Horses for Courses: Justin Thomas chases third title at The Sentry
The article provides a comprehensive overview of The Sentry, the PGA TOUR's first event of 2025 at the Plantation Course at Kapalua. Here’s a summary and key points:
Event Overview
- Course: Plantation Course, Kapalua, Maui – a par-73 layout, 7,596 yards.
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Event Features:
- Four par-5s and three par-3s.
- Wide fairways (58 yards average) and large greens (9,000 sq. ft. average).
- Friendly scoring conditions, with an average winning score of 28.7 under par over the last four years.
- No-cut event featuring 60 players.
Defending Champion
- Chris Kirk: Returns as defending champion after a 29-under victory in 2024. His record-breaking win included 30 birdies and only one bogey.
Key Stats for Success
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Putting: Birdie-or-Better Conversion Percentage
Players in the top ranks include Sam Burns (1st), Wyndham Clark (2nd), and Harry Hall (4th). A hot putter is critical for contention. -
Bogey Avoidance
Xander Schauffele (1st) leads in minimizing bogeys. The course's generous fairways and greens mitigate errors, but elevation changes and wind can still challenge players. -
SG: Tee to Green
Xander Schauffele (2nd), Hideki Matsuyama (3rd), and Justin Thomas (5th) excel in this category, essential for navigating Kapalua’s layout.
Top Contenders
- Justin Thomas (+900): Two-time winner (2017, 2020) with multiple top finishes. His experience makes him a strong candidate for a third title.
- Xander Schauffele (+550): Past champion with consistent form at Kapalua. A favorite due to his adaptability and putting skills.
- Collin Morikawa (+1000): Despite a near-miss in 2023, he remains a strong contender with five consecutive top-10 finishes.
Oddsmaker’s Extras
- Sungjae Im (+1800): Strong performances with top-eight finishes in three of his last four starts. Known for fast starts and low rounds.
- Brian Harman (+5500): Reliable at Kapalua, boasting top-5 finishes in past editions.
- Max Homa (+6500): Consistent scoring with six straight rounds in the 60s at the course.
- Jason Day (+5000): A seasoned player with top-10 finishes and expertise on Kapalua’s generous greens.
- Matt Fitzpatrick (+6500): Consistent and improving, with top-15 finishes in his first two starts.
Field Highlights
The no-cut format allows the field of 60 to showcase their skills over four rounds. Experience at Kapalua often plays a significant role, as evidenced by historical winners.
Conclusion
The Sentry promises an exciting start to the 2025 PGA TOUR season. With ideal conditions for scoring and a competitive field, the tournament is poised to deliver thrilling performances and potential record-breaking scores.
