32Red’s Sponsorship manager Jack Milner delivers a weekly verdict on each tournament.
Brooks Koepka narrowly missed out on US Open’s ‘Three-Peat’ last week at Pebble Beach, finishing a gallant second behind first-time major winner Gary Woodland. Brooks, staggeringly, has more major wins than tournament wins on the PGA Tour, and has to be avoided at the 8/1 mark this week at The Travellers.
I’m stunned to see Francesco Molinari at 22/1 with 32Red after a promising week in California, and definitely back heading in the right direction. Frankie was -4 through the first six holes of his final round before eventually carding -1 at the Par 71 venue and should better than when heading to River Highlands.
Last year’s winner Bubba Watson was never going to be suited by the test of Augusta but has a terrific record here at the Connecticut venue, and looks too big at 28/1. At similar prices, I can make a case for Marc Leishman, who was level par for the week at Pebble Beach, and Tommy Fleetwood at 25/1 bidding for a maiden success across the pond.
The European Tour moves onto Germany for the BMW International Open with two-time major winner Martin Kaymer hoping to send the locals home happy after his narrow missing the corresponding tournament. Interestingly enough, 32Red are bottom price the German, with 14/1 looking skinny enough for the World Number 93 after two excellent weeks Stateside.
At the same prices, I much prefer the chances of Matthew Fitzpatrick who thrives in these types of events and played brilliantly to finish inside the top twenty at Pebble Beach. Fitzy missed last year’s event however, is sure to thrive at a course when accuracy off the tee is crucial. Fitzpatrick ranks second on tour for strokes gained on the field and looks a fair price to each-way players at 14/1.
Thorbjorn Olesen went through a purple patch 12 months ago, winning the Italian Open before a final round 61 saw him finish second to Matt Wallace, and I expect ‘Thunderbear’ to put a poor run of form behind him in Germany. Despite missing the cut at The US Open, Olesen is a five-timer winner on tour and looks too big at 40/1.
Jack’s BMW International Open Picks
Matthew Fitzpatrick at 14/1 with 32Red
Thorbjorn Olesen at 40/1 with 32Red
Jack’s Travelers Championship Picks
Francesco Molinari at 22/1 with 32Red
Bubba Watson at 28/1 with 32Red
Marc Leishman at 25/1 with 32Red
Tommy Fleetwood at 25/1 with 32Red
