The RSM Classic | 19 November – 22 November | Sea Island, Plantation Course & Seaside Course
Every now and then a tournament pops up that looks unfamiliar and this week the inclusion of the RSM Classic on the Tour left me scratching my head. After digging a bit deeper I realised this was once the McGladrey Classic which was hosted at the same venue, Sea Island, but only played on one of the courses there, that being the Seaside Course. This week the Plantation Course has been added to the mix and although little is known about the course, it will only be played on the Thursday and Friday, whereafter the action will stay on the Seaside Course. The inclusion of the Plantation Course has allowed for a larger field to participate and there seems to be a lot of value floating around which we’ll be looking out for.
So what do we know about the courses? Both play relatively short and so rather than focus on the big hitters it’s a good idea to look out for players who fare well on more technical layouts. The Seaside Course is a tricky par 70 that gets even more difficult when the wind gets up so the ability to hit the fairway is an absolute must. The Plantation Course plays somewhat easier but is also very tight and will be an unknown entity to most teeing off here. Things aren’t all doom and gloom though and across both courses you can expect some low scores from those who keep it in play as the greens and approaches the field will face aren’t particularly difficult.
So who will win the season’s final event on the PGA Tour? Let’s have a look.
To Win (Outright)
Zach Johnson: 12/1
Justin Thomas: 16/1
Kevin Kisner: 16/1
Matt Kuchar: 16/1
Graeme McDowell: 22/1
Bill Haas 25/1
VALUE BETS
Kevin Kisner (16/1 a win, 7/2 a place)
When bookies price a player like Kevin Kisner up as third favourite you had better take notice because you don’t see that every week and it can only mean one thing, they’re scared. A quick look at Kisner’s recent form shows why. He’s had a brilliant season, the highlight of which must be his second-place finish a few weeks ago in the WGC-HSBC Champions and in the past he has fared well on the Seaside Course. Granted, the price is a tad low but if he wins I certainly won’t be complaining. I’m backing Kisner each way.
Brendon De Jonge (50/1 a win, 11/1 a place)
Although he hasn’t exactly shot the lights out this season, Brendon De Jonge has played well on occasion and I’m hoping that when he returns to the Seaside Course, which he has played some great golf on in the past, he returns to his best and earns his third Top 5 here in four years. Last year he barely put a foot wrong on his way to a 2nd place finish and at this price I can’t leave him out. A win would be great but it’s more likely that he’ll place so back De Jonge each way.
Patton Kizzire (28/1 a win, 62/10 a place)
Patton Kizzire was brilliant on the Web.com Tour and he has given no indication that he has any intention of slowing down now that he has made it into the big leagues. After watching him finish 2nd in the Shriners and 5th in the Sanderson Farms, I finally backed him in Mexico last week and I’m hoping that it was just a co-incidence that he finished outside the Top 50 there. Nevertheless, I’ll be backing him again and hoping that he returns to form on a course that should suit his game to a tee.
TOP BET:
Russell Henley (33/1 a win, 73/10 a place)
Russell Henley is always one to keep an eye on when these par 70 layouts host events. He will more than likely make a fair share of birdies on the Seaside Course, which looked to suit his game last year when he finished 4th in the McGladreys. Although we can’t say for sure how he will fare on the Plantation Course, he looked to be in great form last time out and at this price I’m willing to take a bit of a risk and back Henley. Each way is the bet for me, let’s hope it pays off.
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