If you like hot weather and hotter scores, the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial is the tournament for you. Colonial finished 2009 as the fourth-easiest par-70 course on the whole Tour. The track isn\u2019t too long, so it rewards shot makers and aggressive pin attackers rather than bombers.<\/p>\n
Date<\/strong>: Thursday May 27 – May 30 Here are the top picks to keep in mind. Let\u2019s review the best options.<\/p>\n Phil Mickelson<\/strong><\/p>\n Crowne Plaza Invitational odds: +815<\/p>\n Lefty couldn\u2019t be a sturdier pick this week. He won the event the last time he played it (2008) and is second all-time in earnings at the Crowne Plaza Invitational. Given his history and aggressive style, we have to assume he\u2019ll contend.<\/p>\n Jim Furyk<\/strong><\/p>\n Crowne Plaza Invitational odds: +1215<\/p>\n Furyk has great success at Colonial too \u2013 he has six top-10s in his last 14 starts there \u2013 so the cagey vet has a decent shot to make a run this week. But will his putter elude him? It did at the Players.<\/p>\n Tim Clark<\/strong><\/p>\n Crowne Plaza Invitational odds: +2050<\/p>\n The hot often get rewarded in the Texas heat, meaning guys having successful seasons are more likely to play with confidence and aggression. Tim Clark won his last event (the Players), lost this tournament last year in a playoff, leads the Tour in fairways hit and ranks second in putting. A ton going for him this week. Ben Crane<\/strong><\/p>\n Crowne Plaza Invitational odds: +2250<\/p>\n Like Clark, Ben Crane is peaking in time for this week\u2019s tourney. He has back to back top-seven finishes and is 10th<\/sup> on Tour in greens hit. He\u2019s also cracked the top five twice at Colonial. It\u2019s a tough decision between him and Clark.<\/p>\n Steve Stricker<\/strong><\/p>\n Crowne Plaza Invitational odds: +2050<\/p>\n Stricker opened 2010 picking up where he left off in 2009, posting three straight top-10s, including a win at the Northern Trust Open. Since then, however, he has just one top-10 in his last five starts. He\u2019s still sixth on tour in scoring average, 13th<\/sup> in birdie average and eight in putts per round, so you could do a lot worse. Did I mention he\u2019s the defending champ? <\/p>\n Matt Kuchar<\/strong><\/p>\n Crowne Plaza Invitational odds: +2850<\/p>\n Led the field in greens hit at the Players and finished ninth at Colonial in 2008. Kuchar is second on Tour in scoring average and first in bogey avoidance.\u00a0 He seems almost as strong a pick as the other favorites yet offers slightly better sportsbook value.<\/p>\n Zach Johnson<\/strong><\/p>\n Crowne Plaza Invitational odds: +4050<\/p>\n Whenever I hear \u201cball striking\u201d and or that a course \u201cdoesn\u2019t reward long hitters,\u201d I think of Zach Johnson. He\u2019s had a nightmarish season \u2013 his best finish is 12th<\/sup> \u2013 but these little Texas tracks are usually where he plays best. Last year, he finished ninth. I probably can\u2019t justify him even as a sleeper since he\u2019s playing so poorly \u2013 but keep him on your radar.<\/p>\n Tim Clark had been one of the best players on Tour not to win a PGA tournament for quite some time. We\u2019d seen him flirt with victory and even choke in playoffs before, as he did at Colonial a year ago. I have to believe the sky\u2019s the limit now that he has that first win under his belt and newfound confidence. He\u2019s hot right this second and his peripheral stats suggest a strong showing, so he\u2019s my recommendation this week.<\/p>\n
\nEvent<\/strong>: Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial
\nCourse<\/strong>: Colonial CC, Ft. Worth, Texas
\nPurse<\/strong>: $6,200,000
\nDefending Champ<\/strong>: Steve Stricker
\nFedEX Cup Points Up For Grabs<\/strong>: 500<\/p>\nTHE ELITE<\/strong><\/h3>\n
THE CONTENDERS<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nSOLID PICKS<\/strong><\/h3>\n
THE SLEEPER<\/strong><\/h3>\n
THE PICK<\/strong><\/h3>\n