SBS (formerly Mercedes-Benz) Championship
Format: Strokeplay (28 winners from 2009 PGA Tour)
Course: The Plantation Course, Kapalua Resort, Maui, Hawaii (par-73, 7,411 yards)
Weather: Good for all four days with gusts of no more than 10mph and no rain
Where to watch: Live on Sky Sports all four days, starting 8.30pm UK time)
Bets on by: 6.45pm UK time
2009 Winner: Geoff Ogilvy (24 under)
Three Off The Tee:
Stephen Ames @ 18/1 Paddy Power
Was having a mediocre 2009 until coming good in the fall, winning the season-ending Children's Miracle Network Classic in a playoff to qualify for this event. Has always been a good wind player so the fact he has done well here in the past is not surprising. In 2007, he shared the lead after 18 holes, before eventually finishing 11th, and was one shot out of the Chopra-Stricker playoff in 2008. His family spend their winter vacation on the island so he will be nicely acclimatized, unlike some.
Nick Watney @ 20/1 William Hill
Has kept himself busy in the close season with some notable performances along the way, including 5th place in the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai and 7th in the Nedbank Challenge, which included a superb 63. As a result, he'll be less rusty than most and should hit the ground running. In fact, he was only one of two players to shoot in the 60's in the first round in 2008 (finished fifth). An excellent mid-range putter (ranked 14th from 15-25 feet) and 2nd in par-5 birdie percentage, his game is tailormade for Kapalua.
Steve Stricker @ 8/1 Blue Square
The world No.3 and Tour's No.1 putter picks himself. Stricker won three times last year as well as notching eight other top-10 finishes, and finished runner-up here in 2008. He shouldn't be too rusty either as he won the Shark Shootout with Jerry Kelly just before Christmas.
Keep an eye on: Pat Perez (40/1 bet365)
Making his Kapalua debut but that has been no bar to success in the past and he's normally quick out of the blocks.
One to be wary of: Zach Johnson
Not that long off the tee (ranked 143rd) and will struggle to hit the four par-5's in two, which is often key to success here.
Recommended Bets:
Stephen Ames 1pt each-way @ 18/1 Paddy Power
Nick Watney 1pt each-way @ 20/1 William Hill
Steve Stricker 2pts @ 8/1 Blue Square