WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational preview: Betting tips and TV times
After the excitement of the Olympic Games, the PGA Tour’s biggest stars are back in action at the WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational. I’ve picked out three players coming straight from Tokyo who I’m expecting to shake off the jetlag and perform well in Memphis. But first, here’s what you need to know…
WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational details
Venue: TPC Southwind, Memphis, USA
Date: August 5-8, 2021
Course stats: Par 70; 7,238 yards
Course summary: A tough test that is fitting of a WGC event awaits the players in Memphis. Tree lined fairways, of which nine are doglegs, will test the players’ accuracy off the tee. Water comes into play on at least half of the holes, and numerous bunkers offer protection to the smaller than average Bermuda greens.
Purse: $10.5 million
Defending champion: Justin Thomas (-13)
WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational TV coverage
Thursday: Sky Sports Red Button from 3pm and Sky Sports Golf from 5.30pm
Friday: Sky Sports Red Button from 3pm and Sky Sports Golf from 5.30pm
Saturday: Sky Sports Red Button from 2pm, Sky Sports Golf from 5.30pm
Sunday: Sky Sports Red Button from 2pm, Sky Sports Golf from 5.30pm, and Sky Sports Main Event from 10pm
WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational betting tips
Bazza’s Banker: Collin Morikawa @ 14/1 with Bet365
On a ball-strikers course, where laser-accurate iron play is heavily rewarded, how can you ignore one of the hottest golfers in the world right now and someone who strikes the ball better than most. Newly-crowned Champion Golfer of the Year Morikawa certainly justifies being towards the top of the betting markets, fresh off-the-back of his stellar performance in Tokyo that just saw him miss out on Olympic bronze. The American ranks 1st for SG: Approach and 2nd for SG: Tee-to-green in the last three months, so I can’t see many fairing better this week.
The outsider: Paul Casey @ 33/1 with Bet365
Casey will perhaps feel unlucky to have come away from Tokyo with nothing, especially after coming up short in a 7-man play-off for a bronze medal. Casey appeared inspired by his experiences in Tokyo, especially when you listen to him talk after his final round, and that could be the boost he needs to secure this win. In the last three months, Casey ranks 1st for SG: Tee-to-green, and 2nd for SG: Approach, so is up there with Morikawa as a supreme ball striker. At a reasonable price, I fancy Casey to convert his recent positive energy into another strong performance.
The long(er) shot: Shane Lowry @ 45/1 with Bet365
Lowry has had a mini-resurgence in form, with two top-10s and five top-25s in his last six starts. The Irishman is another player who seemed to relish the Olympic Games experience, and I can see him using that energy to have a strong end to the season. In the last three months, Lowry ranks 12th for SG: Approach and 13th for SG: Tee-to-green, so he has all the skills needed to take on this course.
For more prices visit Bet365.