STAR PREVIEW: Charles Schwab Challenge 2019

It’s nice to be back to winning ways after Blue Horseshoe Loved (and tipped) Brooks Koepka to win the US PGA Championship last week. That’s two for two in the majors this year and while I’m still to come to a conclusion on my picks for the US Open at Pebble Beach in three weeks time. Blue Horseshoe already knows who it LOVES for the Open at Royal Portrush this year. I’ll give you a hint; He comes from Spain and he’s built like a brick s**t house. More on why he’s so loved later.

But to more immediate events, namely the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. This traditional tree lined course which has been hosting PGA Tour events since 1936. It’s a relatively short, tight, twisting track that, unlike last week, values accuracy off the tee’s and excellent ball striking from the fairways, over distance.

So, with driving distance an irrelevant stat I’m looking at who’s converting it well from the fairways and who’s putting well.

Blue Horseshoe Loves…

Jordan Spieth, to win. Currently at 12/1 with starsports.bet

Spieth played very solidly at an extremely challenging Bethpage Black last week, finishing tied for third on two under par. His iron play was excellent all week and it looks like he has finally rediscovered his putting mojo. He won this event three years ago and he will be very hard to beat if he starts well this week

Xander Schauffele, each way. Currently at 16/1 with starsports.bet

Schauffele has been a model pf consistency this year. He ranks in the top twenty in greens in regulation, which is an important stat to carry into this tight layout. He also sits inside the top fifty n strokes gained putting and has an excellent short iron game. I think we will go very close.

Matthew Fitzpatrick, each way. Currently at 55/1 with starsports.bet

The Englishman had an awful opening round of 75 at Bethpage Black but came roaring back with a second round 65, which turned out to be the low round of the day. Bethpage was not for Fitzpatrick at all as he is not blessed with length. But what he lacks in distance he makes up for in accuracy. He is inside the top fifty in driving accuracy and if his putter gets hot, he can start rolling them in from all over the place. He his great each way value for his price.

Daniel Berger, each way. Currently at 80/1 with starsports.bet

It’s been a lean spell for Berger as he’s had to come back from injury issues. But the last few tournaments his name has started featuring again around the top of the leader boards. His opening round 70 and second round 66 had him right in contention at Bethpage Black, but his final two rounds caught up with him, once again this was a course that wasn’t suited to his strengths. Colonial is far more his alley of mid iron ball striking and chipping it close. This guy is supremely talented and loves a scrap if he’s in contention come Sunday. I think he’ll win again sooner rather than later and is brilliant value for his price.

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RECOMMENDED BETS (scale of 1-100 points)
BACK JORDAN SPIETH 2 pts win at 12/1 with starsports.bet
BACK XANDER SCHAUFFELE 1 pt each-way at 12/1 with starsports.bet
BACK MATTHEW FITZPATRICK 1 pt each-way at 12/1 with starsports.bet
BACK DANIEL BERGER 1 pt each-way at 12/1 with starsports.bet

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