The vast majority of the field from last week's Mercedes-Benz Championship stay on in Hawaii for the Sony Open - the first full-field event of 2009.
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The Course: Waialae Country Club, Honolulu (par-7, 7,044 yards)
Quite a demanding par-70 track, which was toughened up after John Huston’s runaway success in 1998. Accuracy rather than length off the tee, quality iron play, plus an ability to keep the ball low and shape shots under the wind are needed to win here. The grainy Bermuda greens favour the skilled putters. There are just two par-5’s - the easy 9th and the 18th..
Ross’ Top Tip: Davis Love III @ 18/1 bet365
Last week's winner Geoff Ogilvy is vying for favouritism with Ernie Els and back-to-back wins cannot be ruled out, but this is a different test altogether. This fiddly track will require a more conservative approach and I'd rather back last week's runner-up DL3 at twice the odds. The rejuvenated 44-year-old won his last start in 2008 so you could say he's on a roll, and he can boast five top-10 efforts in his last seven appearances at Waialae.
Next Best: KJ Choi @ 20/1 Victor Chandler
The Korean played well last week at Kapalua Resort (15th) - a track he has never really prospered at - which bodes well for his chances of making a successful defence of his Sony Open title. Last year's win was proceeded by a fourth in 2007, so horses for courses as they say.
Outsider: Pat Perez @ 50/1 Blue Square
The fiery-tempered Phoenix man is becoming expensive to follow, but his maiden Tour win could come this week on a course that plays to his strengths. Perez was fourth in this event last year, tenth in 2007, and has posted three other top-20 finishes, so I'll give him another chance.
Tournament Lay (Betfair): Kenny Perry for a place
The Ryder Cupper has a very poor record here with no top-15 finishes in 13 starts and six missed cuts!
Ross' Match Bet: Zach Johnson to beat Kenny Perry @ Evens Sportingbet
In-running notes:
Not a ‘catch-up’ course by any means, so don't look too far down the leaderboard for the winner on Sunday morning. Plus, don't be too concerned if your player bogeys the par-4 1st as the average score is nearly always over par (4.45 in 2005!). The easiest hole is the par-4 10th, which is almost driveable and offers a real birdie chance.
Recommended Bets:
Davis Love III 2pts each way @ 18/1 bet365
Kenny Perry 1pt each way @ 20/1 @ Victor Chandler
Pat Perez 1pt each way @ 50/1 Blue Square