Travelers Championship Tips: Johnson Wagner

Spared the brutality of the US Open, Johnson Wagner should arrive in Connecticut refreshed after a three-week break. Having played in 17 events already this year, the heavy schedule was starting to affect his results as his form dipped in the last couple of months. No more than a blip, he still sits a lofty 13th in the FedEx Cup Standings and a return to his early season form doesn’t look far away.

A visit to TPC River Highlands should also spark a revival in the 32-year-old. Last year he was the halfway leader after opening rounds of 65-63. Unfortunately, he couldn’t last and finished T17, a common occurrence it seems. These are his opening two rounds on the par-70 course since 2008, with his finishing position in brackets:

2011: 65-63 (T17)
2010: 68-66 (T68)
2009: 66-68 (T26)
2008: 64-71 (T45)

Every year he put himself into contention, only to fade over the weekend, but this time things could be different.

Firstly, he is playing the best golf of his career, but most importantly, he is carrying it into the weekend. This season Wagner ranks 11th for third round scoring average, in the last four years he ranked no higher than 110th.

If he gets his customary fast start at the Travelers, there is every chance he could close it out. Already a winner on tour this year, Johnson Wagner is over priced at 100/1 (Bet365). Back him each-way and get ¼ odds for a top-5 finish.