Who to back at the Northern Trust Open

At the AT&T Pro AM at Pebble Beach I suggested taking a punt on Phil Mickelson...I was pretty close. Second is still not bad but it could have been better. Now the PGA Tour heads to the Northern Trust Open. Rory McIlroy is in the field and so is golf’s other iconic lefty, Bubba Watson. Should be a great week. 

Jordan Spieth is still the favourite at 6/1 this week at Riviera and you can find Rory at 7/1. Don’t expect much in the way of return unless you bet on them to win. But remember...Spieth has not won since the Tournament of Champions and McIlroy hasn’t won so far this season. Will it be their turn now? Either way I don’t intend to chance it at those odds. So here is who I fancy to do well.

Hideki Matsuyama 18/1 (Betfred)

Winner of the Phoenix Open after beating Rickie Fowler in an epic playoff. He’s looking really good so far this season. He also came 4th here last year and just missed out on the playoff by one shot. He will be brimming with confidence for this one. 18/1 puts him as fourth favourite. Go on then, I’ll have a piece of that. 

Sergio Garcia 28/1 

It’s been a while since Sergio last won on the PGA Tour. However, he is still pure class and on his day can rip a course apart. Made the playoff at the Player’s Championship and by far the best player to have not won a major. Plus I just have a soft spot for Sergio...I want him to win. But he’s a good Each Way value here. 

Charl Schwartzel 33/1 (Ladbrokes) 

The South African is having a great time on the course so far. Won the Tshwane Open by 8 shots, although he didn’t perform well here last year. But that was last year...he is already looking strong and will want to continue the good run. 33/1 makes him a great Each Way bet.

Paul Casey 60/1 (BetVictor) 

Had his struggles in the past but now looking like a player full of confidence. Came 2nd here last year after losing the playoff. Odds reflect his missed cut at the Farmer’s Insurance but remember...before that came 5th at the Hero World Challenge. Could make a push this week and at 60/1, an excellent price for a class act. 

Retief Goosen 225/1 (Bet365) 

For those who love high odds then look no further than the South African. Came 8th here last year. Had three top ten’s last season and could surprise at any given moment. 225/1 for a two time U.S Open champion. Ok he’s getting on a bit but he’s still good enough to get into the top 10 and maybe top 5 for a great Each Way. 

When Paul Casey met Valdy!!!