CIMB Classic: five sleeper picks
The PGA Tour begins its three-tournament Asian swing this week at the CIMB Classic. The event is in its eighth year and fifth at TPC Kuala Lumpur, formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
More from Pro Golf Now
- Golf Rumors: LIV set to sign Masters Champion in stunning deal
- Fantasy Golf: Grant Thornton Invitational DFS Player Selections
- Brutal return leaves Will Zalatoris looking towards 2024
- Stars You Know at World Champions Cup Starts Thursday at Concession
- Fantasy Golf: An Early Look at the 2024 Masters Tournament
The par 72, 7,200-yard West course lends itself to low scores as the average winning tally since 2013 is 20-under-par. Proper positioning off the tee, with often less than driver, is the key this week. Length is not the be all end all, but it could help under expected wet conditions.
This week is a no-cut event with just 78 golfers in the field.
The last two years have seen Justin Thomas romp to victory at 26- and 23-under. The world No. 4’s stature has exceeded an event of this caliber, but kudos to Thomas for returning for another title defense. If my research is correct, no golfer has won the same event three times in a row or more since Tiger Woods won the Buick Invitational (now Farmers Insurance Open) from 2005 to 2009.
Thomas is the overwhelming favorite to win again, but here are five under-the-radar guys who could dethrone Thomas once and for all.