We are creeping up on the year's final major. However, before the world's best gathering on the hallowed ground of St Andrews, we have a double slate of tour events. You have the top players playing at the Renaissance Club at North Berwick. Some guys, however, are looking to keep their tour cards at the Barbasol Championship. We give you some bets for both and a breakdown of what you can expect at each track
Scottish Open Track - The Renaissance Club
The Renaissance Club is a Par 71 and a rather short track for links golf. At 7237 it is just shy of 100 yards less than St Andrews, so if guys keep it in play plenty of short approach shots into greens. The last three Scottish Opens have differed in finishing score, weather plays a big factor here. -22 -11 and -18 were those scores, so keep an eye on the weather report.
Barbasol Championship Track - Keane Trace Golf Club
This is the fourth time that Keene Trace Golf Club will host this event. It’s a fairly simple track, measuring a little over 7,300 yards. This par 72 will also see some low scores given recent history. The previous winning scores were -23, -26, and -21, so guys will have to go low to win here. The greens are big, the fairways are wide and this is not exactly US Open rough either.
Scottish Open Winner Picks (0.5 Unit Plays)
Viktor Hovland +2900
Hovland is one of the best ball strikers in the world. He is someone that has picked up six wins in just 85 career events. You throw him into an environment that he is familiar with playing in and I think he thrives. Hovland was T12 at the Open last year at Royal St Georges, so he plays links golf well and I like him to win this week because of it.
Jordan Spieth +2900
We are talking about an Open Championship winner being nearly 30/1 to win. Spieth not only won the Open before but was second to Morikawa last year too. Yes, the Scottish Open will play a little bit differently, but Spieth is playing well. 12th in the FedEx Cup, Was T7 just six weeks ago at the Charles Schwab as well. Roll with the Texas kid to win.
Barbasol Winner Picks (0.5 Unit Plays)
Kevin Streelman +2500
On top 25 finish over his last eight events will put people on edge to take Kevin this week. He also missed half the cuts over that same stretch, but this is still a two-time tour winner. This is the type of event that can right the ship and get him back on track so I like the value of 25/1 to win.
Tyler Duncan +4900
I always get concerned about picking a winner that missed the cut at the same event the year prior. Duncan is different though, as he did have a top 15 finish on tour just a few events ago. Tyler's world ranking is low, but he is right on the "cut line" for the FedEx Cup. A good finish would go a long way, but a win means a few more years on tour.
Scottish Open Top 10 Pick (1 Unit Play)
Sam Burns +330
I have seen many people fade Burns this week, but I am not too sure why. Last year, when Burns was not even playing as strongly as he is now, was tied for 18th at this same track. He has multiple wins this season and so I think he is a solid option given the value of +330. He clearly plays the track well so put some dough on Sam this week.
Barbasol Championship Top 10 Pick (1 Unit Play)
Mark Hubbard +310
Top twenty finish at this event last year for Mark and I think he improves upon that. Hubbard was T13 at the John Deere last week and has made the cut in his last six events. All he needs is that top ten finish and he will accomplish that at the Barbasol. Take a chance on a guy playing some solid golf to finally put all four rounds together in one week.
All Betting Lines Come Bet99, The Competitive Hedge Podcast Betting Sponsor
Scottish Open Top 20 Picks (1 Unit Plays)
Cameron Smith +145
Smith's value has dipped since he missed the cut at the US Open, but I think that is an outlier. His putter has been a tad cold, but he is still one of the best in strokes gained per approach in the world. Smith played well at the Open last year through three rounds as well, so I like the plus value here.
Tyrrell Hatton +220
Hatton is normally a fade option for me on this side of the pond, but in Scotland I like him. Hatton was T18 at this event last year, so he would have cashed for you there. The Open is a different animal, which is why I think he missed the cut last year there. He will have a solid finish heading into St Andrews.
Barbasol Championship Top 20 Picks (1 Unit Plays)
Patton Kizzire +195
Kizzire was a money maker last week for the top twenty at the John Deere and we are rolling with him again. Sometimes you just need that one event to get you going and that could be the one. Going to roll with the "hot hand" and take Patton again.
Michael Thompson +290
Thompson had a poor weekend at the John Deere last week, but making the cut was an encouraging sign. Michael has made his last four cuts but needs that strong weekend finish to get that top twenty that we need. On an easier track, I think he accomplishes that are we cash a nice +290 value play.
Other Plays We Will Be Hammering (1 Unit Plays)
Scottish Open 72 Hole Bets:
Cameron Smith over Matthew Fitzpatrick +106
Billy Horschel over Keegan Bradley -121
Jordan Spieth over Will Zalatoris +102
Barbasol Championship 72 Hole Bets:
Mark Hubbard over Adam Svensson -109
Patton Kizzire over Chesson Hadley -121
Kevin Streelman over Chris Gotterup
Thank you to everyone that gave this a read-through! Check out the other great work at the network, including my podcast the Competitive Hedge Podcast