Texas Open
Last year this event coincided with the Ryder Cup and the effect on the field was obvious. This year there are no other distractions, but other than a return of Hal Sutton and Justin Leonard, who finished 1st and 2nd in 1998, the big name players have continued to stay away from this event. Not surprisingly these two comprise the top-two ranked players this week in a weak field.
Measured at 7001 yards, accuracy is paramount on this undulating course. Duffy Waldorf, the defending champion, was ranked 3rd in greens in regulation last year; Hal Sutton, the 1998 winner, was ranked #1 in greens in regulation that year. There have been a few small changes to the course: the fairways have been narrowed, while the rough has been reduced in acreage by a quarter, so there is little reason to expect a change in course compatibility this year. One important aspect this week is the greens. They may be among the largest on the Tour, but more importantly, it will be the first time in several months that the players will be putting on Bermuda greens. The change will favor the Southern state players.
As mentioned above, the top-two in this week's rankings are Hal Sutton and Justin Leonard. A resident of neighboring Louisiana, Sutton will be at home with the playing conditions, very hot and of course, the Bermuda greens. He won this event in 1998, has had three top-10 finishes in the last six weeks and is 2nd in greens in regulation in this week's field to only Joe Durant. The European books generally had him at 7/1, but with Sportodds offering 12/1 the opportunity for an e/w play on Sutton is not to be passed up.
In terms of stats, Justin Leonard is not the player he was, but he has had three 2nd places in the past four months and 2nd place finishes in this event in 1995 and 1998. He looks an excellent prospect this week, though the e/w rather than the win-only play would seem to be the best call. With 15 of 16 rounds on this course under par, he shouldn't let us down at 14/1 with Victor Chandler or Paddy Power [Sportodds have him @ 16/1 but only pay the e/w bet on the firs four, not five, places].
The 3rd play is Bob May. Last week he disappointed as a selection and missed the cut. It has ensured a higher price this week and there is no reason why he cannot resume the run of top-5 finishes he had a month ago. Like Leonard, his 12-month stats mask a recent improvement in form - he has the lowest 8-week scoring average of the field by an incredible 1.29 shots over the second best, Hal Sutton - but his game is built around accuracy off the tee and his iron play in particular. The course should be ideal for him and he is available at 33/1 with Paddy Power.
Will have matchup plays in the morning.
]. Should be interesting and helpful for capping this week's event
