It is the final FedEx Cup points carrying tournament of 2019 on the PGA Tour this week as many of the stars of the circuit head to Georgia for the RSM Classic, a popular stop off not least because for most it carries the last chance of earning cash before Christmas.
Charles Howell III did exactly that 12 months ago when he strolled off with the title, and he will be looking to keep hold of that and claim another chunky first prize. As always though, some decent players oppose him.
Recent Winners
2018 – Charles Howell III
2017 – Austin Cook
2016 – Mackenzie Hughes
2015 – Kevin Kisner
2014 – Robert Streb
2013 – Chris Kirk
2012 – Tommy Gainey
2011 – Ben Crane
2010 – Heath Slocum
The Courses
This is a two course tournament to add a different dynamic into the mix. The Seaside Course and the Plantation Course are the two in play. The Seaside is the one which three of the four rounds on while the field get one spin around the Plantation track. The Seaside Course is a par 70 measuring 7,005 yards while the Plantation is a lengthened par 72 which is now 7,060 yards so neither track is especially long.
Wind is going to be in play in this tournament which is always the case so that is something to factor into the equation but by and large we are looking for solid tee-to-green types who can get the ball into the hole. This isn’t a week for bad putters even allowing for the fact that nobody has seen the changed up Plantation Course competitively. The rough isn’t too bad but accuracy is key around here.
The Field
You wouldn’t expect this to be the best field on the Tour and it isn’t, but it does have some household names in the form of defending champion Charles Howell III, Webb Simpson, Matt Kuchar and Zach Johnson among others. Billy Horschel is another man who is well known to golf fans everywhere. From a European standpoint Russell Knox and Alex Noren lead the way.
Former champions such as Ben Crane, Kevin Kisner and Robert Streb all have a tee time this week as do a number of the younger brigade who are making names for themselves in Scottie Scheffler, Lanto Griffin and Aaron Wise. FedEx Cup leader Brendon Todd is here looking for a third win in as many events after claiming the title in Mexico last week.
Market Leaders
It is Webb Simpson who heads the betting this week. He is 9/1 to win this tournament which even with his decent record here looks a little on the tight side to me. He doesn’t win as much as he probably should with the tools he has at his disposal. I could make a better case for him if this was a one course event but the second course brings a bit of a lottery element into play. Given that is the case, I’m happy to swerve the former US Open champion.
Billy Horschel clicks in as the second favourite at 16/1. This is first start here since he threw the tournament away three years ago and it will be interesting to see if that memory does any psychological effect at any stage. Horschel has been trending in the right direction across the globe in recent times but this price feels right if not a little on the tight side who I’ll wait for a better week to get back on Billy.
Matt Kuchar is 20/1 to finally win a tournament most judges feel he should have won on a number of occasions. He surprisingly has a poor record on this course but having had a tune up for the event when he made his seasonal bow in Mexico last week to defend his title, you would think he will have every chance here. I’ll expand further on Kuchar down below as he is my main bet for this tournament.
The defending champion Charles Howell III is a 25/1 shot to hang on to his title. He has started this season in good touch without ever really threatening to win but we know that he knows how to win this tournament and I’m sure he’ll be eager to hold onto the crown. If this turns into a putting contest that might be a concern but CH3 is certainly an attractive enough price for an each way punt.
Main Bets
As I eluded to above, Matt Kuchar is my main bet this week. He clearly needed a couple of days to shake off the rust but on that crazy Sunday in Mexico he ended with a 62 and led the field that week in putts per GIR. You would think on these tracks he’ll have no issues finding the dancefloors and given that last week was his first event for two months you’ve got to think he’ll come on for the run as well. Kuchar is one of the best putters in the world and his long game should be perfectly suited to this test so his poor record here is something of a mystery. With freshness behind him I fancy he can put that right this week.
It is a big few weeks for Adam Hadwin. He has a leading chance in this tournament before he heads down under for the Presidents Cup looking to deliver the goods there. Hadwin is regarded as an excellent putter but his runner up and T4 already this season highlight that his long game is in good order at the minute. He has all the tools required to go well round here and if he gets into contention he rarely disappears from it. He could be a nice price at 35/1.
Outsiders
Lanto Griffin was on fire earlier in the season and while he has gone a little quiet since then he hasn’t had many events to play in and the ones he has had haven’t really suited him but this one will. He is the leading birdie maker on the Tour this season and with a lack of power needed on these courses his shaky long game shouldn’t be as much of an issue. Actually that has improved the longer the season has gone on. He won in Houston a month or so ago which shows that if the breeze gets up he won’t be fazed at all and at 70/1 he looks back to being underrated. I’m annoyed I wasn’t on in Houston as I was on so often prior to that so I’ll take him in the hope he’s kind to me here.
Robby Shelton is another who I was keen on for much of the season and although he faded for a few weeks after a bright start to the campaign, the sixth placed finish he delivered last week is more than enough to catch my eye again here. Shelton is a decent putter and we saw earlier in the season when he should have won The Greenbrier that he has a long game that can compete. That should really flourish around here as well. Shelton fits the profile of many of the recent winners so at a three figure price I’m happy to be on.
I’ve taken Doc Redman a few times in his short career already and not had any joy as yet but I’m convinced that is going to come so with that in mind, I’m happy to give him another go this week. There won’t be too many chances early in 2020 that suit him I don’t think so that might make sure he goes well here. The lack of intensity on the long game is certainly going to help him here so if he can find some greens he could make a mockery of what is a pretty big price.
Tips
Back M.Kuchar to win RSM Classic (e/w) for a 1.5/10 stake at 21.00 with Betfair (1/5 1-8)
Back him here:
Back A.Hadwin to win RSM Classic (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 36.00 with William Hill (1/5 1-6)
Back him here:
Back L.Griffin to win RSM Classic (e/w) for a 0.5/10 stake at 71.00 with 888sport (1/5 1-6)
Back him here:
Back R.Shelton to win RSM Classic (e/w) for a 0.5/10 stake at 101.00 with Sky Bet (1/5 1-7)
Back D.Redman to win RSM Classic (e/w) for a 0.5/10 stake at 151.00 with Sky Bet (1/5 1-7)
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