Golf, at the top level at least, is in great shape just now. The number of world class players is growing every season and golf fans are blessed by a schedule which includes many highlights. Of those highlights, the FedEx Cup playoffs have quickly become one of the most exciting and anticipated periods on the golfing calendar.
Every one of the four playoff events are top notch but there is something extra special about the Deutsche Bank Championship. The tournament is always held over the Labor Day weekend so unlike most events runs from Friday to Monday, while the host course, TPC Boston, is one of the most popular tracks on the PGA Tour.
TPC Boston has undergone a number of changes over the year but it retains its unique feel. The par 71 layout now stretches out to a maximum yardage of 7,297 yards but it’s not the distance which makes this place special, it’s the variety of holes. There is a drivable par four to balance off against the long par fours, some par fives are reachable in two while others are genuine three-shotters while the par threes are equally varied in style and length. To win here, players have to be on top of all aspects of their game.
Day Favourite Once More
It is fair to say that there was only one area of Jason Day’s game which he was not in full control of last week at the Barclays. The world number one was striping his irons, making the most of his magic short game and holing putts from all over the greens but he just could not get a handle on his driver.
Fortunately for Day, missing the fairways at TPC Boston is not a major concern but he will still need to be more accurate off the tee to justify his favourite status. Given that there is only a small improvement required, it is tough to ignore the bookies’ favourite at 7/1 with Coral.
Reed Looks to Double Up
There is a special sense of momentum provided by the FedEx Cup series. Previous years have shown that the player who best rides that wave normally ends up $10 million better off come the end of the Tour Championship. Patrick Reed will of course be gunning for that huge prize but more than that, he’ll be wanting to prove that he truly belongs at the top of the game. TPC Boston is a course that should suit Reed’s scrambling abilities and his high class ball striking so make sure to get him on board at 25/1 with Ladbrokes.
Fowler Worth Supporting to Bounce Back
Rickie Fowler is the defending champion this week and he’ll have to make the most of all the positive vibes that brings him following his dismal final round at the Barclays. Fowler threw away a healthy lead to allow Reed in in New York but he is mentally tough enough to bounce straight back at a course that he loves. He will find winning very tough but it is still worth backing Fowler for a top five finish at odds of 6/1 with Betfred.