FedEx St. Jude Classic preview

This preview is brought to you by our friends at golf bet tips. For all the latest information follow on twitter or facebook

TPC Southwind is a 7,244 yard par 70 and ranked as the 10^th most difficult course out of 49 on the PGA Tour in 2012. Length off the tee is a benefit here as there are a number of long par 4’s and good distance off the tee will make these holes much easier.

However, the events previous winner list includes Gay and Maggert which shows that length is not necessarily critical, just an advantage. Consistent golf is a must though, and players who rank well for par breakers and scoring average are most likely to be successful this week.

Players to watch...

Ryan Palmer (28/1) has recorded 3 top 10’s this year and played some consistent golf. Palmer finished 3^rd here last year despite a weak 74 in the first round – his 66-67-66 shows his ability at the course. His stats for 2013 suggest that his game is in perfect shape for a good showing this year – 7^th for par breakers, 8^th for scoring average and 9^th for driving distance.

Jimmy Walker (50/1) has made 15 cuts from 15 events this year...infact it’s 25 events since he last missed a cut – that’s about as consistent as you can get. Palmer tied for 22^nd here back in 2011 but his game has come a long way in the past 2 years. Walker has a beautiful swing and in 2013 is ranking 9^th for par breakers, 17^th for scoring average and 11^th for driving distance. Despite his talent and consistency he is yet to find the mental strength required to win, and for that reason we recommend him as an each-way bet.

Dustin Johnson (20/1) won the season opening Hyundai Tournament ofChampions but has only recorded one other top 10 since then (Shell Houston). Won this event last year on his debut and that experience should assist him this time around. Johnson lies 6^th in par breakers and 4^th for driving distance and although his scoring average (37^th) is not exceptional he should be a danger this week.

Seung-Yul Noh  (150/1) has had a disappointing year so far with his best finish being T16 at the Northern Trust back in March. However, he tied for 7^th at this event last year and hopefully he can draw on that experience this week. Forget his rankings for 2013 as they are poor, but in 2012 he ranked a respectable 19^th for driving distance, 35^th for scoring average and 59^th for par breakers. We think that he is worth a little each-way punt at a big price...he may even have been inspired by Sang-Moon Bae’s win the other week?!

Related Articles

Last week wrap up: Immaculate Ilonen storms home in Sweden

Last week wrap up: Classy Kuchar unstoppable in Ohio