WGC Invitational – Gary Woodland

Continuing the theme of the big hitters, Gary Woodland could enjoy success on his first visit to Firestone. Sixth on tour for driving distance and 11th for GIRs; his game is very similar to Dustin Johnson’s but at double the price.

A winner on tour this year at the Transitions Championship, his game became inconsistent after the breakthrough, as can often happen for first time winners. The confidence seems to be returning now, as is the game.

A tied 30th at the British Open was the catalyst. After an excellent 68 on Friday, he followed it up with a 74-72 over the weekend. Six over par for the two rounds, they can be rated much higher as he was playing in the worst of the weather. If it wasn’t for a triple bogey at 14 then he would have finished even better.

He continued that good form into the Greenbrier Classic last week where he finished T4. It was a tournament he could have won but the flat stick went cold at the wrong time. T44 for putts per round shows how well he was striking the ball to still keep himself in contention.

Firestone isn’t a course where putting is critical, there are enough other challenges to test the golfers. Back him each way for 1/4 odds for a top five finish.