Betting tips: Three to follow at the Byron Nelson Championship
The one to be on: Dustin Johnson
It’s no surprise to see the world No. 1 streaks ahead in the market, with question marks hanging over many of those chasing.
Jordan Spieth’s no longer holing the putts that saved a number of his rounds last year.
Sergio Garcia’s first and last round frailties at Sawgrass will put doubt in the minds of some of those looking for him to defend here.
Jason Day shot 80 in his final round at Ponte Vedra Beach.
This venue doesn’t win any popularity contests with the players and, in my opinion, that makes decent course form all the more important.
DJ’s done pretty well here in recent years – seventh, eighth and 12th in the last three years – and he really should have done better.
He looks like he’s going to contend every time he goes out and the new and improved model has a chance to put his rivals to the sword on a course that’s holding its tournament swansong.
I don’t especially like the price – a best of 5/1 – but he’s the obvious choice for the Byron Nelson Championship.
The each way backs: Jason Dufner and Charley Hoffman
When he’s not chucking putters on greens in a disdainful fashion, the Dufman is actually playing some tidy golf.
He’s bagged five top 20s this season and, crucially, his game appears to be suited to the Four Seasons Resort.
An accurate driver, he won here in 2011 and has finished eighth and 24th in the last two years.
With six places on offer, I’ll happily take a piece of the 40s some of the bookies are offering.
Charley Hoffman fits a similar profile.
He can look back at three top-five finishes since February. While he would feel he probably should have won one of those, I can’t get away from the 40/1 price – considering course form of eighth, second and 12th on his last three appearances.
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
