Zozo Championship preview: TV times and betting tips
Another event moved from Asia to the US in the wake of the pandemic and it’s a strong field as the likes of Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and, of course, defending champion Tiger Woods look to sharpen their game ahead of the Masters at the Zozo Championship.
- Related: 2021 PGA Tour schedule
Zozo Championship details
Venue: Sherwood Country Club, Thousand Oaks, California
Date: October 22-25, 2020
Course stats: Par 72; 7,020 yards
Course summary: In contrast to the mammoth Shadow Creek, Sherwood is a very different challenge. More than 500 yards shorter, the course boasts undulating tree- lined fairways, where par-5s are all reachable in two. Creativity is essential on this second shot golf course which demands accuracy. Large bentgrass greens, over-seeded with poa annua, are protected by daunting water hazards that will pose the risk-reward question regularly.
Purse: $8 million
Defending champion: Tiger Woods (-19)
Zozo Championship TV coverage
Thursday: Sky Sports Golf (Red Button – Featured Groups) from 6pm, Sky Sports Golf and Main Event from 10pm
Friday: Sky Sports Golf (Red Button – Featured Groups) from 6pm, Sky Sports Golf from 10pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 10.30pm
Saturday: Sky Sports Golf (Red Button – Featured Groups) from 6pm, Sky Sports Golf and Main Event from 10pm
Sunday: Sky Sports Golf (Red Button – Featured Groups) from 5pm, Sky Sports Golf from 8pm
Zozo Championship staking plan
Webb Simpson – 3pt win @ 20/1 with bet365
When reading about this course, and the type of player that plays well here, the first name that came to mind was Simpson, who was magnificent at manipulating the ball and creating opportunities resulting in a win and five top-15 finishes at the end of the 2020 season. Simpson has started the new campaign in similar style, with a T8 and T13 finish in two starts. The North Carolina native also has course form here, with three previous visits reading 5-7-13, so there is plenty to like about his chances this week. His statistics from last season further highlight his suitability, ranking 6th for SG: Approach, 12th for Scrambling and 1st for Putting Average. In the past I have felt the pain and misery inflicted when tipping Simpson at a short price, only for him to have an untimely off week, but I believe in him here and that is why I am prepared to go with him again.
Bubba Watson – 2pt e/w @ 35/1 with bet365
Bubba is a player that epitomizes the phrase ‘horses for courses’. When able to demonstrate his creative flair, on a golf course that suits a shot-shaper, he can be a joy to watch. Bubba has course form here, reading 3-9-6-14, and is arriving off the back of an impressive performance in Las Vegas. At the end of the third round, where he posted an impressive 65, Bubba ranked 5th for SG: Off-the-Tee, 3rd for SG: Approach and 2nd for SG: Tee-to-Green. He is worth gambling on when hitting form.
Kevin Kisner – 1pt e/w @ 125/1 with bet365
Kisner hasn’t started the 2020-2021 season in the form he would have liked, but an encouraging 5-under-par third round at Shadow Creek last week seems promising, and I like his price here at a course that should suit him. The end of last season was fruitful for Kisner, with six consecutive top-25 finishes taking him all the way to East Lake. Despite somewhat underwhelming performance statistics, I can’t help but like Kisner on a shorter course and more intricate course. This is more a feel selection, but at that price he could certainly deliver with some each-way profit.
For more prices, visit bet365.
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