It’s all change this year as the event will take place on only one course, the newly renovated TPC Four Seasons Resort, as opposed to the two used (the other being Cottonwood Valley) since 1993.
The Course: TPC Four Seasons Resort, Irving, Texas (par-70, 7,166 yards)
A tree-lined course which places a premium on accurate driving and sound approach play. However, this year’s layout will be a far cry from last year's, which drew criticism from the pros about the bumpy brown greens. The changes include the addition of 200 yards, the rebuilding of all 67 bunkers, the relocation of 165 trees and the reshaping off all 18 greens and their surrounds. As a consequence, as all previous course form could be made irrelevant, so punters are advised to tread carefully.
Ross’ Top Tip: Sean O’Hair @ 33/1 Stan James
Missed the cut last week, but was in fine form previously, winning the PODS Championship and finishing third in Arnold Palmer’s event during the month of March, before finished tied-14th in the Masters. As a Texan, he’d dearly love to win this week and he did go close in 2005 when finishing runner-up. Snap up the 33’s.
Next Best: J J Henry @ 66/1 Totesport
It’s hard to imagine anyone more comfortable on the re-designed track than Henry, who was the player consultant on the project - they even named a bunker after him! Add to that three straight top-15 finishes in this event for the Fort Worth resident, and he’s got to be worth a go at 66/1.
Outsider: Steve Marino @ 80/1 Paddy Power
Finished tied for 10th here in 2007 as a rookie, and he's got a couple of nice finishes in 2008 - a tie for fourth at the Sony Open in Hawaii and a sole second at the Mayakoba Golf Classic. A win on the main Tour eludes him, but that could come this week.
Tournament Lay (Betfair) – Scott Verplank
Last years’ winner has been woefully out of form of late and his previous course knowledge is now of little consequence.
Ross’ 72-Hole Match Bet – Sergio Garcia to beat Scott Verplank @ 10/11 bet365
Recommended Bets:
Sean O’Hair 2pts each way @ 25/1 Stan James
J J Henry 1pt each way @ 66/1 Totesport
Steve Marino 1pt each way 80/1 Paddy Power
