Northern Trust Open - Preview, Picks & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer, Derek Clements

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SERGIO GARCIA and Victor Dubuisson make their 2015 PGA Tour debuts at the Northern Trust Open as the West Coast Swing comes to an end with us still waiting for a first multiple champion. Just once in the past 10 years has the schedule gone 14 events without a two-time winner – 2012, when Hunter Mahan won his second in the 15th stop.

Having already won the WGC HSBC  championship, Bubba Watson will be looking to continue that trend when he defends his title at Riviera on a 7,400-yard course that could have been designed for him. The left-hander, who will defend his Masters title at Augsta in April, has been in good form this year and will feel that he has a great chance of joining an elite club to successfully defend a trophy.

When he won last year, Watson did so with a pair of 64s at the weekend. He went into the final round four adrift but reached the turn in 30 and ended up winning by two. He played the final 39 holes without dropping a single shot.

It was his first victory since the 2012 Masters, a span of 41 starts that included a runner-up in Phoenix two weeks earlier, done in by two late bogeys. Dustin Johnson (66) took runner-up honours for the second consecutive week. Johnson is back for his third start since ending his leave of absence and it is beginning  to look like he has never been away - this could be the week he becomes a winner again.

He will have stiff opposition from Jimmy Walker, who leads the FedEx Cup points standing, and Jordan Spieth, who is destined to lead them at some point in the not too distant future.

Riviera, which is just outside Los Angeles, is famous for the par-three sixth hole, which features a bunker in the middle of the green. Over the years, many players have given the greenkeepers heart failure by option to pull out a lob wedge if they finish on the wrong part of the green. It is something Watson has done in the past and would have no hesitation in doing again.There is also the drivable par-four 10th, which could be a crucial hole come Sunday - anything from a two to a six is possible.

This looks certain to be a big week as the main men start to turn their thoughts towards a certain four days at Augusta in April.

But don't be surprised if Fred Couples, a former champion at both Augusta and Riviera, finds himself in contention. He certainly knows the course. This will be the 33rd time he has played in this event. Boom Boom is here on a sponsor's exemption.

Northern Trust Open betting picks 

Dustin Johnson 14/1 The big man is ready to win again

Each way

Charles Howell III 75/1 A previous winner of this tournament and long overdue another good week

Bubba Watson 14/1 Will come here with good memories

Northern trust Open fantasy picks

Bubba Watson 14/1 Win or lose, you know he will give you good value

Charles Howell III 75/1 Why he hasn't won more tournaments is a mystery

Dustin Johnson 14/1 It's almost like the Dustinator has never been away

Jordan Spieth 14/1 The brilliant youngster is due to deliver again - and soon

Jimmy Walker 17/1 How can you bet against Mr Consistency himself?

Bill Haas 40/1 Another previous winner, who has already claimed one victory this year

JB Holmes 35/1 Gripping it and ripping it as well as ever

Victor Dubuisson 70/1 Always seems to contend these days

Brandt Snedeker 20/1 Sneds is back - and about time too

Pat Perez 80/1 Making his 49th consecutive start on the West Coast Swing, playing well and due a win