The world’s best golfers will head this week to the famed Las Colinas course in Irving, Texas for the 2016 edition of the AT&T Byron Nelson. A total of $7.3 million is at stake for the world-class field with the winner grabbing not only 500 FedEx Cup points but also the $1.314 million top prize.
Read on below as we list down three high-value long shots who we believe can produce a major shock this weekend. While you’re at it, you can check out our sleeper picks for the 2016 AT&T Byron Nelson.
Looking for a sentimental pick this week? How about Tour veteran Ernie Els? The four-time major champion will be making his first start in this event since 2012. Els has had some success in this tournament before, finishing in the top-10 in four of his nine career starts, including a victory back in 1995. The Big Easy is coming off a 64th-place finish at the PLAYERS Championship.
One advantage that Els has against the rest of the field is his excellent touch on the putting greens. He is 54th in the PGA Tour in strokes gained via putting with a .296 average. That will be a major weapon for Els when navigating the delicate greens of the TPC Four Seasons Resort course.
Vijay Singh
One long shot who can definitely make a run at the title this week is Vijay Singh. The grizzled veteran loves playing in this Las Colinas course as evidenced by his tournament win here back in 2003. He shot a final-round 66 in that said event to record a two-shot victory over Nick Price. Singh is fresh off a 28th-place finish at the recently-concluded PLAYERS Championship.
What makes Singh such a viable threat in every golf tournament that he competes on is his incredible hitting off the tee. He is 60th in the PGA Tour in total driving efficiency with a remarkable 138 rating. That precision will come in handy when tackling the narrow fairways of this notoriously tough Dallas course.
Gary Woodland
On the lookout for a worthy long shot this week? How about Gary Woodland? The American is the second-longest hitter on the PGA Tour this season, averaging a whopping 310.4 yards per drive this campaign. That will be a major asset for Woodland as he tackles the 7,166-yard, par-70 course here at Las Colinas this week. Woodland already has five top-30 finishes this year so it isn’t far-fetched to see him finally reach the winner’s circle this week.
Want to make some money on the PGA Tour? Create a betting account now and cash in on all the exciting golf action.
