There are three world-class ball-strikers I want to focus on for Saturday’s third round of the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational.
Unfortunately, the books also like these players, as each has been listed as the favorite against his playing partner.
So let’s give the half-stroke and bank on a trio of guys who should continue firing darts into the TPC Southwind greens.
Webb Simpson (-115) over Alex Noren, -0.5
So far this week, Simpson is eighth in strokes gained on approach shots and fourth in putting — a combo that will be familiar for each of these three matchups. With only two bogeys through 36 holes, expect Simpson to post something in the 67-68 range to win this one.
Justin Rose (-125) over Ian Poulter, -0.5
One of the world’s best iron players, Rose has already picked up more than five strokes over the field on his approach shots, a trend that should continue over his buddy Poulter in what should be a comfortable pairing. It’s tough to see him deviating from that strength moving forward.
Henrik Stenson (-135) over Kevin Na, -0.5
Like Simpson and Rose, Stenson has also shown off his ball-striking skills so far this week, ranking third in strokes gained on approach shots. Throw in the fact that he’s also fifth in putting and I like him to cruise over Na, who’s playing his first event after an injury.
