There is a better than average field assembled for this week’s PGA Tour offering, the RBC Canadian Open, including Jim Furyk, who is seeking a hat-trick of successes in this event, albeit on different courses.
The Course: Glen Abbey GC, Oakville, Ontario (par-71, 7,273 yards)
The first course that Jack (Nicklaus) built back in 1976, Glen Abbey has hosted 23 Canadian Opens, the last one in 2004, when it had narrower fairways, extra bunkers and a change of par to 71. The Bentgrass greens are smallish and undulating, requiring accurate iron play. It’s a fader’s (left to right hitters) paradise. Due to recent heavy rain, the course will this week play considerably longer, although scoring should be easier on the receptive greens.
Ross' Top Tip: Dean Wilson @ 33/1 bet365
Many of the leading contenders were in action at Royal Birkdale last week, so it’s anyone’s guess how they will perform here. Chances are their swings will be out of kilter after the buffeting they took from the wind, so the safe play is to take them on. Wilson stayed at home last week and his reward was third place at the US Bank Championship, his second top-three in three tournaments. A six-time winner on the Japanese Tour, he’s well overdue his second win on Tour and it could come this week.
Next Best: Fred Couples @ 55/1 Paddy Power
Old ‘Boom Boom’ is one of the best faders of the ball, so it’s no surprise that he has a decent record on this track – runner-up in 93, tied-3rd in 91, and two other top-10’s (not played here since 1995). He may be a veteran now, but he can still hack it with the best judged on his fourth in Houston, top-eight’s at Torrey Pines and Wachovia, and a 15th at Sawgrass. What’s more, he’ll be fresher than most having had last week off.
Outsider: Ryan Palmer @ 125/1 Skybet
The former Walt Disney winner has missed plenty of cuts this year – hence his price – but he did manage a back-to-back 10th and 15th at Sugarloaf and Colonial, and finished 11th in Milwaukee last week. He was also third in this event last year, so there are plenty of positives for a bet, not least his generous price.
Match Bet: Dean Wilson to beat Bubba Watson @ 10/11 Ladbrokes
Tournament Lay (Betfair): Jim Furyk
I will probably regret this, but I’m taking on Furyk for the reason given above. Besides, his Glen Abbey record is nothing to get excited about – never finished higher than 22nd in four attempts.
Recommended Bets:
Dean Wilson 1pt each way @ 33/1 bet365
Fred Couples 1pt each way @ 55/1 Paddy Power
Ryan Palmer 1pt each way @ 125/1 Skybet