Memorial Tournament Winner Predictions from Dave Essler & Sleepy J at Pregame.com #golfpicks #golf

May 28, 2025 · Dave Essler & sleepyj · 31 Views

Memorial Tournament Winner Predictions – Analysis from Dave Essler & Sleepy J

🎯 Conclusion
Both Sleepy J and Dave Essler target mid-tier and value bets for potential winners at the Memorial Tournament, with their selections emphasizing course fit, form trends, and advantageous conditions. Sleepy J nominates Justin Thomas (18:1), Keegan Bradley (50:1), and Sungjae Im (60:1), citing Bradley's iron play and venue familiarity, and Im’s volatility tempered by recent form. Dave Essler counters with Sepp Straka (40:1), Hideki Matsuyama (35:1), and Victor Hovland (45:1), leaning on Straka’s accuracy and past contention, Matsuyama’s short game, and Hovland’s ideal tee times in relation to forecasted weather. The speakers’ insights revolve around expected weather impact, statistical strengths, and recent performances, all timestamped and analyzed thoroughly.

🔑 Key Points
🎯 Justin Thomas at 18:1: Considered a "chalky" but reliable pick by Sleepy J due to consistently solid form
📊 Keegan Bradley at 50:1: Sleepy J highlights Bradley’s improved putting, excellent iron play, and familiarity with the course, alongside a top-10 finish at the PGA Championship
⚙️ Sungjae Im at 60:1: Cited by Sleepy J as a volatile but promising pick, with notable recent finishes including 5th at the Masters
🧠 Sepp Straka at 40:1: Dave Essler emphasizes Straka’s accuracy off the tee and high strokes gained on approach; notes his strong showing at this event last year
📉 Hideki Matsuyama at 35:1: Despite recent struggles, Essler values Matsuyama's scrambling skills and improved putting
📆 Victor Hovland at 45:1: Essler praises Hovland’s advantageous tee times, potentially avoiding rain interruptions, and his current form
🔁 Course history: Both Bradley and Matsuyama have strong history at the venue, influencing their pick weight
🌦️ Weather factor: Tee time strategy discussed by Essler with emphasis on avoiding rain delays—especially relevant for Hovland
⛳ Field familiarity: Keegan Bradley’s dozen+ appearances at the Memorial aid Sleepy J’s confidence
🧪 Statistical trends: Players’ improvements in putting, approach shots, and scrambling were core decision metrics
📘 Summary
Sleepy J's Opening Picks (0:00 - 2:28)
Sleepy J begins by listing three potential winners. Justin Thomas is selected off the cuff for his reliable form despite being a more obvious bet. He then details two value picks: Keegan Bradley and Sungjae Im. Bradley is lauded for his iron accuracy and recent eighth-place finish at the PGA, while Sungjae’s recent performance—5th at the Masters and 23rd at a course new to him—shows potential if all aspects of his game align.

Keegan Bradley Analysis
Bradley has improved his traditionally weak putting and performs particularly well at the Memorial venue. With over twelve appearances here, his course familiarity and recent strong finish at the PGA Championship bolster his credentials. Sleepy emphasizes Bradley’s balanced game and positions him as a strong underdog with potential.

Sungjae Im Assessment
Although inconsistent, Im is described as a high-upside player when his game clicks. His fifth-place at Augusta and solid finish at a new course suggest readiness. Rest from the previous week and trackable improvements hint at a timely peak.

Dave Essler’s Commentary (2:28 - 5:07)
Essler jokingly predicts bad outcomes for Bradley and Im but moves to his top pick: Sepp Straka. Straka’s strengths are a top approach game and strong performance last year when he was tied for the lead after 54 holes, derailed only by severe weather.

Sepp Straka Deep Dive
Ranked second in strokes gained on approach, Straka’s consistent accuracy makes him ideal for the Memorial’s setup. Last year’s Sunday meltdown was attributed to extreme weather, giving context to what might otherwise look like a collapse.

Hideki Matsuyama Consideration
Though burned by him before, Essler likes Matsuyama’s scrambling (3rd overall), recent improvements in putting, and a decent showing at this venue last year. His weakness off the tee is deemed manageable, and the odds present value.

Victor Hovland’s Weather-Adjusted Value
Hovland’s solid form and excellent Thursday/Friday tee times could give him a weather advantage. Essler anticipates scheduling shifts due to rain and thinks Hovland could either avoid interruptions or benefit from them.

Weather Insight
While not a meteorologist, Essler uses forecasts to determine that mid-morning to early afternoon tee times may dodge potential storms. This timing notably benefits Hovland, making him a strategic pick.

Speaker Synergy
Interestingly, two of Sleepy’s win picks overlap with Essler’s first-round leader choices, indicating a shared belief in early strong performances by Bradley and Sungjae.

Final Odds and Picks Recap
Sleepy J: Justin Thomas (18:1), Keegan Bradley (50:1), Sungjae Im (60:1)
Dave Essler: Sepp Straka (40:1), Hideki Matsuyama (35:1), Victor Hovland (45:1)

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