After last week’s match play action, we're back to a full-field strokeplay format for this week's Honda Classic - the first event in the restyled four-week ‘Florida Swing’.
The Course: PGA National Golf Club Champion Course (par-70, 7,241 yards)
Originally designed by Tom Fazio, but later re-designed by Jack Nicklaus and, in typical Nicklaus style, may well favour left to right hitters. Scoring last year was high relative to par (the winner finished on five under) and early indications are that good all-round ball strikers have an edge, especially if the rough is up. In breezy conditions last year, good wind players came to the fore. The are just two par-5’s - the 3rd and the 18th (604 yards).
Ross’ Top Tip - Boo Weekley @ 28/1 bet365, Paddy Power
A magnificent driver and ball-striker, Boo has made a steady start to the season - eighth in the Bob Hope, ninth in the FBR Open, and took the scalps of Martin Kaymer and Sergio Garcia last week - and should be a factor on a course where he tied for second last year (beaten in a playoff). The combination of course form and current form (currently third in the all-around ranking) makes him an irresistible bet this week.
Next Best - David Toms @ 50/1 Skybet, Ladbrokes
Toms is a player who finds his form quickly on the Florida Swing. His form in this event is solid too, finishing tied-25th, 5th and tied 3rd in the three years that the event was played on the Sunrise course, and tied-20th last year when the event was played on the Champions Course for the first time. The course should suit his eye as he won the 2003 Wachovia Championship at Quail Hollow, which is another Fazio-influenced track.
Outsider - Steve Marino @ 60/1 Blue Square
Played in Mexico last week which is a pretty good warm-up for this event as players get acclimatised to Bermuda grass and gusty winds. He finished second there and again proved his liking for Bermuda greens when fourth in the Sony Open earlier this season. Finished tied-20th in this event last year and he’s in better form this time around (5th in the all-around ranking), so the omens are good for another good week.
Tournament Lay - Ernie Els
In the absence of Woods and Mickelson, the mantle of favouritism falls on Els, but I can’t get myself to back him at the general 14/1. It’s now four years since Ernie won in the States and he was hammered by Jonathan Byrd 6&5 in the first round of last week’s match play. At least he ensures that everyone else is a decent price this week.
Ross’ 72-Hole Match Bet - Steve Marino to beat Matt Kuchar @ 10/11 bet365
Recommended Bets:
Boo Weekley 2pt each way @ 28/1 bet365, Paddy Power
David Toms 1pt each way @ 50/1 Skybet, Ladbrokes
Steve Marino 1pt each way @ 60/1 Blue Square
(All - 1/4 odds, 1.2.3.4.5)
Last week’s tip Stewart Cink finished second at 80/1
