Formerly known as the Chrysler Championship and played in October, last year’s major Tour reshuffle resulted in this event being moved forward in the calendar and renamed The Pods Championship. It is the second event in the re-styled ‘Florida Swing’.
The Course: Copperhead Course, Westin Innisbroook Resort, FLA (par-71, 7,295 yards)
A tough Larry Packard layout which is far from the normal style of resort golf. Rather than big, flat putting surfaces, the bermuda greens are smaller than average, quick and tricky to read. The swirling wind can play a part too, making club selection difficult. The premium is on GIR (greens in regulation) as scrambling can be difficult. The four par-5’s are the 1st, 5th (605 yards), 11th and 14th.
Ross’ Top Tip: Joe Durant @ 40/1 Blue Square, Paddy Power
I wouldn’t be surprised if Ernie Els (9/1 Ladbrokes), who last won in the States in 2004 prior to last week’s Honda Classic success, went in again, but the main pick goes to the Floridian, whose iron play on this course has been rock solid - 1st or 2nd for GIR three times in six starts and in the frame on each of those occasions. His form this year has been pretty solid too, so there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be right up there again this week.
Next Best: Chad Campbell @ 35/1 bet365
Plays his best golf in the first quarter of the year, winning the Bay Hill Invitational in 2004 and the Bob Hope in 2006. The fact that he missed the cut last week is slightly off-putting, but he looks a sound each way bet back on one his favourite courses. He’s already finished 2nd (2005) and tied-4th (2003) here and, prior to that missed cut, he has good 2008 form under his belt too.
Outsider: Rod Pampling @ 80/1 Boylesports
When he’s good he’s very good, but when he’s bad... Still, for all his inconsistency, you can’t get away from that fact that the Aussie has played some great golf here in the past, three times shooting 65 and finishing in the top six on two occasions. His putting has been his Achilles heel, but he holed a few when making the last 16 of the world match play and the rest of his game’s in good nick (12th in driving accuracy, 8th in total driving). With a string of low rounds around here, he’s also worth considering in the First Round Leader market - 66/1 with Stan James.
Tournament Lay: Steve Stricker
No obvious candidate, but Steve Stricker always seems shorter in the betting (third favourite at 25/1) than he should be considering that he doesn’t win that often. His form here is nothing to shout about either.
Ross’ 72-Hole Match Bet - Justin Rose (closed with an eye-catching 67 last week in difficult conditions) to beat Steve Stricker @ 10/11 Ladbrokes
In-running notes:
It’s worth remembering that the 16th, where water runs down the right hand side of the fairway, is the most difficult of the par-4’s.
Recommended Bets:
Joe Durant 1pt each way @ 40/1 Blue Square, Paddy Power
Chad Campbell 1pt each way @ 35/1 bet365
Rod Pampling 1pt each way @ 80/1 Boylesports
Rod Pampling (First Round Leader) 1pt each way @ 66/1 Stan James
(All - 1/4 odds, 1.2.3.4.5)
