s have a look at this week’s Memorial Tournament Matchup Picks
Matt Kuchar over Jim Furyk -110 (odds from Bet365)
When I first looked over the matchups, I wanted to back Kuchar over Mickelson rather than Furyk, but the price over Lefty was -116, so decided to take the -110 in the head-to-head with Furyk.
Might regret it, but just didn’t want to lay the extra juice.
Furyk impressed in April before cooling down, but he does have a great record on this course. So a late tee off time on Sunday wouldn’t completely surprise me, but….I’m putting my money on Kuchar. His current form is palatable, but like Furyk, his game is a great fit for Muirfield. In seven starts since 2007, he’s been crowned the champ once, finished second another time and has not finished outside the top 15 once. I’m in. This should be a good battle to keep an eye on.
Memorial Tournament 2015 Matchup Pick: Matt Kuchar (-110)
Pat Perez (+115) over Brendon Todd (odds from Pinnacle Sports)
Perez checks the “current form” box – he’s finished 26th or better the last six times out, including a tie for 5th at Colonial.
He checks the “pedigree on this course” box: he’s played on the weekend in six consecutive starts at Muirfield and was able to cash an 8th place check two years ago.
I like Perez to have another strong showing and will happily back him at this price.
Memorial Tournament 2015 Matchup Pick: Pat Perez (+115)
Charl Schwartzel (+113) over Graham DeLaet (odds from Pinnacle Sports)
Coming off a rare MDF at the Nelson, I’m willing to put a unit on the 2011 Masters winner to show well at one of his favorite courses. I’m expecting him to make it eight career cuts in a row at the Memorial and with back-to-back Top 10 finishes here putting some wind in his sails, think he leaves the Canadian DeLaet behind.
Memorial Tournament 2015 Matchup Pick: Charl Schwartzel (+113)
Best of luck with the golf this week and stop by the Everyedge Sports Betting Forum for more picks on this week’s sports action.