I didn’t necessarily want to write a preview on this weeks golf tournament, but after hitting Kevin Na at 60/1, I felt guilty not giving our audience another winner. So as a man of the people, I decided to take time out of my pool day to handicap the 2019 Memorial Tournament. Played at the iconic Muirfield Village Golf Club, the Memorial Tournament can be looked at as a graveyard for favorites in recent years. The last five winners have gone off at 60/1 or higher and I have to think that’s been disappointing for Jack Nicklaus. As the face of the Memorial, I can’t imagine he had pictured handing the trophy to guys like Jason Dufner and William McGirt… Yikes
But before that, Muirfield was consistently victim to the elite golfers of the world. Matt Kuchar, Tiger Woods, Justin Rose and Steve Stricker are all former winners here. Common thread between these players? Ball striking. Give me ball strikers this week as there is plenty of water and hazards to contend with.
Tiger Woods 12/1
It’s almost impossible not to bet Tiger at the Memorial Tournament. He’s won it five times here and when he was making his comeback last year, he had plenty of success at Muirfield. When Tiger goes to a course he’s had previous success at, I think it gives him a little boost. (Reference his Masters win) After missing the cut at the PGA Championship, I’d be shocked to see Woods not in striking distance come the weekend. He’s the best iron player in the history of golf and this is the type of course that punishes somebody who hits an errant shot. Tiger might be live this weekend… And what a sight it’d be to for Tiger to tie Sam Snead’s 82 win-mark with Jack Nicklaus handing him the trophy.
Matt Kuchar 20/1
It’s tough to swallow a number this short on Kuchar, but given his consistency and history here at Muirfield, he seems like a safe bet to have in contention come Sunday. Kuchar ranks 1st in the field in stories gained at Muirfield Village and is 3rd in ball striking on tour. He avoids trouble, hits long irons well, and has the approach game to attack the short par 4s. I know KUUUUCCCCHHHHH is kinda a jag off after tipping his caddy in Mexico like $6, but for the tournament I can forgive him if he decides to be a hero and win this weekend.
Gary Woodland 30/1
Elite ball-striker that can’t putt. That description seems to be my downfall when betting golf but I’ll always take my chances that a bad putter can get hot on the greens every once in awhile. Ranking 1st in ball-striking and 11th in par-4 scoring, I think Woodland has the type of game to perform well at Muirfield Village. He’s a bomber but I almost like him better at tracks he can club down and hit his stinger that gets overshadowed by the GOATs. Honestly, this might give Tiger’s a run for his money.
Others to consider
Henrik Stenson 50/1 Top 8 Each-way
Emiliano Grillo 65/1/Top 8 Each-way
Keegan Bradley 80-1/Top 8 Each-way
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