Patrick Cantlay should be comfortable at Colonial

Sky Sports Golf, 6pm Thursday

Inconsistent putting has been the main reason why Open champion Jordan Spieth has failed to win any silverware this season, but his Fort Worth Invitational first-round threeball could provide a masterclass on the greens.

Spieth insists he has made progress with his putting stroke over the last fortnight and the world number three has two flat-stick masters to feed off at Colonial Country Club, Texas. Steve Stricker, still a wizard on the greens at the age of 51, and defending champ Kevin Kisner, consistently one of the best rock-rollers on the circuit, join Spieth in the marquee threeball at 2.06pm (UK and Ireland).

Spieth can edge that contest, but a more attractive wager is Patrick Cantlay to outscore Brooks Koepka over 72 holes. Cantlay has become one of the most solid ball-strikers on the US Tour and should be clear favourite against a player who is still working his way back to form after a four-month injury layoff.

Koepka delivered some final-round fireworks from way off the pace at Sawgrass last time out, but this is his debut at Colonial and a slow start can be anticipated. The course does not play to his strengths and this is just his third strokeplay tournament in four months.

Emiliano Grillo appreciates the test of accuracy provided by Colonial and the precise Argentinian looks a strong favourite for top South American honours, with only rookie Joaquin Niemann and a struggling Jhonattan Vegas to beat.

And the same can be said of Russell Knox in the two-runner top Scot market. Knox has a game that is tailor-made for Colonial and 8-11 is a more than fair price about him defeating Martin Laird.

Recommendations
P Cantlay to beat B Koepka
2pts 10-11 bet365, Betfair, Betfred, Paddy Power
E Grillo top South American
2pts 10-11 Betfair, Paddy Power
R Knox top Scot
2pts 8-11 Bet365, Betway

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