TPC Twin Cities

The 3M Open provides an anti climactic follow up to last week's superb Open Championship.

A week of immense regret for me, as after walking the course Schauffelle was the obvious choice and for me massive favourite. A week where it seemed obvious watching Mcilroy on practise day throwing his arms around in tantrums, that he had very little chance of making the cut, and a week where I chose not to back Schauffelle as I wanted 14/1 and only 11s and 12s in some places was available. I think sometimes you can lose yourself in the algorithm, and with it being a major I went for quantity over quality much to our detriment. It happens, and in some instances, Villegas, Taylor have proved hugely profitable because of this, so we have to roll with the punches. Xander was sensational on Sunday and although the fairy-tale stories of Rose or Horschel didn't quite work out, it was great to see such class shine through from a guy who I am warming to, despite writing him off pre PGA Championship.

So as we head to the 3M Open at Twin Cities (Par 71, 7431 Yards 3 par 5s) this week, it's a 3 man squad based around tournament form and current form only. Tony Finau hit a 2 iron last week I was about 8 feet from and I've never seen anything like it. A thing of immense beauty, how this man hasn't won more would be a huge shock, but for putting woes that threaten to derail his career it's that bad. He's won twice here but at 10/1 I just can't back him with the way the flat stick is performing.

First pick and main pick for the week was trending going into last week anyway, but SAM BURNS is ripe for a win soon. After a slow season, mainly governed by new parenthood, Burns is finding his way again, and starting to roll his rock in such a way he could decimate a field soon, not just win, especially a field like this. His 80 on Sunday came about from pushing the boat on a course that would give nothing, and such a score does not put me off at all. He has a month off after the Travellers to be at home before the Open, so last week is a great warm up for a man who's form here of 7th and 32nd (with a poor 72 last round), and he comes to life this time of year as the play offs loom on the horizon. He is 18/1 8 places with Paddy Power and others and we go 7pts e/w on him.

Next up THE form player without a win here, showed some return to form last week, which has really heightened my interest. He gave us a great day at Colonial last season, and EMILIANO GRILLO is right at home here. 10th, 2nd, MC (covid times), 3rd, shine through and at a tasty price given the field of 55/1 4pts e/w 8 places with Paddy Power.

Last up (and with no big investments this week), we go with another form horse, and another average putter. He knocks out 2 Canadian's who I had in my mind for this week, so let's hope Taylor Pendrith and Roger Sloan don't do anything. TOM HOGE has been quiet this season. He's a top player tee to green, and a 62 at the Travellers tells me he is close to his best again. Another one shooting a final round 80 last week, could find comfort in his liking here, and being relaxed he could shoot low here. His record - 20th, 4th, MC (covid again), 46th, 23rd, if he can hole a few putts it could be a tasty 33/1 4pts e/w 8 places with Hills/Paddy Power and others.

Go Well

TEWT