2016 PGA Byron Nelson
Where: TPC Four Seasons, Irving, Texas
When: Thursday 19th May (First tee 10:00pm)
Purse: $7,300,000
What a clinic Jason Day put on in last week’s Players Championship. Day opened with a course record tying 63 and never looked back. It is now very clear that Jason Day is a genuine world number 1 and it looks like 2016 could be one of those amazing years. He already has three wins and six top 10’s with $5,561,729 in the bank.
Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing Jason Day at the Byron Nelson this week. In fact, we won’t be seeing many of the Top 10 golfers. TPC Four Seasons in Texas will host the Byron Nelson (but not for long) as this is one of the most hated courses on tour. Last year Australian golfer Steven Bowditch won this event (which shocked everyone) in very soggy conditions. There are more thunderstorms forecast for this weekend so we could see another water-logged course.
With that in mind I am looking at players that are long off the tee, have a good par 4 record and have had success here in the past. Recent form, as always is a big factor. Here are my selections for the 2016 Byron Nelson.
Dustin Johnson
He is having a super season (without a win). In the ten events DJ has played six of them have been top 10’s. He has already earnt $2.2 million and seems to be knocking at the door. He finished 8th here last year with a 62 in the 3rd round and 7th here in 2014. As we know he hits the ball a mile averaging 308.0 (ranked 4th) and his Par 4 scoring average is 3.98 (ranked 7th). With all of the other big names out (except Jordan Spieth) its seems like a great week for DJ to grab his first win of the season.
Tip: Dustin Johnson to win outright - $10 at CrownBet
Brooks Koepka
Another player that can get it out there is Brooks Koepka. He averages 305 yards off the tee (ranked 11th) and also has a very good Par 4 average (4.00 ranked 22nd). Koepka played okay last week and finished tied for 16th here last year. Players such as Koepka need to take advantage of these weaker fields and this week should suit him.
Tip: Brooks Koepka to win outright - $29 at CrownBet
Graham Delaet
Delaet is longer than people think off the tee averaging 297.4 (ranked 33rd) and although he played a bad second round last week at the Players championship he has a very good record at the Byron Nelson. He finished T10th in 2013, T7th in 2014 and T22nd last year. He is known for his crisp ball striking and looks value at this price.
Tip: Graham Delaet to win outright - $67 at CrownBet
+ Delaet to finish Top 20 - $4 at CrownBet
Will Wilcox
Another long odds value pick. Wilcox has had four Top 25’s this season earning himself $651,492. He finished T22nd here last year with four consistent rounds of 68,67,67 and 67. He averages 294 yards off the tee and he could just surprise everyone this week in Texas.
Tip: Will Wilcox to win outright - $126 at CrownBet
+ Wilcox to finish Top 20 - $7 at CrownBet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
