The final FedEx Cup event of 2017 takes place on the PGA Tour this week when the RSM Classic takes place in Georgia. 156 men get the opportunity for a final pay day before Christmas in what is usually a competitive event.
Two courses provide the backdrop for the week with picturesque views and exposed tracks as we find the final winner of 2017 save for a couple of exhibition events. Mackenzie Hughes claimed the honours last year and defends the title this week.
Recent Winners
2016 – Mackenzie Hughes
2015 – Kevin Kisner
2014 – Robert Streb
2013 – Chris Kirk
2012 – Tommy Gainey
2011 – Ben Crane
2010 – Heath Slocum
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The Courses
Two courses make up the tournament – the Seaside Course and the Plantation Course. The Seaside Course is used for the bulk of the event and is a par 70 which measures 7,005 yards with the Plantation 53 yards longer but playing to a yardage of 72.
Both courses require accuracy off the tee despite the greens being among the easier to find. The players who are successful here nail plenty of greens in regulation and are among the best putters in the week. This will be a low scoring event so par 4 scoring is an important statistic. The tracks are exposed so players who can play in the wind are advisable.
The Field
There may be 156 runners this week but with a much more significant event taking place on the European Tour a lot of the heavy hitters are teeing it up out there so we have a chance for the second string and newcomers on the PGA Tour to shine once again.
We do have major champions in the field though. Webb Simpson, Zach Johnson, Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington and Stewart Cink are some of the names who have climbed the highest mountain in the sport. Last week’s winner Patton Kizzire tees it up here as does last year’s winner Mackenzie Hughes.
Market Leaders
The former champion Kevin Kisner is the 18/1 favourite this week. The fact he is that big highlights how weak the field is and how competitive the event promises to be. This is his first start of the season so it remains to be seen if he is carrying any rust. That would concern me about taking a relatively tight price in a field this open.
Matt Kuchar and Brian Harman are the 20/1 second favourites to win the tournament. This will be the first start for both of them since the WGC so they should be well rested and both are capable of winning any tournament they tee it up in. Harman has a top 10 around here while Kuchar has a solid record without having cracked the code.
Webb Simpson is next in the betting at 22/1. He is a former runner up in this tournament and has four solid efforts coming into the week. Whether his putter is in the nick you’d want it to be in for him to win a shootout remains to be seen. Charles Howell III comes next at 25/1. He’s in fantastic form but he is another whose putter can let him down at the wrong time. It is 30/1 bar.
Main Bets
I think Brian Harman is a leading chance this week. His record here is mixed it has to be said but his improvement over the last 12 months has been there for all to see. He is comfortable in the wind and one of the best putters going around. He is sneaking under the radar when it comes to current form. He has back to back top 10s in his last two outings so everything combined gives him every chance of delivering at 20/1.
I’ve been backing Scott Brown for the last few weeks and nearly paid the price last week when I didn’t back him and he went into the back nine on Sunday in contention. He is excellent in the wind and has three top 20s in four starts here. Last week’s finish was his second top 10 in his last three tournaments so he is both a form horse and a course specialist. At 40/1 he’s a decent price.
Outsiders
Graeme McDowell has all the credentials to go well here. He was third on his only previous visit and this looks a good chance to finish the year on a high. He needs to start winning both for his status and his Ryder Cup chances so weeks on short tracks such as this one where ball striking and putting are key take on extra significance. He looks a big price at 80/1.
J.T. Poston is a local lad to this area so he should be familiar with the courses. He is a member here which while it doesn’t give him an advantage in terms of being familiar with the course given that this tournament is well established, it does at least mean he can enjoy home comforts. He has a top five and a top 15 coming into the week so he’s in decent form and it could be worth paying to see how much he enjoys the home support and surroundings.
Luke Donald is in the same boat as McDowell. He is an excellent wind player and remains one of the better putters on the PGA Tour. He was seventh in the Alfred Dunhill Links last month which highlights that he is hitting the ball well and that he is putting nicely. Those are traits needed to go well here so he’s my final outright.
Tips
PLACED – Back B.Harman to win RSM Classic (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 21.00 with Boylesports (1/5 1-6)
Back him here:
Back S.Brown to win RSM Classic (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 41.00 with Coral (1/5 1-7)
Back J.T.Poston to win RSM Classic (e/w) for a 0.5/10 stake at 81.00 with Coral (1/5 1-7)
Back them here:
Back G.McDowell to win RSM Classic (e/w) for a 0.5/10 stake at 81.00 with 888sport (1/4 1-5)
Back him here:
Back L.Donald to win RSM Classic (e/w) for a 0.5/10 stake at 91.00 with Bet365 (1/4 1-5)
Back him here:
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