Canadian Open Matchup Bets (Target Ball Strikers as Often as Possible)

The PGA Tour heads North of the border this week for the Canadian Open.

I've already give you outright picks in my betting preview, as well as a few dark horse and long shot bets to sprinkle on.

Now, it's time to look at a few matchup bets. These bets are much more likely to hit, as they're just 1v1. All you need for the bet to hit is for the golfer you bet on, to finish with a lower score than the one they're matched with.

Let's take a look at three matchups you should consider betting on this week.

Aaron Rai -145 vs. Cameron Champ

Cameron Champ will have an advantage on the field when the event takes place at a course where distance off the tee will give golfers a leg-up on the shorter hitters. Champ once against ranks first on Tour in driving distance, averaging 324.2 yards off the tee, but unfortunately that distance won't give him an advantage at St. George's.

Aaron Rai outranks him in both strokes gained: approach (73rd vs. 173rd), and strokes gained: around-the-green (112th vs. 184th), so he is the deserving favorite in this spot.

Justin Thomas +110 vs. Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy is the defending champion of the event, but let's not forget that it's not being hosted at the same venue this time around. JT is fresh off his second career major victory, and his only weakness, his driving accuracy, shouldn't hurt him too much at St. George's.

You have to like Thomas at plus money in this spot.

Nick Taylor -105 vs. Adam Long

I already gave out Nick Taylor as a longshot bet this week, but I like him even more in any matchup bet you can find with him involved. He thrives at courses like St. George's, like Pebble Beach, where he has one of his two wins on Tour.

Adam Long missed the cut in three of his last five starts, including shooting +7 through two rounds at last week's Memorial Tournament. His poor approach play and chipping will cost him this week.

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.