PREVIEW ST. JUDE CHAMPIONSHIP

PREVIEW ST. JUDE CHAMPIONSHIP

TPC SOUTHLAND MEMPHIS, TN

August 3 to 6, 2023 Par 70

Purse $20M same as last year

This tournament started as the Memphis Open in 1958.  In 1969 entertainer Danny Thomas agreed to add his name to help fund St Jude Hospital which opened its doors Feb 4, 1962.  Danny Thomas’ association was good for the tournament and he was the driving force behind creating St Jude Hospital for children.  In 1986 Federal Express became the tournament sponsor.  They increased the purse from $500K to $605K, then to $750K, and then to $954K.  This was an increase of $454=47% in 3 years, which was in line with the PGA’s total purses which increased 43% in those 3 years.

TOP 10 OPENING ODDS FOR FAVORITES

Scottie Scheffler 7/1 He should have won last year, but not playing well enough to win this year.

Rory McIlroy 8/1 I don’t think he can repeat.

Jon Rahm 8/1 If he is focused (as he usually is at major events) he should win.

Patrick Cantlay 14/1 He is too inconsistent.

Xander Schauffele 16/1 He has played well in spots.  If Rahm does not win it may be him.

Viktor Hovland 18/1 I still don’t think his game is complete enough.

Tyrrell Hatton 22/1 Could be a sleeper.

Tommy Fleetwood 25/1 Does not look like he will ever win a PGA event.

Jordan Spieth 25/1 He and Collin just don’t seem to have their total game together.

Collin Morikawa 25/1 Same as Jordan.  Don’t bet on these guys.

BEST LONGSHOTS

#1 Wyndham Clark 30/1 He outplayed Scheffler & McIlroy to win the US Open.

#2 Tom Kim 40/1 Came in 2nd with lowest final RD at OPEN.  My long shot to win.

#3 Keegan Bradley 60/1 #8 in FedX points.  Has 2 wins in 2023.

#4 Brian Harmon 35/1 If he plays anywhere near the way he won the OPEN, he wins again.

#5 Ben An 50/1 With a few breaks he wins Wyndham.  This may be his breakout.

SENTIMENTAL FAVORITES WITH LITTLE CHANCE 

#1 Rickie Fowler 28/1 His win at the Rocket Mortgage was GREAT, almost won the US Open.

#2 Jason Day 30/1 He has had the best comeback year .  Finally won at the Byron Nelson.

#3 Lucas Glover 75/1 He should not even be here.  His putting has been sensational lately.

#4 Justin Rose 50/1 At age 42 won at Pebble Beach in Feb.  Won US Open in 2013 at Merion.

#5 Chris Kirk 100/1 He overcame alcoholism and won the Honda Classic.  A feel good story.

#6 Eric Cole 110/1 Turned pro in 2009 and is a 35 year old rookie on the PGS Tour.