PGA Splits Advanced Data Picks and Analysis: CJ Cup
The second half of the mini-Las Vegas swing moves across town to the exclusive Summit Club for the 78-player, no-cut CJ Cup. At 7,431 yards in length, this Par 72 Tom Fazio-designed layout is a desert parkland-style course that plays shorter due to being at around 2300 feet elevation. Typical of Fazio courses, it has large and undulating bentgrass greens that are surrounded by deep bunkers. The rough is a little longer here than at recent other courses at 3” and has been overseeded with ryegrass.
Everyone already had an idea that this course would present another “birdie-fest” similar to Caves Valley from a couple of months ago. That notion has only been confirmed by player interviews held this week in which Collin Morikawa and Justin Thomas both predicted scores in the 20-under range. Speaking of Morikawa, there are two narratives (along with my model) that are guiding my player selection process this week.