2011 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Predictions


Written by

The PGA Tour will make its way to Akron, Ohio for the highly anticipated 2011 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club. What really has the golf world buzzing around this event, is the fact that Tiger Woods will return to action for the first time since the Players Championship. Woods has dominated Firestone over his career with seven wins, but he had a miserable go at this tournament in 2010. Woods shot a 18-over 298 in his worst showing at a professional tournament. No one really knows what to expect out of Tiger this week, but him just being at the tournament really changes the entire atmosphere of the event.

While everyone will have their eyes fixed on Woods, Hunter Mahan will attempt to defend his title after winning this event with a 12-under 268 in 2010. Mahan trailed Ryan Palmer and Sean O’Hair by three shots going into the final round, but ended up winning the tournament by two after firing a 6-under 64 on Sunday.

While putting is always a big key to scoring well at any tournament, total driving and greens hit in regulation are the two things you have to do well if you want to consistently score low at Firestone. This course is the longest of any Par 70 event of the season. The hole that will gain a lot of attention this week is the par-5 16th, which is the longest on TOUR at a possible 667 yards.

For those of you looking to place a bet on the tournament, here are my three favorites to walk away with the trophy.

Rory McIlroy (+1000) -  I look for McIlroy to really have a strong showing at this event after failing to live up to expectations at the British Open. There is no question he has the game to win any tournament he signs up for, but his focus will be there this week with Woods in the field. Despite blowing away the field at the U.S. Open, many believe the youngster is still no match for Woods. That motivation will have McIlroy playing at a very high level this week.  Not to mention he finished T9th at this event in 2010.

Dustin Johnson (+2000) – Johnson has been one of the most consistent players this season, and is coming off three straight top 20 finishes on the European Tour, which includes his T2nd at the British Open. He seems to always play well at the big events. He has finished in the top 25 in each of his last two starts at Firestone, including a 15th place finish (just 1 shot out of 9th) in 2010. He has everything you look for in a player at this event, as he is 25th in total driving and 15th in greens in regulation. At +2000 he is well worth the price!

Bo Van Pelt (+5000) – If you are looking for a sleeper, Van Pelt is showing outstanding value at +5000. Not only did Van Pelt finish T3rd in his first start at this event in 2010, but he has six top 15 finishes in his last seven starts. He fits the bill for the type of player you want to bet on this week, as he is 7th in total driving and 23rd in greens in regulation. On top of that, he ranks tied for 2nd in both putting and birdies per week.

Be sure to stop back each week for our PGA TOUR predictions.

Complete Odds to win the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational

Rory McIlroy +1000
Luke Donald +1500
Steve Stricker +1600
Lee Westwood +1500
Tiger Woods +1500
Dustin Johnson +2000
Phil Mickelson +1800
Sergio Garcia +3500
Martin Kaymer +2000
Matt Kuchar +2500
Hunter Mahan +3000
Nick Watney +2000
Jason Day +3000
Rickie Fowler +3000
Charl Schwartzel +3000
K.J. Choi +4500
Bill Haas +4500
Zach Johnson +4500
Adam Scott +4000
Bubba Watson +4000
Bo Van Pelt +5000
Gary Woodland +4500
Stewart Cink +7000
Jim Furyk +7500
Retief Goosen +6000
Padraig Harrington +7000
Y.E. Yang +6500
Graeme McDowell +6000
Ryan Moore +6000
Geoff Ogilvy +7500
Sean O’Hair +6500
Jeff Overton +7000
Justin Rose +6500
Paul Casey +8500
Simon Dyson +9000
Ernie Els +7500
Ross Fisher +8500
Lucas Glover +7500
Peter Hanson +8500
Fredrik Jacobson +7500
Robert Karlsson +8500
Martin Laird +8500
Matteo Manassero +9000
Alexander Noren +7500
Ian Poulter +7500
Brandt Snedeker +7500
David Toms +8500
Aaron Baddeley +10000
Darren Clarke +10000
Richard Green +10000

Other Tournament Articles:

Subscribe to the BetFirms RSS Feed
Comments

Got something to say?