With tournament host Tiger Woods absent from the field along with several other big name players, this year’s renewal of the AT & T National at the famed Congressional course has a low-key feel.
The Course: Congressional C.C. (Blue Course), Bethesda, MD (par-70, 7,255 yards)
One of America's most demanding par-70’s with over 102 bunkers. The signature hole is the 466-yard par-4 18th with water on three sides, a thick grove of cedar trees for errant shots and bunkers right of the green, requiring a second shot of great courage. There’s also a 218-yard par-3 over a massive lake, while the ninth, at 602 yards, is a hugely demanding par-5 with a deep ravine in front of the green. Most will lay up.
Ross’ Top Tip: Hunter Mahan @ 22/1 Stan James
Nearly provided us with a 20/1 winner last time when runner-up in the Travelers Championship, and he’ll be looking to capitalise on that this week and seal his place in the Ryder Cup. The fact that he finished an excellent eight here last year, closing with a 65, is further encouragement to stick with him. Okay, his price is nothing special, but in such a weak field he’s a must for the staking plan.
Next Best: Pat Perez @ 50/1 William Hill
Still a maiden on Tour, but he has been playing consistently well all season without winning (three top-10‘s) and this could be his time. The fact that he sits fourth in the US Tour's All-Around ranking shows he’s got the game to win, and he has a fine record on these old-style courses as shown by his third place finish last year. Snap up the 50’s while it lasts.
Outsider: John Rollins @ 80/1 Ladbrokes
Has had a difficult season so far, but scored his first top-10 of the year at the Buick Open with a tie for ninth, thanks largely to a 7-under 65 in the final round. Then, he came out and qualified for the Open on Monday; another indication his game is finally coming around. If he can maintain that level of form, he looks sure to be in the mix this week at tasty odds.
Ross’ Match Bet: John Rollins to beat Mathew Goggin @ 9/10 Paddy Power
Tournament Lay (Betfair): Jim Furyk
Some recent lack-lustre finishes brought on by a cold putter make the American an uneasy favourite this week, and he’s worth taking on in the outright market and in match bets.
In-running notes:
Last year’s winner KJ Choi shot a nine-under score, but seven of those came between 15 and 18, so much can change in the last hour on Saturday and Sunday.
Recommended Bets:
Hunter Mahan 2pts each way @ 22/1 Stan James
Pat Perez 1pt each way @ 50/1 William Hill
John Rollins 1pt each way @ 80/1 Ladbrokes
