After a thrilling final round at the US PGA Championship where LIV defector Brooks Koepka lifted the title for the third time, the PGA Tour returns to Texas.
As soon as one Major is over, all roads lead to the next, and the Charles Schwab Challenge will give an idea of how the players are shaping up ahead of the US Open.
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One endearing side note of the US PGA Championship was that Michael Block was given a sponsor exemption, and he will make his debut. Intriguingly, Sergio Garcia was the last player to win on debut at the Charles Schwab Challenge back in 2001.
Block, who finished T15 at Oak Hill and recorded an ace in his final playing alongside Rory McIlroy, will take his place at Colonial, and he will relish the challenge.
Sam Burns returns as the reigning champion, but history isn’t on his side as only one golfer (Ben Hogan) has successfully defended the title.
There could be some fascinating plots, but how will things pan out this week? We have dissected the markets and picked out a couple of juicy tips for you to sink your teeth into.
Viktor Hovland to enter the winner’s circle
Viktor Hovland remains one of the most exciting players to watch on the PGA Tour, and you feel that a Major isn’t too far away from his grasp.
A T2 at the US PGA Championship encompassed this, and there were some flourishes of brilliance as he shot a -2 score in his final round to finish on -7.
From the 14 events he has played this year, Hovland has chalked up a runner-up finish and six top-10s, which is nothing to be scoffed at. Colonial, which is the longest-running host on the PGA Tour, has mitigated against distance advantage, and there is a premium placed on good iron play.
Hovland has topped some of the key performance metrics this term, including approaches from 150-175 yards from the rough, and he is seventh for stroke gained off the tee (0.707).
With three PGA Tour wins under his belt, the Norwegian could well add a fourth title to his blossoming career. Hovland is my first pick to win the event at 14/1 with Paddy Power.
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Viktor Hovland to win - 14/1
Hovland is fancied to bag another PGA Tour win
Sam Burns to race out of the traps
As mentioned, Burns will be looking to emulate Hogan and lift the title for the second year running. 12 months ago, Burns edged out Scottie Scheffler in a playoff, draining a 38-foot putt on the first extra hole.
It proved to be a great year for Burns, and while he may come up short this time round, he could well get off to a flyer in the opening round.
My second pick has Burns to be the first round leader, which if you fancy following up on that, is available at a longer 33/1 with bet365.
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Sam Burns first round leader - 33/1
Burns may get off to a flying start
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