Royal Montreal in Quebec hosts the Canadian Open this year. A par 70, the course measures just 7,153 yards. Labeled a “shot-maker’s” course, will it favor accurate drivers, bombers with short irons in, Strokes Gained Putting, or someone high on the list of my new favorite stat, Proximity to the Hole?
Defending champion Brandt Snedeker might make me lean toward the Strokes Gained Putting stat. Notoriously a strong putter, Brandt’s work with Butch Harmon seems to be starting to pay off and he’s ranked 23rd in SGP this year after finishing 4th in the category last year. I’m passing on Sneds to repeat this weekend though.
Last year’s Canadian Open was memorable for Hunter Mahan, leading the tournament after 36 holes, getting the call his wife was going into labor and promptly packed his stuff, withdrew and hopped on a plane home. Don’t be entirely surprised if he exacts some revenge on critics questioning his desire to win with a strong showing.
The last time a Canadian won the Canadian Open, you ask? It hasn’t happened since 1954. Graham DeLaet is a popular pick to end the drought for Canada. So popular in fact, his odds sit at 25/1 currently. Simultaneously he would retire the label of “Best Player Without a Win” by hoisting the trophy this Sunday. Without a strong showing, he may lose the label for the wrong reason. I’ll pass.
So who do we like?
I’m not sticking my neck out too far this week with Dustin Johnson. He’s playing well and he is really, really long. Dustin is ranked 2nd on tour with a 311 yard average drive. If he could only putt, right? Well, he’s actually sitting 77th in Strokes Gained with the flat stick. Not terrible and he’s ranked higher than I expected. I like that he will be hitting wedges into greens while others hit 7 irons.
Graeme McDowell shows up on my favorites list again this week. I think he stays hot, plus he’s an RBC guy. Isn’t it pretty easy to picture him winning a sponsor tournament (again)? As solid as he has played this year, he deserves another win. He has a great chance here and Vegas agrees as he sits 16/1.
The shorter course brings my Dark Horse into play, Tim Clark. The guy can’t hit it as far as even you & I, but he’s usually sitting in the fairway. Clark ranks #3 overall in Driving Accuracy. Couple that with #1 in Proximity to the Hole and I think we’ve fit the “shot-maker” description (you didn’t think I was going to let my favorite stat dangle, did you?).
I’m picking from the no taller than 5’8″ category again for my 80/1 Flyer Pick, Scott Brown. He should be rested from his impressive showing at the John Deere Classic and like Tim Clark, we don’t have to worry about jet lag with this pick. Scott ranks 9th in Par 3 Birdie average and sits in the top third of numerous stats. I think he’s got a shot.
Good luck this week!
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