Welcome to today’s Crush & Fade, your weekly look at the current PGA Tour event with a quick glance back at the previous tournament.
Charles Schwab – The Ode to Aviators
Last week I kicked things off with a “do you remember,” so let’s run it back. Do you remember when nobody wearing aviators had ever won a PGA Tour event? I do. Because before last weekend, it had never happened. I’m sure of it.
Ben Griffin changed that with his first solo victory at Colonial. He was rocking the aviator shades and held on late to beat Matti Schmid. There’s just something about aviators I can’t take seriously. I don’t know why, but they don’t look right on a golf course. Let alone on a top 25 player in the world, which is exactly what Ben Griffin is now, sitting at No. 24 in the OWGR.
If you’re a fan of the Barstool Sports Fore Play pod like I am, you’ll also know that Frankie Borrelli and Ben Griffin are total lookalikes. Frankie could throw on a golf fit and some aviators and probably walk right into Jack’s Place at Muirfield Village this week. Good luck at the Memorial, Frankie.
the Memorial
Quick tangent. What is it with Ohio and the word “the”? THE Ohio State University. But then it’s the Memorial with a lowercase “t” every single time. Wild times. They need to chill with the unique “the” usage.
This week the Tour heads to Dublin, Ohio, and Muirfield Village. Jack’s Place. Will the Scottie Scheffler show continue? He returns to defend his title after an 8-under win at the 2024 edition.
I love how tough this course is. Jack’s not messing around with this par 72 layout tipping out at 7,569 yards. The last two winners have both finished in single digits under par and I don’t expect that to change.
Sandman Top Bets
I love Scottie and who doesn’t this week. After him there’s a cluster of players at +1600 or longer.
Scottie Scheffler WIN +290 (CRUSH)
Take it to the bank. He’s just better than everyone right now and there’s no one close. After his PGA Championship win at Quail, he was home last week. I think he settles in again here and handles this brutal test with his usual precision. Hitting greens, managing misses, scrambling when needed. Classic Scottie.
Xander Schauffele TOP 10 +190 (CRUSH)
Xander is +1600 to win but I love him for a Top 10. He plays great on tough tracks and he has a good record at Muirfield Village. I expect him to be in contention again on Sunday.
Corey Conners TOP 5 +650 (CRUSH)
Conners is +2800 to win but the Top 5 is where I’m leaning. He’s in good form and that sharp iron game always keeps him lurking. He hasn’t closed the deal in a while but he’s a threat here.
Sandman Crush Picks
CRUSH: Scottie Scheffler WIN +290
CRUSH: Xander Schauffele TOP 10 +190
CRUSH: Corey Conners TOP 5 +650
Sandman Fade Pick
Picking fades can be a little trickier. You’re not betting against someone directly, but more looking at popular plays that might flop. This week I’m locking in one guy.
FADE: Hideki Matsuyama
WIN +3300
Top 10 +350
Top 20 +150
I also faded him last week and that worked out. I just don’t trust where his game is right now. He’s been inconsistent from tee to green. Until I see otherwise I’m staying away, even though he’s one of my favorite guys on Tour.
Good luck this week.
The Sandman
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