Adam Scott and Scottie Scheffler ride quick turnaround momentum
Adam Scott and Scottie Scheffler have capitalized on quick turnaround momentum at the TPC River Highlands golf course. Keegan Bradley set the stage with an impressive score of 62 on Thursday, but it was Scottie Scheffler who took charge with a composed round of 63. Denny McCarthy stole the lead with a remarkable 60. Meanwhile, Australian golfer Adam Scott flirted with a sub-60 score, only to be hindered by a late double bogey, resulting in him being tied for second place with Bradley at eight under.
The weather forecast for Friday indicates calm conditions in the morning, followed by a chance of rain and light breeze in the afternoon. Considering this, players who finished late on Thursday have an advantage. It is worth keeping an eye on McCarthy, who has shown great potential and could potentially secure a victory. His odds may increase as the tournament progresses.
Analyzing the first-round statistics, the Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green metric has been a reliable indicator of success. Twelve of the top 15 players on the leaderboard rank within the top 25 in this category, with all 15 players falling within the top 47.
Course comfort is another factor to consider. Past champions Kevin Streelman and Chez Reavie are prime examples. Reavie posted an impressive 64, while Streelman had a slightly erratic but respectable round of 65. However, Reavie has struggled with Tee-to-Green performance this season, ranking 140th. Despite his strong performance on Thursday, it is reasonable to expect a regression to his season's norm. On the other hand, Streelman ranked seventh in Tee-to-Green performance on Thursday but is 88th overall this season. It is important to weigh their past success at the Travelers Championship against their recent form.
Based on the latest odds from BetMGM Sportsbook, Scottie Scheffler is the favorite at +250 to win. However, with 54 holes remaining, it is too early to make definitive predictions. Adam Scott, at +1200, presents an intriguing opportunity. After his disappointing missed cut at the U.S. Open, Scott entered the Travelers Championship determined to regain his previous form. He has shown promise in his recent performances, with three top 10 finishes in his last five starts on the TOUR. Scott's strong Tee-to-Green game, combined with his impressive putting skills, makes him a contender to watch. Additionally, Kevin Yu, returning to the TOUR after knee surgery, has displayed potential with a solid round of 65. Consider a Top 10 bet on Yu at +450.
As for fades, Keegan Bradley, despite his strong start, faces challenges as he plays in the afternoon on Friday. The pressure to catch up to the leaders may lead to taking unnecessary risks, potentially hindering his performance. Chez Reavie and Kevin Streelman, both former champions, are also candidates for fades due to potential regression and their afternoon tee times.
In conclusion, Adam Scott and Scottie Scheffler have built significant momentum, and their performances indicate strong potential for success at the TPC River Highlands. With the tournament still