The upcoming 2023 Barbasol Championship is a promising spectacle that golf enthusiasts won’t miss. Scheduled to take place from July 13 to July 16 at the Keene Trace Golf Club’s Champions Course, this tournament is important. It’s not just about the skilful swings, precise putts, and exhilarating chip-ins. This competition also includes FedExCup points and PGA Tour cards at stake, adding intrigue and excitement.
The anticipation builds as fans recall Trey Mullinax’s victory in the 2022 edition. Perhaps this year, another unexpected contender might seize the trophy and the $684,000 prize awarded to the top performer. Interestingly, this championship has been a launching pad for some, with the past two champions, Seamus Power in 2021 and Trey Mullinax in 2022, earning their first major wins on the main circuit right here.
The field for this year’s competition features some significant figures, such as Lucas Glover, Taylor Pendrith, Kevin Streelman, Jason Dufner, and Ryan Moore. These athletes are set to navigate the 7,328-yard Arthur Hills layout, a testament to the rich tradition of golf in the Bluegrass state.
The 2023 Barbasol Championship, co-sanctioned by DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, provides a unique opportunity. As numerous top-tier golfers venture to Europe to familiarize themselves with the Open Championship environment or choose to rest, this opens up possibilities for others. The event allows less renowned golfers to gather valuable points and vie for a victory in what might be a more open field than usual. New victors could emerge in the Barbasol Championship with the Scottish Open happening simultaneously.
Taylor Pendrith (+1800)
Hailing from Canada, Taylor Pendrith, who previously notched two victories on the PGA Tour Canada in 2019, is a compelling player to observe. Pendrith, currently ranked 113th worldwide according to the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), has yet to taste victory on the PGA Tour.
The 32-year-old’s season has been somewhat inconsistent, with his best performances being a 7th-place finish at Pebble Beach, a 13th-place finish at the Zurich Classic, and a 29th-place finish at the PGA Championship. Despite these varying results, he’s favored to win the Barbasol Championship with the shortest odds. If successful, this would be his inaugural triumph on the PGA Tour.
Lucas Glover (+2200)
The competition also features a seasoned player in Lucas Glover, who currently ranks 112th globally, having peaked at 15th. Known for his significant victory at the 2009 U.S. Open, Glover is a four-time tour champion, with his most recent victory coming at the 2021 John Deere Classic.
Despite longer odds than Pendrith, Glover’s extensive experience and higher world ranking make him an exciting candidate for the win at the Kentucky tournament. The betting community anticipates his chances, and enthusiasts can use Kentucky Betting Promo Codes to place their wagers on the tournament’s outcome.
Lucas Glover has showcased impressive form in recent tournaments. In the John Deere Classic, he secured a sixth-place finish. His performance at the Rocket Mortgage Classic was even more compelling, where he secured a fourth-place finish. This string of solid performances paints a promising picture for Glover’s prospects in the upcoming Barbasol Championship.
Vincent Norrman (+2500)
Born on Christmas Eve in 1997, Vincent Oliver Norrman is a professional golfer from Sweden. Norrman has an impressive resume, having been part of the victorious Swedish team at the 2019 European Amateur Team Championship.
The golfer took a step forward in his career in June 2021 when he became professional and joined the European Tour as an affiliate. His debut as a professional was marked at the BMW International Open at Golf Club München Eichenried in Munich, Germany. With his noteworthy beginnings, Norrman’s appearance at the Barbasol Championship is one to watch.
Peter Kuest (+2500)
Peter Kuest’s journey to the professional circuit is nothing short of incredible. He started the year with only conditional status on the Korn Ferry Tour and had yet to participate in an event. He returned strong despite initial struggles as a KFT rookie and on the Challenge Tour in 2021.
As a testament to his resilience, Kuest had an exceptional collegiate career with ten wins, eight of which came in his last three semesters. Recently, his performances have shown promise, with a 17th-place finish at the John Deere Classic and an impressive fourth place at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
Akshay Bhatia (+2800)
The young American golfer Akshay Bhatia is another promising player in the Barbasol Championship. Bhatia has a promising past, being the runner-up at the 2018 U.S. Junior Amateur and bagging two silver medals at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in the boys’ individual and mixed team events with Lucy Li. More recently, Bhatia achieved Special Temporary Member status on the PGA Tour due to his impressive performance and runner-up finish at the 2023 Puerto Rico Open.
Kevin Streelman (+2800)
Kevin Streelman, an established figure on the PGA Tour, almost clinched his third title in the previous year’s championship, missing by just a single shot. He has demonstrated exceptional form recently, ranking second in strokes gained: approach among those competing at the Barbasol in his last twelve rounds.
Streelman’s consistent performances have seen him reach the weekend in seven out of his last ten starts, with his crowning achievement being a top-10 placement at the Colonial.
Grayson Murray (+3500)
Grayson Murray, a familiar name to fans as the 2017 champion, albeit at a different course, has been showcasing some exceptional golf lately. Murray’s skill has been displayed with a win on the Korn Ferry Tour and a third-place finish two starts later.
He clinched a sixth-place finish in his most recent PGA Tour event at the John Deere Classic. The tournament witnessed Murray outperform his peers with an impressive 8.5 shot gain from tee to green. His current momentum and past success make him an intriguing contender for the upcoming Barbasol Championship.
Final Words
The 2023 Barbasol Championship looms, promising an event with thrilling performances and strategic masterstrokes. The competing players’ roster includes exciting prospects and seasoned professionals, all striving for the trophy and the considerable prize. The Barbasol Championship serves as a unique opportunity for lesser-known talents. With many higher-ranked golfers otherwise engaged or resting, the competition could provide a gateway for newer stars to amass crucial points and achieve potential victories in a more open field.