Thursday 19 February 2015 15:24, UK
The PGA Tour’s California swing concludes with the Northern Trust Open, played at one of the oldest and best courses in America – Riviera Country Club.
Now approaching its 90th birthday, Riviera is – by modern standards – relatively short, tight and winding, thereby offering a relentless test for even the finest players in the world.
It’s therefore no surprise that, generally speaking, the cream rises to the top and it was here that two-time major champion Bubba Watson returned to winning ways 12 months ago.
Watson is back to defend his title and is joined by Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson at the head of a very strong market.
It’s early days for Spieth, but I’d imagine he’ll prove to be just as prolific as the other two and picking holes in this trio is difficult. It’s a slight negative that the youngster has had to call his coach out to California while Bubba has never successfully defended a title, so perhaps DJ is the most likely winner but he too can be swerved at the odds on offer.
Instead, chance Charl Schwartzel continuing his love affair with Riviera at odds of around 33/1 with Sky Bet.
The South African has been inside the top five on both visits to the track which definitely has something to do with the fact that he’s more attuned to Riviera’s kikuyu grass than most of his competitors.
His failure to win the SA Open Championship shouldn’t hide the fact that Schwartzel has been in good form so far in 2015 and, fresh off a break, he’ll be more determined than ever to get back to winning ways.
So too will Webb Simpson and Keegan Bradley, both of whom failed to register a title in 2014.
Here we have two major champions who excel when conditions are tough, which they will be here despite a glorious weather forecast.
Simpson (40/1) has progressed through two starts this year, finishing seventh last time, and has a solid Riviera record where his accurate iron play and good short game serve him well.
Bradley (45/1) lost a play-off for this title in 2012 and has been inside the top 20 in both starts since, while he ranked second for ball-striking last time out to confirm that his tee-to-green game is in order.
Both players have adapted well to life with the short putter and have the mindset to grind out victory.
Finally, Brendan Steele and Max Homa are two outsiders to note.
Steele (100/1) was 10th at Riviera last year and has improved through every visit, so another step in the right direction would put him right in the mix.
Having made every cut dating back to last summer, his game is in the right shape and again, this is a player whose best form – including when he played in the final group of the 2011 PGA Championship – has come under difficult conditions.
Finally, Homa (200/1) was ninth in the NCAA Championship here back in 2012 and knows the track like the back of his hand. Just two shots outside the top 20 last week, it’s not hard to envisage a slight improvement on more familiar terrain so back him to finish inside the top 20 this time around.
