Introduction and Overview
Will Doctor (0:16 - 0:29):
The podcast starts with Will Doctor enthusiastically introducing the Golf Preview Podcast on Pregame's Network. He outlines the plan for the episode, highlighting sharp picks for the Sanderson Farms Championship and teasing future episodes covering the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the Corn Fairy Tour Championship. Will sets an energetic tone, getting listeners excited for in-depth golf analysis.
Overview of the Tournaments
Will Doctor (0:39 - 28:52):
Will focuses primarily on three tournaments this week, but this episode dives deep into the Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson. The Sanderson Farms Championship is featured heavily with comprehensive player analyses, predictions, and odds.
Will begins by reflecting on the recent Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal, praising the performance of Team USA (18.5 - 11.5 victory) and criticizing Tom Kim's controversial behavior during the tournament, notably regarding a 2-foot-7-inch putt he expected to be given as a gimme.
Sanderson Farms Championship Breakdown
Keith Mitchell
Analysis (13:28 - 14:29):
At 25-to-1 odds, Will finds Keith Mitchell an odd favorite for the tournament. He acknowledges Mitchell's recent top-12 finishes at the Wyndham and Procore, but overall, Will is not impressed by his season performance. Mitchell has missed the cut four times at Jackson, and Will considers that too risky a factor to bet on him this week.
- Player Insight:
Mitchell is 72nd in the FedEx Cup standings, with limited notable achievements this season. His history at Sanderson is particularly discouraging, having missed the cut four times.
Seamus Power
Analysis (14:30 - 16:12):
Power also comes in at 25-to-1 odds, and Will sees him as a slightly better pick than Mitchell, given his global playing experience and better career wins. However, Power's iron play has been lacking in recent events, which is essential for success at Jackson. While Power's driver and putting have been strong, Will passes on him for this event.
- Player Insight:
Power has been losing shots with his irons over his last three events, a significant concern for contention at Jackson.
Maverick McNeely
Analysis (16:13 - 17:36):
At 28-to-1 odds, McNeely is another player Will avoids. Although McNeely’s 17th-place finish at Jackson last year shows some potential, his poor strokes across the board at the Procore make him an unreliable choice for betting.
- Player Insight:
McNeely is currently on a downward trend, having missed cuts and shown inconsistency in his iron play.
Mackenzie Hughes
Analysis (17:37 - 19:12):
Hughes, another 28-to-1 odds player, is also passed on by Will. Despite Hughes' win at Sanderson two years ago, his recent Presidents Cup performance was disappointing, losing strokes across the board. Will points out that the energy expended during the Presidents Cup, along with Hughes' poor play at Royal Montreal, makes him a risky pick.
- Player Insight:
Hughes was one of the worst statistical performers at the Presidents Cup, which reduces confidence in his ability to perform this week.
Nick Dunlop
Analysis (19:13 - 21:12):
One of the brighter spots in the list of players, Nick Dunlop at 30-to-1 is someone Will shows excitement for. Despite being just 20 years old, Dunlop has had solid performances, with strengths in birdie or better conversion. However, there are still variances in his game due to his age.
- Player Insight:
Dunlop’s youth is both an advantage and a risk, but his top-10 ranking in birdie or better conversion makes him a strong contender.
Player Matchups and Betting Predictions
Nick Dunlop vs. Eric Cole
Analysis (21:30 - 22:30):
Will picks Dunlop over Cole at -140 odds. Cole has been struggling with his driver and approach play, missing cuts in his last two starts at Jackson. Dunlop, on the other hand, has been consistent and shows more potential.
- Matchup Prediction:
Dunlop is favored for his consistency and potential, while Cole’s poor form makes him an unfavorable bet.
Henrik Norlander vs. Chandler Phillips
Analysis (22:31 - 23:36):
Norlander is an excellent bet over Phillips at even money, thanks to his strong history at Jackson, with three top-four finishes in the last four years. Phillips' iron play, on the other hand, has been lackluster in recent events, making him a less reliable pick.
- Matchup Prediction:
Norlander’s familiarity with the course and past performance makes him the better pick over Phillips.
Rico Hoey vs. Sam Stevens
Analysis (23:37 - 24:36):
Hoey is favored at -105 odds over Stevens. Will highlights Hoey’s consistent iron play and recent top-10 finishes, while Stevens has struggled with his irons throughout the 2024 season.
- Matchup Prediction:
Hoey’s stronger recent form, especially with his irons, gives him the edge over Stevens.
Outright Picks and Predictions
Patrick Fishburne
Analysis (24:37 - 25:50):
Fishburne, at 35-to-1 odds, is one of Will’s top picks. His consistency in hitting fairways and improved iron play make him a strong candidate to win this week. Fishburne’s putting, in particular, has been outstanding in his last five events, positioning him well for success.
- Player Insight:
Fishburne’s excellent putting and iron play make him a standout choice for outright victory.
Grayson Sig
Analysis (25:51 - 27:03):
Sig comes in at 90-to-1 odds and is another of Will’s value picks. Sig has had past success at Jackson, including a 9th-place finish. His recent form, including top finishes in 2024, suggests he could surprise this week.
- Player Insight:
Sig’s experience at Jackson and his need to secure his PGA Tour status make him a motivated and strong contender.
Best Bet and Final Thoughts
Mack Meisner
Analysis (27:04 - 28:52):
Will’s best bet for the tournament is Mack Meisner to top 20 at +220. Despite a missed cut at Napa, Meisner’s iron play has been exceptional, and his familiarity with Bermuda greens gives him an edge. Will is confident that Meisner’s game is trending upward, making this bet a high-value option.
- Player Insight:
Meisner’s ability on Bermuda greens and consistent iron play make him a solid bet for a top-20 finish.
Conclusion
Will concludes by teasing future episodes on the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the Corn Fairy Tour Championship, while offering a special promotion for listeners on Pregame’s website.