The best golfers in the world will put on a show at the Cherry Hills Country Club in Englewood, Colorado this weekend as the FedEx Cup playoff series continues with the BMW Championship. Rory McIlroy won this tournament in 2012 and even though this is a roaming event that will take place at this course for the first time this year it’s clear that the No. 1 golfer in the world deserves to be the outright favorite. Here is a quick look at the four-best bets to make heading in to the 2014 BMW Championship.
Rory McIlroy +450
Any list of contenders for this weekend has to begin and end with the world’s top-ranked golfer after he has proven virtually unbeatable when at his best. McIlroy has finished in the top-five in four of his last five events including three wins and he should have plenty of confidence heading in to the third event of the FedEx Cup. His power from the tee won’t be nearly as important as it has been on bigger courses but McIlroy has proven he can adjust and make every shot needed and if he plays his best golf there is little doubt he will get the job done at the BMW Championship.
Jim Furyk +2500
Furyk has been one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour this season with 10 top-10’s and three runner up finishes in 2014. The problem has been his inability to finish as he hasn’t won an event in four years. Some will argue that he can’t close but the reality is that he is on the verge of breaking through. Furyk is a good bet to rank among the leaders through the first three rounds and this could be the event where he finally finishes after failing to win each of the last eight times that he held the lead heading in to the final round.
Phil Mickelson +2500
Mickelson’s propensity for taking risks took him from the bunkers to the spectator areas at the Barclays but while his inconsistency will cause some people to doubt his ability his desire to take what he feels are calculated risks could pay off in a big way this weekend. 24 years after winning the US Amateur at this very course back in 1990 Mickelson returns to Cherry Hills without any pressure and with plenty of fan support on his side. A veteran golfer that has proven his ability time and again, Mickelson is an excellent value pick for the outright win.
Ernie Els +8000
Speaking of a veteran golfer that certainly has a legitimate shot to win despite his inconsistencies, Els has improved his putting numbers and that has led to his improved play of late. Els followed up a top-10 finish at the PGA Championship by placing in the top-five at The Barclays and while he wasn’t at his best at TPC Boston last week this is an excellent opportunity to bounce back. Els had success at The International and Castle Pines so we know he can handle the Colorado altitude. He hasn’t proven he can put it all together just yet but at such excellent value we will take a shot on him as a deep sleeper pick to surprise and win the 2014 BMW Championship.
