The PGA Tour crosses the border on Thursday for the 2019 edition of the Canadian Open. It is one of the most historic events on the golf circuit, dating back to 1904, and with just one week to go before the third Major of the season, we have a strong field looking for form.
Dustin Johnson is the reigning champion but who will emerge with this year’s trophy at the end of four days up in Hamilton, Ontario?
Johnson is back to defend his title in 2019 and there are no fewer than four of the world’s top six in attendance. DJ is just ahead in the Canadian Open outright betting at +550 (odds quotes are from Bovada) with World Number One Brooks Koepka (+700 or 7/1) a fraction behind and it could well be a straight shootout between those two.
Johnson has that strong record in this event but hasn’t played at the new Hamilton venue while Koepka has to switch on for a non-Major to convert. Of the two, Dustin has excellent, relevant stats including strokes gained: tee to green.
Leading the Tour in that strokes gained: tee to green category is Rory McIlroy (10/1) who is the third favorite this week. Rory sits fourth in the Power Rankings but this is his Canadian Open debut and a missed cut prior to the weekend will have backers staying away.
Justin Thomas (16/1) is also making his debut and probably wouldn’t be here had he made the cut at Muirfield Village. Matt Kuchar (18/1) and Webb Simpson (22/1) then sit on the fringes of the chasing pack and both seem to be getting better support.
Kuch has courted controversy again but he’s third in the Power Rankings despite also missing the cut last week. If he can focus on the course he has a chance and Kuchar is leading the Tour in Greens in Regulation.
The outside bets carry some interesting betting odds and they are led by former Masters Champion Sergio Garcia (25/1). Scott Piercy (28/1) looks a stronger option following a solid four rounds at Muirfield Village and remember that Piercy won here when the Canadian Open was last held in Hamilton in 2012.
Following on from Piercy’s success, Brandt Snedeker (40/1) took the trophy a year later. Sneds has been a favorite of ours for top 10 finish wagers but form is lacking so this Canadian Open preview will overlook him this time. We could, however, consider Bubba Watson (33/1) or Shane Lowry (40/1) who comes from a tie for eighth at Bethpage Black and can always be a threat on tight courses.
Jim Furyk (50/1), Keegan Bradley (66/1) and Ryan Palmer (50/1) are also being talked up this week but let’s move on and see what it will take to win.
Our Canadian Open Preview’s Course & Betting Trends with Predictions & Picks Verdict
This year sees a switch in venue to the Hamilton Golf and Country Club after four straight years at nearby Glen Abbey. We have been here before – Hamilton has hosted the Canadian Open on three previous occasions since the turn of the century, the last of which saw Scott Piercy take the crown in 2012.
In terms of yardage, it’s tiny at a fraction under 7000 yards at a par 70 so there will be a level playing field as far as distance hitting is concerned. Piercy’s win in 2012 saw him equal the lowest aggregate score at 263 so, if the weather is benign, we should see some low figures across the four days. That’s certainly the view of the weather center with potential for light rain on Thursday giving way to clear conditions and a stimp reading of 11.5 will also see low scores in prospect.
We have already touched on some of the stats that will be crucial this week. Greens in Regulation and Strokes Gained – both tee to green and putting – are key and one man who ticks them all off is Matt Kuchar. There is strong competition of course but, with some of the favorites making their debut here there is every chance for Kuch to continue his fine form and maintain his FedEx challenge.
Kuchar for the win is chief of the Canadian Open betting picks while there are a host of top 10 options available at good prices with the USA sports betting websites. We’ll settle on Shane Lowry and Webb Simpson plus Scott Piercy, whose form and previous record at this course will hopefully all add up to a sound profit in Ontario this week. In short, these are the 2019 Canadian Open predictions for this preview:
- Matt Kuchar to win @ best odds of +2200 (22/1) with BetOnline (see their futures section) or Intertops.
- These players for top 10 finishes: Matt Kuchar (best odds +175 Intertops, BetOnline), Shane Lowry (+400 BetOnline), Webb Simpson (+175 Bovada, BetOnline, Intertops) and Scott Piercy (+325 BetOnline).
Matt Harris is a golf and soccer expert for USA Betting. His other area of specialist knowledge is cricket. He is well known in sports journalism and contributes articles to a plethora of big-name websites and media outlets. Titles that he writes or has written for include: Betfair, BetVictor, Unibet & Just Bookies.