17th Apr 2012 | Golf
Texas Open Tips: Matt Kuchar
Four top-10s in his last five tournaments. A strong each-way chance given his consistency.
Matt Kuchar’s season is really up and running after his T3 at the Masters. He has finished in the top-10 in four of his last five tournaments and it would have been 5/5 but for a mediocre 77 last Sunday at the RBC Heritage.
I am willing to forgive him that lapse. Four days of golf so soon after the stresses of the Masters was probably a bridge too far. A few days rest between tournaments should be enough for the world number 15 to continue on his upwards trend.
Kuchar’s real strength is that he keeps the ball straight and scores. He ranks 13th for the PGA Tour’s all-around ranking and 8th for scoring average. Although this is his first visit to TPC San Antonio, the course should suit him.
The one concern is a poor win rate for someone of his talent; he only has three tour victories. However, he has finished in the top-6 in 14 of his last 50 tournaments, the equivalent of a 28% strike rate.
With Stan James paying ¼ odds for a top-6 finish, Kuchar should place at the very least, especially in a field that lacks strength in depth.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 14:18 17th Apr, 2012 but subject to change
