KSR Golf: The Northern Trust

On3 imageby:Adam Luckett08/17/21

adamluckettksr

KSR golf makes a return as the FedEx Cup playoffs have arrived. The top-125 players in points will be making the journey to New Jersey to compete in The Northern Trust.

These playoffs are three legs long and this will be the first step. However, only 70 players will move on to the BMW Championship next weekend. There is much money at stake and every shot will matter to multiple players this weekend.

Now allow KSR Golf to help you find the best plays on the board.

Course layout at The Northern Trust

Liberty National Golf Course is the host to The Northern Trust on the banks of the Hudson River just outside of New York City. The Par 71 course has been a part of the playoff since 2019 and is a Par 71 course that stretches 7,410 yards.

Due to the location, wind can play a big factor at Liberty National. There are three Par 5s that provide eagle opportunities with long and accurate shots off of the tee. Meanwhile, the greens are small so approach shots will be essential.

The top-65 golfers plus ties will make the weekend. However, the FedEx Cup standings will be something everyone will need to monitor in real-time throughout the weekend. I’m sure Jim Nantz and the CBS crew will keep us updated.

KSR Golf Advanced Stat of the Week

Strokes gained on approach is the metric this week. Hot putting and accuracy off the tee can allow players to drop big numbers this weekend, but iron and wedge play will give players the best shot at consistently scoring throughout all 72 holes at The Northern Trust.

Collin Morikawa currently leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained approach by a wide margin and is fresh off his second major title after claiming The Open last month. The 24-year-old is No. 1 overall in cup points and has a legit shot to bring home his first tour championship. At 16/1 over at Draft Kings, the No. 3 ranked golfer in the world has some solid value this weekend.

Daniel Berger is off of consecutive top-10 finishes plus a T-7 at the U.S. Open. The Florida State product sits at sixth in strokes gained approach with ranking 16th in the world and 20th in the FedExCup standings. At 28/1, the 28-year-old is worth consideration.

Luckett Locks

Xander Schauffele now has a gold medal in his trophy case thanks to his performance in the Olympics as the 27-year-old finally recorded a big win. With six top-10 finishes this season, Schauffele might be the best player on the Tour without a victory. A top-five golfer in the world, Schauffele ranks 17th in strokes gained approach. Lock him in to keep the hot play going with a win at 18/1.

Hideki Matsuyama sits at 40/1 to win this weekend despite ranking seventh in strokes gained approach. There is good value available for the current Masters champ to finish in the top-10 at +350.

Paul Casey ranks No. 2 overall in strokes gained approach while Dustin Johnson has just not been himself all season. At +100, take the underdog Casey in this match.

Discuss This Article

Comments have moved.

Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.

KSBoard

2024-03-28