Ginger Joe has his sights set on two who look set to challenge Scottie Scheffler at the Houston Open.
Houston Open
On the PGA Tour this week, attention turns to the Houston Open headlined by Scottie Scheffler. Traditionally the final warm-up event before the first major of the season, but it’s far from a lowkey affair, this is still a title players are highly motivated to win.
Scheffler has opened as the clear favourite at around 7/2, and if he arrives anywhere near his best, he’ll be extremely difficult to beat. That said, this course tends to favour big hitters, with the wide fairways encouraging aggressive play, and strong putters on Bermuda greens also have a big advantage.
There weren’t many players further down the market who stood out this week, but the two I’ve selected look particularly well suited to the test, and both capable of serving it up to the world number one.
Ginger Joe's Houston Open Tips
SAM BURNS - 1pt each-way at 30/1 (8 places - SkyBet & Paddy Power)
CHRIS GOTTERUP - 1pt each-way at 20/1 (6 places - BetMGM, SportingIndex, SpreadEx)
BresBet
Sam Burns at 30/1 (Eight Places)
To challenge Scottie Scheffler at Memorial, a player needs a few key attributes. First, length off the tee is crucial. The wide fairways allow big hitters to open up and let loose with the Driver, setting up shorter approach shots.
Second, strong approach play is essential. Sam Burns possesses both of these qualities, along with an added advantage, that he’s consistently one of the best putters on Bermuda greens. Burns has proven he can score at this venue, with multiple top 10 finishes and even holding the 54-hole lead before ultimately finishing a close seventh.
His game is steadily approaching peak form and he tied for 13th at the most recent Players Championship. While he’s missed a few cuts earlier this season, he has finished tied 6th at Pebble Beach, and that recent effort at The Players should give him the confidence to kick on. #
30/1 is generous enough for Sam burns this week.
SAM BURNS - 1pt each-way at 30/1 (8 places - SkyBet & Paddy Power)
Chris Gotterup at 20/1 (Six Places)
Chris Gotterup looks like another one of the main challengers to Scottie Scheffler this week, and this course seems tailor made for his game.
He burst onto the scene over the past year, and this season he has already claimed two PGA Tour titles, with no signs of slowing down.
Gotterup is an aggressive player, which means things can occasionally go wrong, but when his game is clicking, he looks exceptional, and this course is wide open. He won the Sony Open this season with a superb final round of 64, and then edged out Hideki Matsuyama in a playoff at the Phoenix Open.
Given his current form, it feels highly likely he could add another win this season. A course like this, where players can take calculated risks off the tee, suits his attacking style perfectly.
He also has a strong track record here. Last year, he was under par every round and each round steadily improved as the tournament progressed.
All signs point to him being a serious contender this week.
CHRIS GOTTERUP - 1pt each-way at 20/1 (6 places - BetMGM, SportingIndex, SpreadEx)
