Byron Nelson predictions: Refreshed Matsuyama set to impress

James Mason
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Hideki Matsuyama is returning to action for the first time since the Masters
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The US PGA Championship takes place at Oak Hill next week, but first some of the leading contenders will aim to sharpen their skills at the AT&T Byron Nelson, which takes place at TPC Craig Ranch, Texas.

Texas based-world number two Scottie Scheffler is the 9/2 favourite with LiveScore Bet while Lone Star State native Jordan Spieth is 9/1 to win a 14th PGA Tour title having blown a number of excellent chances in recent weeks.

Japanese ace to benefit from a break

Scheffler and Spieth have obvious claims but they could be upstaged by Hideki Matsuyama, another Masters champion who should be raring to go after taking a month off following a 16th-placed finish at Augusta.

Matsuyama made the same decision last season, returning to action at the Byron Nelson on the eve of the PGA, and finished third behind dual champion Kyoung-hoon Lee, so he's demonstrated that he is capable of coming out firing after a break.

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The Japanese, who was also fifth at the Players Championship, has been held back by a cold putter on occasion, but he's gained strokes on the greens in two previous Craig Ranch spins and his elite approach play is a significant asset at this course.

Matsuyama looks a solid option at 22/1 with LiveScore Bet.

In-form Kuchar should enjoy this test

Matt Kuchar has been in fine form over the last couple of months, winning his group at the WGC-Match Play, finishing third at the Texas Open, 19th at the Heritage and 23rd at the Wells Fargo last week at a Quail Hollow course which is probably too long for him.

The veteran plodder has returned to the world's top 50 for the first time since 2021 and Craig Ranch is a course which should suit this shorter hitter who has been putting particularly well in recent outings.

Kuchar likes the venue, too, finishing 17th and 12th in the two Craig Ranch editions of the Byron Nelson, and he appeals at 28/1 with LiveScore Bet.

Matt Kuchar has been rolling back the years over recent months

Power to stake his Ryder Cup claims

The race for a Ryder Cup spot is beginning to heat up and Ireland's Seamus Power can put himself in pole position for a place on Luke Donald's European team by adding the Byron Nelson to his two PGA Tour victories.

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Power, a champion in each of the last two years on the US Tour, returned to form when 18th at the Wells Fargo last week, where all areas of his game appeared to be firing on all cylinders.

That bodes well for a return to Craig Ranch, where he finished ninth in 2021 and 17th last season, which makes him an attractive betting option at 40/1 with LiveScore Bet.

Don't write off Walker at big odds

Those looking for an each-way play at bigger odds should take a chance on Texas resident Jimmy Walker, who has found something after a long battle for form and fitness.

The 44-year-old has finished in the top 25 of his last four PGA Tour tournaments, including at tough Quail Hollow last week, and has been putting well in the process. He appeals at 100/1 with LiveScore Bet.

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