The Texas Open has been going since 1922 but this week marks a new chapter in its history as it moves to a new host venue, the AT&T Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio.
At over 7,500 yards in length, you'd be right in thinking that long hitters will be in their element here but this Greg Norman-designed track, with its deep bunkers and reportedly tough rough, also demands a high degree of driving accuracy. The wind, always a factor in Texas, will require some additional skills from the players.
Ernie Els, who is making his first start in the event, is clear favourite at around 12/1, ahead of Zach Johnson, who has won this event for the past two years.
Ross' Three Off The Tee:-
Adam Scott @ 25/1 Blue Square
Has been playing much better of late with four top-30's in his last five starts, including tied-26th at the Players. A superb ball-striker (ranked third on Tour) and long off the tee (ranked 17th), he has the game to prosper here and being an Aussie he'll cope with the windy conditions better than most. Bookmakers have cottoned on to that fact but 25/1 is still more than fair.
John Rollins @ 35/1 bet365
Like Scott, the Texan has been playing some nice golf of late with three top-25's in his last four starts (tied-13th at Sawgrass), and his long accurate driving should give him a considerable edge this week.
Matt Jones @ 55/1 Victor Chandler
Another Aussie and one who is continually underrated by bookmakers. He didn't tee it up last week but comes into this event on the back of two top-10's - tied-10th at the Zurich Classic and tied-7th at Quail Hollow - and as you'd expect he's a nifty wind player.
Bubbling Under: Troy Matteson (80/1 Sportingbet)
Shot under par every day at Sawgrass last week and this streaky player has the game to excel at this week's venue.
Punters Beware: Ernie Els
Form figures of 44-18-MC since winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational don't inspire much confidence in his chances and odds of 12/1 are not big enough to compensate.
Recommended Bets:
Adam Scott 1.5pts each-way @ 25/1 Blue Square
John Rollins 1pt each-way @ 35/1 bet365
Matt Jones 1pt each-way @ 55/1 Victor Chandler