A bunker in the middle of the green! Courses are getting pretty freaky to contend with technology these days – although the 6th at Riviera has been around since 1927. The 6th is one of the many challenges at Riviera, along with tight fairways and steep catchment areas on the wrong side of greens, that will stop players going Pebble Beach low at the Northern Trust Open this week.
Let’s look at the tournament in more detail:
The Course
“Hogan’s Alley”, or the Riviera Country Club as it’s more widely known is a 7,349 yard par 71 course just out of Los Angeles. Nicknamed after Ben Hogan after he won three times in an 18 month span, the course is home to the unusual site of a bunker nestled in the middle of the green on the par 3 6th. It’s also home to very drivable number 10th hole. A par 4 that is sure to see some birdies at this weeks Northern Trust Open.
The Sound Bites
“I’m just so excited about what’s next,” – Brandt Snedeker said after winning at Pebble Beach. Many are predicting big things for Sneds after the impressive win. He’s at $23.00 to go back to back.
“Right now it doesn’t matter what I shoot, doesn’t matter if I win the tournament this week or if I lose it with a three-putt, whatever it is. It’s fun. I’m playing golf for a living. It’s fun. And my kids, my wife are more important” – Bubba Watson doesn’t see any pressure coming in as defending champion.
The Defending Champion
Bubba Watson provided one of the best close outs in recent times last year when he shot 64-64 over the weekend to win by two. The quirky left hander came from four back with a blistering finish that showed off his creative short game and unflappable steel down the stretch. It broke a torrid drought without a win and set him up on his way to Masters glory. Dustin Johnson finished second.
The Contenders*
Jimmy Walker – $17.00
Bubba Watson – $13.00
Sergio Garcia – $31.00
Jordan Spieth – $13.00
Dustin Johnson – $13.00
Charlie Beljan – $81.00
Nick Watney – $31.00
*AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am odds courtesy of Bet365 Australia.
The Winner
We’ve gone with the regular guys again this week but also added a couple of well placed smokeys. Dustin Johnson looks to be shaking off the rust and finding some decent from, and buoyed by last years finish here might do okay. But we like the look of Beljan; third last week and a good record at Riviera, and Watney; coming into some nice form and having got a good view of Snedeker’s finish last week. We like Watney.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
