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It’s Decision Time for U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson, and It Doesn’t Look Easy

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Here’s our best guess at who makes the U.S. Ryder Cup team and who gets snubbed

It is possible the decision is easier than it appears. Zach Johnson might very well have the exact pieces he wants to fill out his U.S. Ryder Cup team roster, leaving the rest of us to overanalyze the situation.

Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa, and Xander Schauffele are the automatic qualifiers for the Americans, having qualified through the BMW Championship.

Here’s a look at the players—in order of the final points finish—and some guesses as to who might be in Rome next month.

U.S. Ryder Cup Captain’s Picks: Contenders

The reigning PGA Championship winner, who tied for second at the Masters and has Ryder Cup experience, should not be in doubt. But the political infighting due to LIV Golf leads to the possibility that Koepka is left off the team. The guess here is that Johnson wants to avoid that negativity and knows that Koepka will be an asset.

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Ranked 12th in the Official World Golf Ranking and 15th in the Sports Illustrated World Golf Rankings, Spieth is a virtual lock, at least according to several sportsbooks that have him off the board. His experience—and the fact that he’s been a good partner to another possible pick, Justin Thomas—and finishing eighth in points is more evidence. If you want to look for negatives, Spieth barely qualified for the Tour Championship, didn’t have a great week in Atlanta, and hasn’t had a top-five since the Memorial. But do you skip the 12th-ranked player who was eighth in points? The guess here is Spieth is on the team.

The reigning PGA Tour rookie of the year contended at the British Open again but has yet to win on Tour and has just six top-10 finishes in 2023. An excellent ball striker, his putting woes mirror some others on the team, which is why he is a risky pick. It’s possible that Johnson sees a role for such a solid player. And it’s tough to pass on No. 9. But the guess here is that Young gets left out.

A two-time major champion who has failed to win in each of the past two seasons, Morikawa is difficult to leave off the team based on his excellent ball-striking ability. He went 2-1 last year at the Presidents Cup and 3-0-1 at the 2021 Ryder Cup. The guess here is that Morikawa gets a pick.

A two-time winner this season, Keegs hasn’t played in the Ryder Cup since 2014, and both of his team experiences were losses. But he’s viewed as the kind of fiery competitor that the U.S. team can use, and his putting has improved immensely. Since winning the Travelers Championship, he had not placed in the top 20 until the Tour Championship. Whether that is enough is up for debate. The guess here is that Bradley is a surprise pick.

His victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic—against Morikawa in a playoff—was one of the field-good stories of the year after more than four years without winning. But is that enough to get a Ryder Cup pick? His experience and overall good-guy vibe, along with being a solid putter, are assets. But he’s just 3-7-5 in four Ryder Cup appearances. And while he was trending well ahead of his victory this summer, he’s cooled off since. Another tough call. The guess here is yes.

A difficult decision that promises to be controversial if Thomas gets picked. He’s missed the cut in three major championships, shooting in the 80s in two of them. He failed to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs, finishing 71st. He’s also had just one top-five finish all year. But this is where having all the picks allows for intangibles, gut feelings, or pairings. Thomas is 6-2-1 in his two Ryder Cups, including 4-1 in Paris in 2018. He’s been a team leader at the Presidents Cup as well. And he’s the type of player who can get under an opponent’s skin. And let’s not forget, Tiger Woods has some influence behind the scenes. Woods and Thomas are buddies. You know Thomas will be ready. The guess here is yes

Notable Others

Certainly, there are others to consider. Sam Burns: He seemed a lock after winning the WGC Match Play in March, but Burns has not done much since that time, and his record at last year’s Presidents Cup—0-3-2—is nothing to get excited about either. But he’s good friends with Scottie Scheffler, and how much influence does the No. 1 player yield? They went 0-1-2 as teammates at the Presidents Cup, which at least means they have experience playing together. This is a tough call. The guess here is no. Denny McCarthy: He’s 14th in points and had a playoff loss to Viktor Hovland at the Memorial. It’s probably not enough for a player who’s never won and never played in a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup. He’s had a solid year and shown plenty of promise, but there are too many other choices. The guess here is no. Lucas Glover has won twice lately and is a popular player who’d get along with anyone and could be a good partner for several players. Tony Finau somehow is just 21st in points despite a victory earlier this year and has been a member of several Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams. Dustin Johnson, who plays for LIV Golf, went 5–0 two years ago. Bryson DeChambeau, who also plays for LIV, is intriguing given his length.

There are numerous directions Zach can go. The good news is that we will get the answers today!

I have gone over and over it, back and forth… BUT – Here’s my final roll call on the U.S. side: Keep in mind It’s 4 a.m. and I am sleep-deprived…

Automatically qualified: Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa, and Xander Schauffele
Easy Captain’s Picks: Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, and Collin Morikawa
Harder, but Still Definite Captain’s Picks: Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler
Last Man In: Keegan Bradley in a surprise upset pick
First Man Out: Sam Burns or Cam Young Too Close to Call, but I believe both will be watching on TV
Close, but No Cigar: Lucas Glover, Denny McCarthy, Tony Finau, DJ

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Welcome to the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open!

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Hello, everyone! Kelly Hodgeson here, your go-to for all things golf betting. As we gear up for an electrifying week at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas for the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open from October 17-20, I’m here to guide you through the field and share some inside tips on where to place your bets.

Let’s talk about Will Gordon. Despite the odds sitting at +30000, there’s a potential goldmine if he pulls through with a win. A modest $10 bet could turn into $3,010! And if you’re looking for something a bit safer, his top 10 finish at +1800 could return $190 on that same $10. It’s all about finding those hidden gems.

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Now, onto the stars of the show—Tom Kim is back, aiming for a spectacular three-peat with odds of 12-1. His performance at the Presidents Cup has everyone buzzing, and rightfully so. Other big names to watch include Davis Thompson and Taylor Pendrith, both with solid 25-1 odds. These players have shown they can handle the pressure, making this tournament anyone’s game.

At Spreads, we made sure even the casual bettor felt like a VIP, and that’s exactly what I’m bringing to Clickit Golf. Whether you’re betting big or just here for the thrill, I’m here to make sure you’re getting the VIP treatment.

Remember, golf is unpredictable, but that’s where the fun lies. Whether you’re here to place a bet or simply enjoy the game, the Shriners Children’s Open is set to be a fantastic display of talent and nerve. So, grab your scorecards and let’s make this tournament one for the books!

Don’t forget the incredible work that Shriners Children’s Hospital does for their patients. Maybe use some of that bankroll to make a bet on them, it’s a sure winner.

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The Final Day of the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship

A thrilling showdown looms

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As the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson heads into its final day, golf fans are eagerly anticipating an electrifying finish. The tournament has already delivered high-stakes competition and plenty of nail-biting moments, with the field of contenders showcasing both resilience and finesse throughout the week.

After three rounds of spectacular golf, Keith Mitchell enters the final day leading the pack at 20-under par, with Beau Hossler right on his heels at 19-under. Mitchell, whose only PGA Tour win came more than five years ago at the Honda Classic, faces a critical moment on Sunday as he aims for his second title. He was flawless on Saturday, carding a bogey-free 7-under 65 to climb to the top, but he knows Sunday will be a true test of nerves and skill.

“Tomorrow is a completely new day,” Mitchell stated after his round. “Last group. Been there before and failed a bunch on Sundays in the last group. I’m hoping I can learn from those mistakes.” Whether Mitchell can hold his composure and deliver a steady final round remains to be seen, but fans are excited to see if he can secure the victory.

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Beau Hossler, searching for his first PGA Tour victory, will be applying pressure throughout the day, keeping Mitchell in his sights. Hossler’s performance so far has been marked by a series of strong rounds, but a crucial double bogey on the par-4 12th hole on Saturday set him back. Despite the setback, Hossler remains just one shot behind Mitchell at 19-under par. His determination and strong play make it evident that a breakthrough win may not be far off for the 29-year-old.

The final round also promises notable performances from several other players, adding to the intensity of the event. Kevin Yu is currently in third place at 18-under, after an impressive birdie streak on the back nine during Saturday’s round. Meanwhile, Bud Cauley, Lucas Glover, and Jacob Bridgeman are all tied for fourth at 16-under. Each of these players has shown tremendous fight, and the final round could see anyone emerge as a challenger.

