Last Week: Winner, winner. One of our selections to win the Charles Schwab Challenge was Russell Henley, and he took a playoff over Eric Cole for his sixth career victory. We cashed a ticket at +2000.
This Week: The Memorial Tournament is, of course, Jack Nicklaus’s affair and that alone is a reason why so many big names sign up. The fact that the purse is $20,000,000 doesn’t hurt either. The course has not been altered since a year ago, a notable fact for a layout that has undergone many make-overs during its days as host for this event and other big tournaments. The winners here have captured top spot with a variety of scores ranging from even par to 20 under. The last two wins have been from Scottie Scheffler, a good indication that an all-around game is required for success.
Winner:
Rory McIlroy +1200
McIlroy doesn’t have the greatest of records here but does have three top-10s in his last eight appearances. He’s coming in rested, having not played since the PGA Championship. Being long off the tee as McIlroy is, is an advantage around this course.
Si Woo Kim +2000
Kim has done everything but win this season. He has four top-10 finishes in his last seven starts, including a second in his last tournament, the Byron Nelson. Just needs his putting to be even lukewarm and he could notch a victory. . . finally.
Top 10
Xander Schauffele +135
Schauffele has finished inside the top 25 in his last seven starts at the Memorial. He has also been inside the top 10 in five of his last seven events, including a tie for seventh at the PGA Championship. Has been enjoying a solid putting season.
Tommy Fleetwood +175
Fleetwood has been inside the top 20 in his last two starts at this event. He comes in with a solid game that has seen his putting numbers improve over the last five events. Five top 10s so far this year.
Top 20
Gary Woodland +145
Woodland comes in after a solid tie for sixth at the Charles Schwab Challenge last week. The last time he teed it up at Muirfield Village he tied for 24th. He’s third in driving distance and his putting has been solid all year long.
Aaron Rai +130
Pretty good odds for a guy who just won a major. Of course, he missed the cut here in his last two starts so that may say something. But playing with accuracy off the tee and some decent, if not spectacular, putting numbers says something. Oh, there’s also probably a lot of confidence in his game too.
Extras
Top Canadian - Nick Taylor +200
He’s the hottest of the Canucks
US Women’s Open
Leader after the first round - Nelly Korda +1400
