Stanford St Jude Championship tips

Three of the world's top six tee up at TPC Southwind from Thursday for this week's Stanford St Jude Championship, which starts just seven days prior to the US Open.

The Course: TPC at Southwind, Memphis, TN (par-70, 7,244 yards)
The Memphis layout has hosted this event since 1989 but was extensively remodelled after the 204 event, so only course form since 2005 is relevant. The net result of the changes is a tight track with the emphasis firmly on driving accuracy and scrambling. With only two par-5’s (3rd and 16th), length off the tee isn’t a significant advantage here.

Ross' Top Tip: Justin Leonard @ 14/1 Paddy Power
The identikit of the past few winners suggests that punters should be looking for an established pro, straight off the tee with proven form at the venue, which makes the former open champ irresistible this week. Ranked 17th in driving accuracy, Leonard is a dual winner of this event - in 2005 and last year - and his recent form figures of 5th-16th-13th are the icing on the cake.

Next Best: Brian Gay @ 40/1 bet365
Another seasoned pro with proven course form - two top-five finishes and one top-20 finish in the last five years. He used to lack a bit of self belief, but his recent victory in the Heritage Classic, by 10 shots no less, will have given him plenty of confidence and he looks sure to give us a decent run for your money at 40/1 on a track he clearly enjoys playing.

Outsider: Bob Estes @ 70/1 Skybet
The Texan is one of the straightest hitters on Tour (ranked 18th) and is also ranked 19th for scrambling - both key stats this week. Unsurprisingly then, he's finished in the top-25 in half of his 20 starts in the St Jude and racked up one of his rare wins here in 2001. He may be a veteran now but I'm convinced there is one more win in him and it could come this week at a tasty price.

Tournament Lay: Sergio Garcia for a place on Betfair
The Spaniard is third or fourth favourite this week on account of his tied-fourth here in 2008, but his last top-10 finish came at the Qatar masters back in January and he will surely be using this week to hone his game for next week's US open.

Ross' 72-Hole match Bet: Justin Leonard to beat Sergio Garcia @ 10/11 Stan James

Recommended Bets:
Justin Leonard 2pts each-way @ 14/1 Paddy Power
Brian Gay 1pt each-way @ 40/1 bet365
Bob Estes 1pt each-way @ 66/1 Skybet

 

 

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