Golf
British Masters/AT&T Byron Nelson preview: Wiesberger and DeChambeau poised for bold showings
Two great events in the world of golf take place this week with the iconic Belfry hosting the British Masters, while over on the PGA Tour, TPC Craig Ranch hosts the AT&T Byron Nelson.
Both tournaments have attracted strong fields and here is our look ahead to both.
British Masters: Wiesberger can taste success at the Belfry
Robert Macintyre heads the betting for the British Masters and given his impressive recent form, which included a tie for 12th at the Masters on his debut, he’ll do for many at 12/1. He’s the rightful favourite and if he’s in the same form as he was at Augusta then he’ll be a tough nut to crack. However, the claims of BERND WIESBERGER are preferred at 18/1.
The world number 60 hasn’t shown a lot of form since a tie for sixth in Dubai in January, but there is plenty to suggest he’ll be much more of a contender this week. Firstly, the Austrian has been playing in much stronger fields than this, with Wiesberger competing in two WGC events, the Players, the Masters as well two strong PGA Tour tournaments. Bar Macintyre, the field at the Belfry is pretty low in quality with players like Martin Kaymer and Danny Willett struggling to match the form that saw them win Major championships in the past.
As well as that, Wiesberger will be looking forward to returning to the Belfry – a course he played really well at 12 months ago. That came at the UK Championship, where a third round 73 cost him dear, but he battled back really well on Sunday to shoot a 65 leaving him in a tie for fifth. He mentioned how much he liked the course and interestingly that performance came after he finished in a tie for 43rd at the PGA Championship. Wiesberger finished in a tie for 40th at the Masters on his most recent start and there’s plenty to suggest another bold showing after a Major could be incoming.
AT&T Byron Nelson: DeChambeau looks a worthy favourite
While the favourite looks vulnerable on the European Tour, the claims of the market leader in the AT&T Byron Nelson, BRYSON DECHAMBEAU, look clear for all to see at 8/1. The withdrawal of world number one, Dustin Johnson, has made his life easier, but even with DJ in the field, DeChambeau looked to hold very strong claims here. Granted TPC Craig Ranch is a new course on the PGA Tour rota and that provides a new challenge in itself. However, if the reports are to be true then this is a course which is right up Bryson’s alley. TPC Craig Ranch is said to have wider than average fairways and that should see the bigger hitters, like Bryson, thrive.
Given the wide fairways, you’d expect scoring to be low and that will be no worry to DeChambeau, who won the Rocket Mortgage Classic last year with a -23 total. It’s also interesting to note that the American has had great success on TPC tracks, with three wins achieved with totals of -21, -18 and -16 respectively.
Some might argue the fact that given this event takes place in Dallas – the city in which DeChambeau resides – there might be added pressure, but if there is anyone who would be desperate to win in front of his home crowd, it’s him. If anything, you could argue he might have put in even more work than usual to ensure he’ll be primed for a big week here.
