He fell short of the career grand slam, but Spieth heads our picks for the first FedEx Cup play-off event.
Course info:
Glen Oaks is hosting a PGA Tour event for the first time this weekend.
Its superintendent, Craig Currier, previously worked at Augusta and 2016 Northern Trust venue Bethpage Black, and, like those courses, it is set up nicely for pure ball-strikers, with five par-fours of over 470 yards.
Shots gained from tee to green and approach play are stats to look out for in potential picks.
Previous success at the Masters is also a good sign, as is a solid result in this event at Bethpage Black last year.
Back to win
Jordan Spieth – {ODDS:181361434:11/1}
He might not have brought home the career grand slam a fortnight ago, but Spieth remains the one to beat at Glen Oaks.
The American is only two starts removed from back-to-back wins at the Travelers Championship and the Open, and he’s finished 13th or better in five of his last seven.
An in-form Spieth playing at a course that suits him is a terrifying prospect, and his 2015 Masters win and T10 finish at Bethpage Black last year suggest that he will enjoy the set up at Glen Oaks.
Ranking second in approach play, and third in total shots gained this season, he simply has to be backed this weekend.
Rickie Fowler – {ODDS:181361461:14/1}
Fowler is another player whose record at similar courses bodes well for his chances at Glen Oaks.
The 28-year-old led on the Sunday at Bethpage Black last year before finishing T7, and placed 11th at the Masters this year, having held the lead after two days.
The world No. 10 currently ranks first on the PGA Tour in total shots gained in 2017, and is unlucky that his Honda Classic win in February is his only victory of the season.
Given that he also ranks 14th in approach play and first in putting, Fowler has a great chance of winning on these tricky, Augusta-like greens.
Each-way shout
Charley Hoffman – {ODDS:181361637:50/1}
With 1,498 points, Hoffman is the highest-ranked player in the FedEx Cup standings not to have won on the PGA Tour this season.
The 40-year-old has been remarkably consistent with five top fives – including two in his last three starts – and he hasn’t missed a cut in 12 events since the RBC Heritage back in April.
Glen Oaks looks well-suited to Hoffman’s game. He ranks 28th from tee to green and 13th off the tee this season.
He might not have it in him to win against this strong a field, but he’s a fine each-way bet given just how regularly he contends.
Outside bet
Francesco Molinari – {ODDS:181361610:66/1}
If Glen Oaks favours elite ball-strikers, Molinari has to have a chance this weekend.
The Italian has ranked first on the PGA Tour in approach play this season, and is currently third in shots gained from tee to green.
Molinari has been really consistent with eight top-20s and just three missed cuts this season, and he came second at the US PGA Championship a fortnight ago.
That form, along with his strong approach play, suggests he can produce his first win since the 2016 Italian Open.
