Golf: Kern picks the RSM Classic, the last official PGA Tour event of the year, and likes longshot Adam Long ... and more
Last week one of our picks, Harris English, led at the halfway point at 50-1 odds. He eventually finished fifth, three back of Brendon Todd, who won for the second straight start after spending what seemed like forever wandering in the wilderness. We didn’t win, but I hope you did what I always suggest when you’re playing someone at that kind of number: back it up by also playing a little something on that player just to finish in the top whatever. At least that way you can get some of your investment back.
On to the RSM Classic, in Sea Island, Ga. It’s the last official PGA Tour event of the year, although there is the unofficial Hero World Challenge in early December and the President’s Cup before the Tournament of Champions from Hawaii finally arrives again.
Webb Simpson is the favorite, at 10-1. He’s the highest-ranked player in the field, which is not a strong one. Billy Horschel, who’s had three top 10s worldwide since the end of last season, is 16-1, followed by Matt Kuchar at 20-1. Defending champion Charles Howell III is next, at 25-1. As are Mr. English and Kevin Kisner, who won this thing in 2015 and has only been out of the top seven one in his last five appearances here.
Adam Hadwin is 30-1, along with Russell Knox and Scottie Scheffler. Mr. Todd and two-time major winner Zach Johnson are 40-1. So are Aaron Wise, Dylan Frittelli, Brian Gay, Denny McCarthy, Alex Noren and Vaughn Taylor, who tied for second last week.
Russell Henely and Rory Sabbatini are 50-1. Jim Furyk is 55, along with Brian Harman. Adam Long, who tied with Taylor, is 80-1.
So what’s it going to be?
Kevin Kisner, 25-1
It’s hard to argue with his record at this event. So I won’t.
Harris English, 25-1
I’m going to give him another shot, since his record is four top sixes in his last six starts. Probably asking too much for him to keep that up, but I’ll try anyway.
Adam Long, 80-1
Obviously this is a longshot, but he’s been playing well and you could probably do a lot worse.
Brendon Todd, 40-1
Nobody wins three straight, right? Then again, how many win back-to-back? So even if you just throw a few bucks on him, it’s worth the shot. Just because.
Good luck out there. Be back later in the week with the college and pro football picks, where I’ve won more than I’ve lost (especially on those dreaded teasers) the last couple of weeks. Imagine that.
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