No Tiger in the field, but world No.2 Phil Mickelson, amongst others, will be looking for a confidence-boosting week ahead of next week’s Masters.
 
The Course: Redstone GC (par 72, 7,457 yards)
A newish course first used in 2006, with wide fairways and very large Bermuda greens. There are many water hazards and a 4-4 finish where the last two holes measure 489 yards and 488 yards. The par-5’s are the 4th, 13th and the 15th, the longest at a mere 608 yards! With wide fairways and no rough to speak of, there is less pressure on driving so big hitters are favoured.
 
Ross’ Top Tip – Stuart Appleby @ 22/1 Paddy Power
The Aussie is clearly at home on this course – winner in 2006 by six shots and runner-up last year when only a last round 66 by Adam Scott did for him by three shots. He also won this event when it was played at The Woodlands in 1999. His form this season hasn’t been too shabby either, so he looks a decent bet at 22/1 in his favourite event.
 
Next Best – Anthony Kim @ 50/1 Boylesports
His long hitting is ideal for this course, so it was no surprise to see him finish in the each way places here 12 months ago. He did miss the cut last time out, but prior to that he had looked on good terms with himself, including a tie for fifth in the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea, where he handled the pressure of playing in the birthplace of his parents well.
 
Outsider – Bubba Watson @ 80/1 Betdirect
Another massive hitter – he leads the driving distance stats at an average of over 311 yards – and joint runner-up with Appleby here last year. This season has been hit and miss, but eighth place at Arnold Palmer’s event last time, following on from a 14th at Riviera, is enough encouragement for a bet.

Tournament Lay – Phil Mickelson
It’s always dangerous to write-off Lefty, but he hasn’t played this event since finishing 28th in 2003, and this will be his first look at Redstone. What’s more, he’ll more than likely be experimenting with his game this week ahead of the Masters.
 
Recommended Bets:
 
Stuart Appleby 1pt each way @ 22/1 Paddy Power
Anthony Kim 1pt each way @ 50/1 Boylesports
Bubba Watson 1pt each way @ 80/1 Betdirect