Hayden Springer, who began the tournament as somewhat of an underdog, has turned heads with his exceptional play throughout the week. The TCU alum is tied for sixth, marking one of his best performances on the PGA Tour. Springer’s rise up the leaderboard exemplifies the competitive depth of this year’s field.

Charlie Neibergall / AP

One of the highlights of the championship so far has been David Skinns’s course-record 60 during the first round. Though Skinns has struggled to maintain his initial momentum, currently tied for 44th, his performance on Thursday will be remembered as one of the standout moments of the tournament.

As Sunday approaches, Keith Mitchell will need to display the confidence and determination required to close out a win against a talented field. He will need to play calculated golf, understanding when to take risks and when to be conservative. The final round is set to be a thrilling showdown, with Mitchell, Hossler, and the rest of the contenders all striving to make their mark.

Whether Mitchell can capture the Sanderson Farms Championship trophy or if one of the chasing pack will rise to the occasion is still uncertain. For fans, the anticipation is building, and all eyes are on the Country Club of Jackson as the final chapter of this year’s tournament unfolds. The 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship has already provided an exhilarating showcase of high-caliber golf, and the final day promises even more drama and excitement.

Stay tuned as we await the final results and see who will emerge victorious in this thrilling battle for the Sanderson Farms Championship title.

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Beau Hossler Leads the Charge as Sanderson Farms Championship Heats Up

Moving Day Brings Drama and High Stakes in Jackson

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The Sanderson Farms Championship is heating up, and as we head into today’s round, all eyes are on Beau Hossler. The 28-year-old is chasing his first PGA TOUR victory and currently sits atop the leaderboard after an impressive 8-under 64 on Friday. Hossler is feeling the pressure but remains focused, holding a slim one-stroke lead over Daniel Berger. Berger, in his own right, put together a masterful bogey-free 65, showcasing his ability to bounce back from a long injury layoff and reminding everyone why he’s a force to be reckoned with.

As the action continues at the Country Club of Jackson, Mississippi, the field is tightly packed. With players like Keith Mitchell and David Skinns close behind, it’s anyone’s tournament at this point. Mitchell’s aggressive play and Skinns’ steady consistency have kept them in striking distance, making this weekend a must-watch for fans of the sport. Adding to the storylines is Gary Woodland, who’s battling his way up the leaderboard in an inspiring comeback following his recent health challenges. Woodland posted a bogey-free round, keeping himself in contention and capturing the hearts of fans who admire his resilience.

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The Sanderson Farms Championship is known for delivering unexpected drama, and this year is proving to be no different. The course at the Country Club of Jackson, with its tree-lined fairways and strategically placed hazards, has been testing the skills of even the most seasoned players. Low scores have been a hallmark of the event so far, but the weekend always has a way of separating the contenders from the pretenders. With the cut set at 6-under 138, those who made it through will need to stay aggressive while avoiding the lurking dangers that could derail their chances.

As we move into moving day, expect to see more aggressive pin-seeking and bold drives. Players know this is their opportunity to position themselves for a shot at glory on Sunday. Hossler and Berger will have to navigate the pressure, but they are not alone. Mitchell, Skinns, and a host of others are all within striking distance, making for a tightly contested leaderboard. It’s this kind of competition that makes the Sanderson Farms Championship such a thrill to watch—an event where up-and-coming talents clash with seasoned veterans, each hungry for a win.

Fans should also keep an eye on some dark horse players who are quietly lurking just a few shots back. Golf is a game of momentum, and all it takes is a hot streak to vault up the leaderboard. The championship offers crucial FedExCup points, and with many players seeking to improve their standings as the season winds down, there’s an extra layer of urgency to every swing, every putt, and every decision.

The Sanderson Farms Championship is more than just a golf tournament; it’s an opportunity for these players to prove themselves on a big stage. As the weekend unfolds, the focus will be on consistency, resilience, and the ability to handle the pressure that comes with competing for a PGA TOUR title. Who will rise to the occasion? Will Hossler finally get his breakthrough win, or will Berger’s comeback story reach a new high? One thing is for sure: it’s going to be an exciting weekend of golf filled with drama, excitement, and a healthy dose of unpredictability.

Stay tuned for continued coverage as the Sanderson Farms Championship intensifies. The pursuit of glory and those all-important FedExCup points will only get more dramatic as the players continue their quest for victory.

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