Happy Horschel could be set for further Texas cheer

Starts 2pm Thursday, live on Sky Sports 4 from 9pm

Sawgrass champion Si Woo Kim returns to the fray this week in the Dean & Deluca Invitational and the increased profile of the Korean youngster has resulted in a place alongside Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm in the marquee threeball of the day.

Kim, Garcia and 12-1 tournament co-favourite Rahm tee off at 1.55pm UK and Ireland time at Colonial Country Club, Texas, while Jordan Spieth, the other market leader, must wait until 7.06pm to get his title defence started. Only three groups start later than Spieth's on the first tee.

Billy Horschel probably feels like a huge weight has been lifted from his shoulders after a successful week at the AT&T Byron Nelson, and the fiery Floridian can be fancied to win a Dean & Deluca match against Brandt Snedeker.

Horschel won a Byron Nelson playoff on Sunday, ending a victory drought which was approaching three years, before his wife made public her recent battle with alcoholism. With Billy playing well again and Brittany overcoming her addiction, the future looks bright for the Horschels and the Byron Nelson champion may ride the crest of a wave this week.

Horschel is a streaky player who is prone to bursts of form which can last several tournaments. His previous two victories came in back-to-back weeks in the 2014 FedEx Cup playoffs. As a proven Texas performer, who has placed three times in the Texas Open, there is every reason to expect a decent Colonial debut.

Snedeker is unlikely to approach his round today with as much swagger in his step. He had to skip the Players Championship the week before last because of a wrist injury and is still mulling over whether to have an operation.

Snedeker missed the cut by three shots in the AT&T Byron Nelson last week and may soon head for the treatment table if the tendon problems in his wrist continue. He has the edge over Horschel in terms of course experience, but that seems unlikely to be enough.

Recommendation
B Horschel to beat B Snedeker
2pts 10-11 Betway