WGC- Bridgestone Invitational
WGC
A star-studded field heads to Firestone Country Club this week for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and it should be another absolute cracker on the South Course in Ohio.
Firestone, standing at 7,400 yards, provides a real test and accuracy off the tee is paramount if you want to land the coveted trophy, with several hazards protecting the fearsome layout in Akron.
Big Guns Out In Force
The top-50 players in the world will be gunning for glory and world number one Dustin Johnson, fresh off his three-shot win at the RBC Canadian Open, is the 8.00 favourite to land his 20th PGA Tour title.
Other notable candidates include Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (11.50), Englishman Justin Rose (15.00), American Jordan Spieth (16.50), defending champion Hideki Matsuyama (41.00) and eight-time winner Tiger Woods (12.50).
Argentine to end trophy drought
Despite the top 50 in the world all taking part, the name of Argentine Emiliano Grillo jumps off the page at a massive price of 101.00. Although turning professional back in 2011, the 25-year-old seems like he has been around for much, much longer and he heads into the tournament off the back of a positive season so far.
The world number 61 endured a disappointing 2017 but he has managed to rediscover his best form this season, having recorded five top-10 finishes whilst he has a further three top-20 results. He may not have won since breaking his PGA Tour duck at the 2015 Frys.com Open, but a second victory doesn’t appear to be too far away.
Grillo’s statistics on the American circuit this year also make for good reading. He is ninth in driving accuracy, 18th in greens in regulation while he sits 20th in strokes gained off the tee. The Argentine has also impressed with the flat stick, sitting14th in strokes gained on putting, whilst his scoring averages further strengthen his claims.
The 25-year-old is second on par-3 scoring, 18th on par-4 scoring and ninth on back-nine scoring, and he looks a tremendous each-way shout at 101.00 to land the WGC event.
Luke Ready To Join The List Of Winners
Another player that looks like a juicy price at 101.00 is Luke List. The American is enjoying one of his best seasons since turning professional back in 2007 and he looks on the cusp of breaking his PGA Tour duck.
The 33-year-old finished in a tie for third at the Scottish Open before taking a share of 39th at the 147th Open Championship at Carnoustie – a decent showing for his debut in the major event. He has another three top-10 finishes to his name this season – including a runners-up spot at the Honda Classic after losing to Justin Thomas in a playoff – and those results have lifted the US star to world number 45.
List is also one of the biggest hitters on tour, sitting fifth in driving distance at an average of just over 315 yards, and this could be a real weapon at Firestone if he can improve on his accuracy off the tee. The American is also fifth on strokes gained off the tee whilst he is 14th on strokes gained around the green.
