Golf: PGA Tour Barracuda Championship
Venue: Tahoe Mountain Club, California
Dates: Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th August 2021
Tournament Preview
With two events running side-by-side on the PGA Tour, there is a real feeling of normality beginning to develop within world golf. The Barracuda Championship has long been an alternate event for those not taking part in the St Jude Invitational and the field assembled in California is impressive. The event first launched in 1999 and has an impressive winning alumni with the likes of Collin Morikawa, Geoff Ogilvy, and Gary Woodland just some of the big names that have won the trophy historically. In addition, there is over $3.5 million within the prize pot, making it a real opportunity for some of the players on the fringes of the PGA Tour to make a real name for themselves.
Betting Preview
Outright Winner
Most of the major players on the PGA Tour look to be finding their rhythm, which should set up an excellent week of golf here in California:
Young American Maverick McNealy hasn’t missed a cut since May and his superb consistency could hold him in good stead heading into this one.
2019 US Open Champion Garry Woodland has struggled for form ever since opening his major tournament account and he will be eager to pick up an event win here.
South African Branden Grace is a proven performer across the USA and Europe, and he always tends to be in amongst the placings on Sunday afternoons.
With back to back runner-up finishes at this event over the past two years, Troy Merritt will be hoping it’s a case of third time lucky at the Barracuda Championships in 2021.
Charismatic American Pat Perez is a hugely talented ball-striker and he will be one to watch in a congested field here in California.
1st Round Leader
With players still trying to find momentum within their respective seasons, getting off to a fast start could be hugely important here in California:
After in the top 20 in his past couple of events, Ryan Moore will be full of confidence as he heads to a tournament he has played well in previously.
Despite not being able to convert strong starts into wins on the PGA Tour, Bo Hoag looks to be an excellent price here in favourable conditions in California to lead after round one.
Scotsman Russel Knox has been plying his trade on the PGA Tour for the best part of a decade and he will be one of the most experienced campaigners in this field.
Top 10 Finish
With so many good players assembled here in California, getting into the winning enclosure could be tough but there are plenty of candidates to finish in the top 10 come Sunday:
Argentinian Emiliano Grillo has enjoyed some excellent performances on the PGA Tour this season and he looks to be one of the favourites in familiar conditions this week.
Belgian Thomas Pieters is one of the cleanest ball-strikers around and should conditions suit, he could be a contender from the outset in California this week.
Former US Ryder Cup player Matt Kuchar is so adept at picking up prize money on the PGA Tour and his experience could be invaluable in this event.
Barracuda Championship BetXchange Best Bets:
Outright Winner: Gary Woodland – 18/1
1st Round Leader: Ryan Moore – 40/1
Top Ten Finish: Emiliano Grillo – 2/1
