Zurich Classic of New Orleans Tips

Kenny Perry, who had the Masters at his mercy two weeks before bogeying the last two holes, is the general favourite for this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

The Course: TPC Louisiana, Avondale, La (par-72, 7,341 yards)
This Pete Dye-designed track is hosting this event for the fourth time. The first hole is a relatively short par-4, but that is quickly followed by the 548-yard par-5 2nd, three par-4’s of 480 yards and more, four short holes of 212 yards plus, and a 589-yard 18th. However, somewhat surprisingly, this is no bomber’s paradise as short hitters Tim Petrovic, Peter Lonard, Woody Austin and Chris Di Marco have all tasted success here. More importantly, players need to find the below average-sized Bermuda greens with their irons and get up and down from the bunkers – the course ranks amongst the hardest on Tour in terms of sand save percentage.

Ross’ Top Tip: Nick Watney @ 16/1 Coral
Watney was a 66/1 winner for bettingpro followers back in February, but the fancy prices are now history after a rich vein of form which has seen him grab eight top-25 finishes in his last nine starts, many of which were gained in much stronger fields than this. Throw in his course success too – a final round 69, after leading through 54 holes, was enough for his maiden win here in 2007 – and he’s a must for any staking plan this week.

Next Best: Justin Rose @ 35/1 Skybet & John Merrick @ 30/1 bet365
I have visions of Rose holing out from bunkers and just off the green at the Masters on his way to 20th spot and his scrambling skills will stand him in good stead this week. That performance was a welcome return to form for the Englishman and I’m hopeful he can continue to progress in an event he has shown a liking for in the past – tied-17th 2005 and tied-5th 2004. Merrick was another to catch the eye at the Masters – a final round 66 gave him a share of sixth place, his third top-10 finish this season - and he finished tied for seventh here last year.

Outsider: Scott Piercy @ 100/1 Stan James
There is still some 100/1 left on the 30-year-old from Las Vegas and that’s well worth a gamble. He was a regular on leaderboards at the start of the season and should have done better than tied-6th in the FBR Open after blowing a decent lead. He’s no bottler though as he famously won $2million in a made-for-TV golf event (he doesn’t need the money then!) and has since finished tied-5th in the Honda Classic. With no world beaters around this week, he could easily match that performance or go even better.

Tournament Lay (Betfair): Kenny Perry
Perry is tougher than most but it might take him a while to get over his late collapse at Augusta.

Ross’ 72-Hole Match Bet: Nick Watney to beat Kenny Perry @ Evens Betfred

Recommended Bets:
Nick Watney 1½pts each-way @ 16/1 Coral
Justin Rose 1pt each-way @ 35/1 Skybet
John Merrick 1pt each-way @ 30/1 bet365
Scott Piercy 1pt each-way @ 100/1 Stan James

 

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Tags: Golf Betting,  John Merrick,  Justin Rose,  Kenny Perry,  Nick Watney,  PGA Tour,  Scott Piercy,  TPC Of Louisiana,  Zurich Classic Of New Orleans