The PGA Tour leaves the Lone Star State and heads north to Buckeye Country for the Memorial Tournament hosted by Mr. Buckeye, Jack Nicklaus. The Golden Bear is proud of where he grew up, putting on this event since 1976, and attracting a world-class field year after year.
Most of the elite players are on hand, led by the trio of Dustin Johnson, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth. Unfortunately, Rory McIlroy had to withdraw, citing rib issues. In all, seven of the top 10 and 18 of the top 30 in the world rankings are teeing it up this week. The field is one of the strongest of the year.
The last three winners at Muirfield Village have been first-timers: Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama won in 2014, Sweden’s David Lingmerth came out of nowhere to capture the title in 2015 and William McGirt won last year in his 165th PGA start.
Every week, BookMaker.eu has weekly golf matchups on the board, and there are a few that I really like for the Memorial. Last week I was 2-1 and this week I like five head-to-head golf odds matchups. Let’s take it deep!
(Odds courtesy of Bookmaker.eu)
Jon Rahm (-115) vs. Jordan Spieth (-115)
This is one of what I call, the power matchups of the week. Arguably two of the best young players in the game facing off here. Both finished second last week in Texas, so this is like a carry over to see who wins. Rahm seems to play well week after week no matter where he plays, while Spieth is more of a mixed bag as of late, missing two cuts in a row before his great play last week. I’m riding Rahm to the bank.
Pick: Jon Rahm (-115)
Kevin Kisner (-130) vs. Tony Finau (EVEN)
Kisner won last week at the DEAN & DELUCA, and he will receive a lot of attention. It’s very difficult to play at an elite level two tournaments in a row and this week’s venue, Muirfield Village, doesn’t bode well for Kisner’s game. On the other hand, Tony Finau has played well in Ohio with a T8 in 2015 and T11 last year. Finau ranks fifth in GIR and his length will be a huge advantage this week, and too much for Kisner to handle. And, the winner is, Tony Finau!
Pick: Tony Finau (EVEN)
Marc Leishman (-115) vs. Bud Cauley (-115)
Leishman is ranked No. 36 in the world, Cauley No. 102. That’s a big discrepancy and all you need to know. Leishman is the better player and the Aussie proves it this week in Ohio.
Pick: Marc Leishman (-115)
Kyle Stanley (-130) vs. Sean O’Hair (EVEN)
Really? Stanley favored over O’Hair. It should be the other way around. O’Hair comes in hot with a T5 and T2 in his last two starts. Stanley is coming off a missed cut and is not as consistent as O’Hair right now. Give me O’Hair.
Pick: Sean O’Hair (EVEN)
Phil Mickelson (-115) vs. Jason Dufner (-115)
 I would take Mickelson over Dufner every day of the week. Lefty is still a top-25 player, actually No. 23 in the current world rankings. Dufner isn’t on the same level as Mickelson – not even close. Duf is ranked No. 65 in the world. You do the math – I’m taking the No. 23 ranked player over the No. 65 ranked player every time!
Pick: Phil Mickelson (-115)
Check out the latest Memorial Golf Tournament Match Up odds.
