RSM Classic preview: TV times and betting tips
After the first Masters in 19 months we move across Georgia for the RSM Classic. Not quite the same field, but a strong European contingent on show. Are we expecting any of them to contend? Read on…
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RSM Classic details
Venue: Sea Island Resort, Georgia, USA
Date: November 19-22, 2020
Course stats: Seaside course: Par 70; 7,005 yards; Plantation Course: Par 72; 7,060 yards
Course summary: Following the Masters, this week’s venue is a stark contrast to Augusta National. The tournament uses two different courses, both of which are short and strategic. The Sea Island Seaside course is exposed to the elements and plays like a true links. The Plantation course, used for one round before the cut, is a tight parkland track that is also susceptible to strong winds. Bermuda grass greens are a feature on both courses, so an affinity with the surface will be an advantage here.
Purse: $6.6 million
Defending champion: Tyler Duncan (-19)
RSM Classic TV coverage
Thursday: Featured Groups on Sky Sports Golf (Red Button) from 3pm and Sky Sports Golf and Main Event from 5pm; Full coverage on Sky Sports Golf and Main Event from 6pm
Friday: Featured Groups on Sky Sports Golf and Main Event from 3pm; Full coverage on Sky Sports Golf and Main Event from 6pm
Saturday: Sky Sports Golf from 6pm
Sunday: Sky Sports Golf from 6pm
RSM Classic staking plan
Doc Redman – 1pt e/w @ 60/1 with bet365
Redman arrives in great form after two top-10s in five starts, and a 23rd place finish last year only adds to his appeal. His 4th place finish in Bermuda could be a good indicator for this week, with that performance coming on a windy coastal links. When looking back to last season, a T21 finish at the RBC Heritage demonstrates an affinity for this type of track, and as a consistent type who hits his fair share of greens he should play well this week. At 60/1 he certainly offers value, and in a strong field he could be worth siding with for a strong each-way chance.
Dylan Frittelli – 1pt e/w @ 65/1 with bet365
Frittelli emerged from the Masters as one of the unexpected success stories, contending at the top end of the leaderboard throughout. A T5 finish at Augusta is his best finish since the end of the 2019 season, and this track should suit his style of play, given recent form. The South African ranked 11th for GIR and 15th for scrambling at Augusta, and both measures are vital here. His regular season stats aren’t anywhere near as impressive, but a T35 finish here last year and solid form at Harbour Town demonstrate an ability to play well in these conditions. This price is appealing based on last week’s performance, and I fancy him to challenge as a strong each-way selection.
CT Pan – 1pt e/w @ 70/1 with bet365
Pan also had a tremendous week at Augusta, where a top 10 was his best finish since 2019, but perhaps more impressive was the way he achieved it, ranking 11th for GIR and 1st for Scrambling. Pan has also had success on Bermuda grass greens recently, when ranking T7 for SG: Putting at the Sanderson Farms Championship. His previous course form is also encouraging, with a top 10 and top 15 in three starts here, and a win at Harbour Town which further highlights his prowess on a coastal links course. This selection hangs on Pan’s ability to transfer last week’s form to this event, but if he does I believe he represents great value.
Austin Cook – 1pt e/w @ 70/1 with bet365
Cook won this event in 2017, and after a recent runner-up finish at the Shriners he could be primed to make another challenge for the title. Cook appears to be perfect for this, hitting 73% of GIR and 65% of fairways from the tee.This event has ranked amongst his three best finishes on tour in two of the last three seasons, with a notable 11th here in 2019 when defending his 2018 win. Cook seems to be making strides back to his best golf, ranking in the top 40 for SG: Total on tour this season, with a game that is consistent and effective on this type of track. At a big price for a former champion, who also carries in some recent form, I will be backing Cook to deliver.
JT Poston – 1pt e/w @ 90/1 with bet365
Poston will be disappointed with a missed cut at Augusta last week, but his season has started well with a 3rd place finish at the Sanderson Farms Championship. That event also uses his preferred putting surface, and a return to Bermuda grass will please Poston. A T14 finish here last year was a big improvement on three previous missed cuts, and some of his best career performances have come on similar coastal links courses. Poston’s putter often defines his performance, ranking 14th and 20th for SG: Putting in the last two seasons. In order to be successful here he will need to hit more GIR, but with a fired up flatstick I fancy Poston to challenge towards the top end of the leaderboard come Sunday.
For more prices, visit bet365.
