Mac Attack at the Verizon Heritage

Posted on April 14th, 2009 by admin

After the trials and tribulations of the Masters, some of the top players are taking a well deserved break this week. However it is still a top-class field at this weeks Verizon Heritage on the USPGA Tour. The venue is Harbour Town Golf Links which has been a particularly good hunting ground for Boo Weekley (33/1) over the past two seasons, where he has won on both occasions.

At the beginning of the year, I outlined how I fancied Boo at 2/1 to win on Tour this year. I expected him to push on from his Ryder Cup exploits but he has thus far struggled this year. With only one top 10 in 2009 (Sony Open in Hawaii) after 8 events, his form is a worry. His putting in particular has been poor, averaging over 30 putts per round. With an average like this, you cannot expect to win tournaments. He clearly likes the course however and therefore cannot be discounted at 33/1.

Jim Furyk (16/1) has not played as well as many had expected but nevertheless has 3 top 10’s in 2009 from 7 starts. People have pointed to his putting being a problem but the stats show that he is averaging 27.95 putts per round this season, well above the tour average. This golf course calls for accurate driving and solid iron play and Furyk must therefore be considered. Coming off a solid performance last week at the Masters, I believe he can be there or thereabouts this week. At 16/1, certainly worth an each way!

Rory McIlroy (22/1) is one of the few who is showing the potential to rival the great Tiger Woods. It is early days yet however, and he has still got a long road ahead of him if he is to light up the world of professional golf. I cant see him not fulfilling this potential however. I said in the build up to the Masters that making the cut and a top-20 finish would be excellent for McIlroy. To his credit, this is exactly what he did. The lessons he would have learned from taking 7 and nearly getting disqualified on the last on Friday in Augusta will prove invaluable and aid in the maturing process. Although still relatively a novice on the USPGA tour, I expect a good tournament this week from Rory. My only fear is possible fatigue after last weeks events. At 22/1, he is great value though and I’m saying he continues his impressive season with at least a place this week.

Verdict

Jim Furyk (16/1) and Rory McIlroy (22/1) are my picks this week as I hope to follow on from Mickelson’s placing at the Masters last week. As always, feel free to air your views. Thank you to those who have and to those who haven’t, you have no right to slag me off until you do