Memorial Tournament Winner Predictions: Deep Analysis by Sleepy J & Dave Essler
The Memorial Tournament is one of the most revered events on the PGA Tour calendar, and seasoned analysts Sleepy J and Dave Essler from Pregame.com have delivered their top predictions for this high-stakes showdown. Their dialogue, rich in betting wisdom and player performance analytics, centers around six contenders poised for strong showings. From elite ball strikers to under-the-radar longshots, their insights offer a blend of statistical acumen and betting strategy, tailored to exploit course conditions and player form.
? Sleepy J’s Picks
Justin Thomas (18:1) – The Reliable Favorite
Sleepy J opens with a dependable pick in Justin Thomas. Acknowledging his "chalky" nature, Thomas is framed as a player whose consistency and all-around game make him a viable contender. There are no flashy stats mentioned, but the confidence stems from JT's sustained solid form over recent events.
Keegan Bradley (50:1) – Course Comfort & Current Form
Bradley’s selection is anchored in two key strengths: his vastly improved putting and course familiarity. Having played the Memorial over a dozen times, he knows the layout intimately. His eighth-place finish at the PGA Championship underscores his current form, and his accuracy with irons adds another layer of appeal.
Sungjae Im (60:1) – Volatile Upside
Sungjae Im is characterized as a high-risk, high-reward player. Sleepy J points to Sungjae’s impressive 5th place finish at the Masters and a solid 23rd finish at the Truist event (his first appearance there). His volatility is his main caveat, but the upside if everything clicks is substantial. A week's rest further boosts his chances.
? Dave Essler’s Picks
Sepp Straka (40:1) – Precision & Past Performance
Straka is praised for his precision off the tee and elite approach play, ranking second in strokes gained on approach. Essler recalls that Straka was tied for first after 54 holes last year before a brutal weather-impacted final round derailed his chances. These credentials make 40:1 odds look like significant value.
Hideki Matsuyama (35:1) – Elite Short Game Revival
Despite recent frustrations with Matsuyama, Essler identifies signs of resurgence. Ranked third in scrambling and now gaining strokes putting—historically a weakness—Hideki also had a top-10 finish at this event last year. Though his driver is inconsistent, Essler believes the Memorial setup can neutralize that flaw.
Victor Hovland (45:1) – Weather-Optimized Sleeper
Essler chooses Hovland not only for his form but also due to his favorable tee times. Slotted for 10 a.m. Thursday and 1:30 p.m. Friday, Hovland may dodge anticipated weather delays—granting him a potential edge in scheduling. This strategic layer, coupled with his talent, seals Hovland as a sharp pick.
Player Performance Summary
Player |
Odds |
Strengths |
Analyst |
Justin Thomas |
18:1 |
Consistency, overall form |
Sleepy J |
Keegan Bradley |
50:1 |
Improved putting, irons, course knowledge |
Sleepy J |
Sungjae Im |
60:1 |
Finishing ability, recent high results |
Sleepy J |
Sepp Straka |
40:1 |
SG: Approach, prior strong performance |
Dave Essler |
Hideki Matsuyama |
35:1 |
Short game, scrambling, putting gains |
Dave Essler |
Victor Hovland |
45:1 |
Strategic tee times, form, consistency |
Dave Essler |
Weather Considerations
Dave Essler introduces a tactical angle that could be pivotal—tee time scheduling. With forecasts suggesting rain disruptions, players like Hovland with mid-morning and early-afternoon slots are seen as less vulnerable to weather delays. This insight adds a crucial dimension to his prediction strategy.
Shared Picks & Strategic Convergence
Both analysts show a shared faith in Keegan Bradley and Sungjae Im. While Sleepy J lists them as win picks, Essler had selected them for first-round leaders—a cross-analysis that reinforces confidence in their form and potential for strong starts.
Final Thoughts
Sleepy J and Dave Essler deliver a blend of conventional wisdom and unconventional insight. From course familiarity and recent form to weather forecasting and statistical strength, their picks reflect a multidimensional approach to tournament prediction. Bettors and fans alike would do well to consider these layered analyses when evaluating potential winners at the Memorial Tournament.