NFL Tickets
The PGA Tour’s HP Byron Nelson Classic is being played this week at the TPC Four Seasons Resort in Irving, TX. Any tournament that takes place immediately following a major championship (or, in this case, the unofficial 5th major championship) is destined to see a decline in big name entries, as many of the world’s elite take the week off to recover from the grueling test that majors provide. The Byron Nelson Championship is no exception to this rule. Only 4 of the top 15 players in the world made the trip to the TPC Four Seasons this week, along with 9 of the top 50. The Players Championship it is not.
Another reason for the lack of star power could be the fact that the course is simply not very popular among touring pros, ranking 49th out of 52 courses that are in regular use on the tour. The course seems to have fallen out of favor since it was overhauled 5 years ago. There are, however other reasons that individuals are not making the trip; as Dustin Johnson, who had previously committed to play, is skipping the tournament due to a back injury, and Masters Champion Bubba Watson is still enjoying life with his new family.
Last year’s champion, Keegan Bradley, who seems to be on everyone’s weekly sleeper list, will be making the voyage to sunny Texas, hoping to retain his title. Bradley beat Ryan Palmer in a playoff last year to win the Byron Nelson and then went on to win the PGA Championship, so it is understandable why so many analysts are banking on him.
According to most major sports books, Phil Mickelson is the odds-on favorite to win this week, followed very closely by Adam Scott and Players Champion Matt Kuchar. Not far behind the lead pack, the books have last year’s champion Keegan Bradley with a legitimate shot to repeat.
You can view all of Carl’s RantSports articles here and follow him on Twitter @CarlConrad81.
Share 
