Shell Houston Open Tips

After Tiger's stunning come-from-behind win last week, world No. 2 Phil Mickelson gets his chance to reply at this week's Shell Houston Open.

The Course: Redstone GC (par 72, 7,457 yards)
A newish course first used in 2006 with many water hazards and a tough 4-4 finish which measures 489 yards and 488 yards respectively. The par-5’s are the 4th, 13th and the 15th, which is the longest at a mere 608 yards! With wide fairways and no rough to speak of, there is less pressure on accurate driving so the big hitters are in their element.

Ross’ Top Tip: Charley Hoffman @ 35/1 bet365
With the star names likely to be using this event to fine tune their games ahead of next week's Masters, this looks a good opportunity for the long, blond-haired Californian to register his second Tour success. Certainly, his 2009 form of sixth to 20th placings in seven starts marks him down as a winner-in-waiting, and he has the course form to boot having finished tied-sixth last year.

Next Best: Hunter Mahan @ 40/1 Paddy Power
I’m expecting big things from the American Ryder Cup star this year and, after a quietish start (best placing 11th in the Buick Invitational), there were signs at last week’s Bay Hill Invitational that he was about to hit peak form. In which case, the 40/1 would look massive for an event he clearly enjoys playing in (fifth in 2007 and 11th in 2006). 

Outsider: Alvaro Quiros @ 70/1 Coral
I’m a big fan of the Spaniard – backing him at 80/1 when he won the 2008 Portugal Masters helps in that respect – and I reckon it’s only a question of time before he wins in the States after his impressive strokeplay debut when finishing tied-13th at Doral. Why this week? Well, the course is absolutely made for his monster-hitting and this three-time European Tour winner is unlikely to fail through lack of bottle.

Tournament Lay (Betfair): Phil Mickelson
Winner of his last two strokeplay events and a deserving favourite this week but I’m not sure he’s value at single figure odds for an event in which he has never posted a top-20 finish.

Ross’ Match Bet: Alvaro Quiros to beat Freddie Jacobson @ 5/6 Stan James

Recommended Bets:
Charley Hoffman 1pt each way @ 35/1 bet365
Hunter Mahan 1pt each way @ 40/1 Paddy Power
Alvaro Quiros 1pt each way @ 70/1 Coral

 

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Tags: Alvaro Quiros,  Charley Hoffman,  Freddie Jacobson,  Golf Betting,  Hunter Mahan,  PGA Tour,  Phil Mickelson,  Redstone Golf Club,  Shell Houston Open