Bob Weeks Picks Six: Charles Schwab Challenge

TSN Senior Reporter

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The Charles Schwab Challenge has had a number of different names over the years with a variety of sponsors, but it’s known more often than not by the name of the course on which it’s played: Colonial. A tight, tree-lined track that demands accuracy both off the tee and into the greens, the Texas wind is usually a factor. It’s not often that big hitters come out on top. It did happen last year when Jason Kokrak, who also happens to be an exceptional putter, won the event.

For the most part, my choices this week are excellent ball-strikers and not necessarily bombers.

Favourites

Jordan Spieth +1200

Spieth seems like the free space on the bingo card this week as pretty much the overwhelming favourite. It’s with good reason. He’s played this event nine times, made the cut every time, won it once, finished second twice and been in the top 10 seven times. Oh, and he’s the all-time money winner in this tournament. Prior to his tie for 34th at the PGA Championship, Spieth had finished first at the RBC Heritage and second at the AT&T Byron Nelson. His putter will be the only question mark (as it usually is) as he was 74th in Strokes Gained: Putting last week, losing shots to the field in three of four rounds. However his ball-striking should more than make up for that.

Collin Morikawa +1800

Colonial Country Club is primarily a second-shot course and there are few better with their second shots than Morikawa. He hasn’t been inside the top 25 since the Masters but he’s such a good iron player – he’s ninth in Strokes Gained: Approach – that it’s an easy pick. This will be his third appearance at the event. Last year, he was tied for 14th and the year prior, he lost in a playoff.

Mid-Range

Abraha