Prediction for the Houston Open by Lou Riccio

For Houston, the Model has virtually the identical picks no matter if the emphasis is on the course, or recent play, or overall play for the last couple of years. The top five from the Model are the same in all three runs and the second five are almost the same. (Dufner sneaks in one run at Stricker’s expense but in only one of the three.) There is one notable surprise and that is Sharma ranks right up there with the best. Actually the Model doesn’t have enough data to include him in the list, but his recent showing indicates he is ready for the big time. I’m leaving him in.

The big question is: can you believe the best players are trying their all to win at Houston, or are they using it as a tune up to test out shots they will need for Augusta?The Model can only guess that they are trying their best. With that as the objective, here are the Model’s picks: