The Canadian Open Championship is nomadic. This year, it returns to the classic Hamilton course, which last staged the event in 2019. This picturesque arena was established in 1904. It was designed by Harry Colt, who also set up the fabled Wentworth course in England. It is a Par-70 parkland course, featuring small undulating poa annua greens. Rory McIlCanadian Openroy won the 2019 renewal here by seven strokes and is red-hot favourite this week. The most important stat at Hamilton over the four years it has staged the event is Driving Accuracy, just ahead of Strokes Gained Putting.
With all this in mind, here are my MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (Name and Current Price) selections for the Canadian Open. Bets should be placed by Noon on Thursday.
Sam Burns 25-1 : The two-time Valspar Championship winner has slipped down the rankings this year but the nappy factor can come into play here after the arrival of baby Bear last month. It’s interesting that he has chosen to play here in preference to defending his crown at Colonial next week.
Tommy Fleetwood 18-1: After Xander Schauffle’s breakthrough victory at the PGA championship two weeks ago, perhaps this could be Tommy’s turn? He will enjoy the tight set-up and ranks 3rd in this year’s Driving Accuracy stats.
Shane Lowry 25-1: Runner-up to Rory here in 2019, the affable Irishsman went on to win his next tournament, the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, another Harry Coit creation. This is very much his kind of track and he ranks #1 in Driving Accuracy.
Sahith Theegala 18-1: Banging loudly on the door this season and has formidable form on shot-maker’s courses like this one. He ranks #4 in Strokes Gained Putting and this could just be his week.
Tom Kim 35-1: It’s time that the 21-year-old high flier re-captured his dazzling 2023 form. He has actually been playing well and has a stack of sub-70 rounds. He just needs to put 4 good days together.
Aaron Rai 40-1: The Englishman’s game is a perfect match for Hamilton and he seems to like the Canadian Open, in which he finished 12th two years ago and 3rd last year.
Robert MacIntire 80-1: Played a blinder at Valhalla to finish 8th. The shy Scotsman loves courses that demand creativity and I have a feeling that he will enjoy the Canadian ambience more than that south of the border.
Bet 1 point each-way on all and beware of our Rory on Saturday evening.
Good Luck – Sandy Lane
PROFIT OR LOSS FROM THIS POST: +94.00
1 pt e/w each 7 places