With the CJ Cup just a day away, we look to find value in the First Round Leader market. With a shorter field, the prices are smaller. I am targeting guys with distance and precision off the tee, good ball striking, and get it going with the flat stick. These guys must get off to hot starts. Here are my FRL bets for the week:
Cameron Young +3300
It’s been a while since Young has been the first-round leader. He’s generally an auto bet for me at courses that reward driving prowess. He’s one of the more talented players off the tee and has grown into one of the best players on tour. His driving distance alone allows him to scale back should he not feel it with his driver. I don’t expect him not to pull out the big dog and put away one of his biggest advantages. Young is masterful around the greens and does well to avoid three-putts and bogeys. There are four guys who I’d consider perfect course fits; Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Fitzpatrick, and Young. He’s knocked off his early-season rust and should get off to a fast start.
Matt Fitzpatrick +2800
Fitzpatrick should be able to put on a masterclass at this course. He’s longer off the tee than he was a season ago. He’s deadly accurate and has become a premier ball striker. He has an advantage over most who play here this week. He is one of a handful of golfers who have not only seen this course but have had success here. When the Tour played the Palmetto Championship at this course, Fitzpatrick finished T10 with a blazing 66 in the final round. Now equipped with expansive course knowledge and a skill set that matches the course, he is an excellent option for FRL.
Jon Rahm +1400
Rahm is another course fit I like here, but his price is too short for me to play in the outright market. Rahm’s coming off a massive win at the Open de Espana on the DP World Tour. He was openly disappointed with how he performed last season and will look to start fast in his first PGA Tour event of the season. Much like Young, Rahm is long off the tee. He’s a good putter who seemed to work through his putting woes. He does well to avoid bogeys and should be a great candidate for FRL.