The FedEx St. Jude Invitational always attracts a top field of golfers, and this year’s tournament is no exception. There are several golfers who are favorites, such as new No. 1 Jon Rahm (10/1), and Justin Thomas (12/1).
With two tournaments this week, I am hoping my luck can turn around. I took a relatively unknown golfer in Robby Shelton at the Barracuda Championship. With this version of One Bet: $100, I’m picking another underdog in Tyrrell Hatton at 5/1 to finish in the top 5 at the FedEx St. Jude.
The last bet I made was on Kevin Streelman to finish in the top 10 at the Memorial Tournament. Streelman was nowhere near the top 10, shooting four rounds in the 70s and finishing tied for 54th.
One Bet, $100
|
This Week’s Pick |
Last Week’s Result |
Season Total |
|
Tyrell Hatton top 5 |
Lost: Kevin Streelman top 10 |
1-9, -$580 |
Hatton, however, I feel is a much more solid pick. The Englishman has been playing some strong golf against tough competition, and I feel he’ll be able to hang around the top of the leaderboard.
Hatton Brings Strong Resume to FedEx St. Jude
Hatton has played a selective schedule on the PGA Tour in a definite case of quality over quantity. The 28-year-old has played in just six events this season, and his worst finish was a tie for 14th at the HSBC Champions in November.
This year, Hatton finished tied for sixth at the WGC Mexico Championship in February, then won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March. After the PGA Tour’s 12-week suspension, Hatton played in the RBC Heritage, finishing tied for third, and the Rocket Mortgage Classic, where he tied for fourth.
In every tournament except one, Hatton has had a realistic chance to win the event. It seems he’s playing his strongest golf at the moment, and that could continue this week at the FedEx St. Jude.
Stats Favor Hatton
One of the reasons for Hatton’s strong play is how well he is managing a golf course. He is 10th in greens in regulation, and is second in shots gained in approach to the green.
That’s translated into numerous birdie opportunities, which Hatton has taken advantage of. He’s first in birdie average, and third in scoring average.
The biggest plus, I believe for Hatton, is his putting. He’s first in shots gained in putting, third in total putting, and third in putting average.
If there’s a red flag, it would be his results at this event. In 2019 he finished tied for 43rd. That was the only time he played at TPC Southwind.
I’m willing to overlook the fact he’s only played this event one time, however. He has the game to do well here, and appears to be peaking at the right time. I feel fairly confident he can finish in the top 5 at the FedEx St. Jude.
