PGA Tour preview: CJ Cup TV times and betting tips
After a disappointing week for my selections on the PGA Tour I am looking to bounce back with a winner at the CJ Cup. This limited-field event, held for the first time at the Summit Club in Las Vegas, boasts some of the world’s best players and is sure to be one of the biggest events of the fall season. Having scoured the field, I have narrowed it down to three selections that I think can take the trophy this week. But first…
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CJ Cup details
Venue: The Summit Club, Nevada, USA
Date: October 14-17, 2021
Course stats: Par 72; 7,403 yards
Course summary: This pristine Tom Fazio design is new onto the PGA Tour scene and with that we are a little unsure what to expect. What we do know is that this typical desert track is well-manicured, with Bermudagrass fairways and Bentgrass greens. Water lurks on seven holes, while natural desert hazards also wait to punish players who make mistakes.
Purse: $9.75 million
Defending champion: Jason Kokrak (-20)
CJ Cup TV coverage
Thursday: Sky Sport Golf (Red Button) from 3.15pm, Sky Sports Golf from 10pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 10pm
Friday: Sky Sport Golf (Red Button) from 3.15pm, Sky Sports Golf from 10pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 10.45pm
Saturday: Sky Sports Golf (Red Button) from 10pm and Sky Sports Golf from 11.30pm
Sunday: Sky Sports Golf from 10pm
CJ Cup betting tips
Bazza’s Banker: Collin Morikawa @ 16/1 with Bet365
After an incredible Ryder Cup performance at Whistling Straits, I am taking Morikawa as my banker this week at a course he knows well. Morikawa has played this course before, as a current member, so should have a slight advantage with course knowledge over his competitors.
His recent form was sketchy before the Ryder Cup, with zero top 20 finishes since his major win at the Open Championship. That doesn’t deter me however, as Morikawa often turns up off the back of average form to win as was the case at each of his last three victories.
In the last three month, Morikawa ranks 5th for SG: Tee-to-green and we all know how hot is putter can get when on a roll so don’t be surprised if Morikawa gets close to a 6th career win this week.
The Each-Way Play: Tyrrell Hatton @ 40/1 with Bet365
Hatton shot back into form after the Ryder Cup with a runner-up finish at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, and in an event where he has played well in the past I like his price. Clearly, event form is less tangible than most weeks, as this event is regularly played at different courses, but nevertheless I like that confidence will be high with Hatton right now and that is worth a lot in his case.
The Englishman played well in the desert last season, finishing 3rd in this event at Shadow Creek before a poor third round scuppered a strong start at Sherwood the week after. A pair of opening 65s shows how well he can play in those conditions, and with four consecutive top-15 finishes in this event I am hoping he can kick on and secure his second PGA Tour victory.
The Long(er) Shot: Marc Leishman @ 45/1 with Bet365
Leishman has been in sublime form recently, with back-to-back top-4 finishes on the PGA Tour. Solid approach play and an average green-in-regulation percentage of 75% over the first two events of the season suggest he is playing some of his best stuff right now. He also ranks 2nd for SG: Total and is absolutely on fire with the putter, so looks to have every chance at a big price.
The Australian won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans last season, alongside compatriot Cameron Smith, but is without a solo win since the 2020 Farmers Insurance Open. A solid start to the wrap-around season suggests he is hitting his form at just the right time to capitalise before the season proper, and although this is more of a ‘feel’ selection I do feel relatively confident of a good run at a great price.
For more prices visit Bet365.
