Punters tackling this event have just two years (2005 and 2007) of form at its new venue - the TPC of Louisiana - to go on.
The Course: TPC of Louisiana, Avondale (par-72, 7,341 yards)
A Pete Dye layout opened in 2004 and shortened by 179 yards since its Tour debut the following year. The main change last year was the 16th with 80 yards lopped off making it a risk-reward driveable par-4, provided you can clear overhanging trees and a water hazard. However, with three par-4’s of 480 yards and more, a 589-yard 18th, four short holes of 212 yards or longer, and below average-sized Bermuda greens, this is stiff test for all golfers
Ross’ Top Tip - Steve Stricker @ 16/1 William Hill
Jim Furyk is vying for favouritism this week after his tie for second at Doral but, after his superb final round of 63 on Sunday, it’s Stricker who should be clear favourite in my opinion. Stricker, a genius on the greens, has been playing well on a far more consistent basis than Furyk, whose Doral effort came out of the blue. In his last 12 starts on the PGA Tour, he has finished outside the top-20 only once, recording four each way finishes and a victory in that spell. On that basis, the 16/1 is generous.
Next Best - Zach Johnson @ 33/1 bet365
The Masters champion looks to be coming back to form in time for a defence of his title in a couple of weeks. Only 54th at Bay Hill, everything seemed to click last week at Doral, where he drove well and scrambled superbly, closing with 67-68 to finish ninth. With Augusta just around the corner, he’ll want to build on that form improvement and what better way of doing so than putting a win on the board.
Outsider - Ken Duke @ 66/1 Paddy Power
After a poor start to the year, Duke is another player who has found his form of late, and can reasonably be expected to carry that forward to this week. After making the cut at the PODS Championship, he finished sixth at Bay Hill on his most recent start and that should give him some confidence going into an event in which he has excelled in the past. He played well in 2004 and again in 2006 when he opened 64-68 before finishing 12th, and was runner-up to Nick Watney last year. At 66/1, he looks a decent bet to challenge again.
Tournament Lay (Betfair) - Jim Furyk
Furyk has got the layers attention after finishing tied for second last week but that flash of form came out of the blue and he has not played New Orleans since 1996.
Ross’ 72-Hole Match Bet - Ken Duke to beat Pat Perez @ 10/11 bet365
Recommended Bets:
Steve Stricker 2pts each way @ 16/1 William Hill
Zach Johnson 1pt each way @ 33/1 bet365
Ken Duke 1pt each way @ 66/1 Ladbrokes
