This week we head to TPC Scottsdale in Arizona for the Waste Management Phoenix Open which hosts the loudest and largest crowd on the PGA Tour. The course is set in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by the picturesque McDowell Mountains.
The crowd is expected to be around 500,000 for the 4 days and most of the students from nearby Arizona State University come out to cheer on the players.
The course is a Par 71, measuring 7216 yards, with 79 sand bunkers which are strategically placed around the greens and on the fairways. There are also 6 holes which feature water including 3 of the last 4 holes, which makes for exciting golf.
Scoring is generally low so players can be aggressive on this course however they have to pick their moments as several holes can jump up and bite you hard. Looking at the past 10 winners they have averaged -18, so expect the same this year as the weather conditions are looking at being ideal.
The 16th hole is a par 3 and is considered the ‘party’ hole. It is the only fully enclosed hole on the PGA tour. Stands are erected around the hole and fans go wild if a player lands the ball on the green or holes a putt for birdie, whilst giving them an almighty boo should they miss the green altogether or miss an easy putt. It is no place for the faint hearted.
There are a few players in the field this year who are multiple winners of the event. They include JB.Holmes (2006,2008), Vijay Singh (1995,2003) and Phil Mickelson (1996,2005).
Phil is a real crowd favourite here as he is an Arizona State University Alumni and the crowd love getting behind him.
This week the bookies Top 5 in betting are 16/1 Brandt Snedeker, 16/1 Jason Dufner, 18/1 Nick Watney, 20/1 Bubba Watson and 20/1 Rickie Fowler.
The two players to follow this week are:-
Jason Dufner $17.00 www.sportsbet.com.au
2012 was a great year for Jason. He produced two victories which included Zurich Classic of New Orleans and Byron Nelson Championship as well as having eight Top 10 finishes.
He finished the season ranked 1st in Driving Accuracy and 19th in Greens in Regulation.
It looks like he has brought that form into this season. It started off with a T18th in the season opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions. From there it was over to the European Tour for a T9th in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
Last week Jason teed it up at the Qatar Masters where he finished in a tie for 9th after all four rounds were under par.
Now back on US soil he arrives at the Phoenix Open where he has good memories. Last season he was 8th while in 2011 he ended up in second place after losing a play off to Mark Wilson.
I expect to see Dufner high up on the leaderboard heading into Sunday, and from there he should be in a prime position to continue his great start to the year.
Bo Van Pelt $26.00 www.sportsbet.com.au
Bo was chosen this week as he is on an upwards curve when it comes to the Phoenix Open. His first start in 2010 resulted in a missed cut. He came back the following year to finish 18th, then last year he was 8th.
When he was 18th in 2010 he came into the event following two missed cuts at the Sony Open and Bob Hope Classic. Last year he was coming off a T54th in the Humana Challenge and missed cut at the Farmers Insurance.
This year is much the same. He started the season with a T27th Humana Challenge and a T78th Farmers Insurance. It looks like the trend is set to continue!
Last season was a good year for Bo. From 24 starts on the tour he amassed ten Top 10 finishes and only four the missed cuts.
He was ranked 15th in Ball Striking, 11th in Strokes Gained Putting, 7th in Birdie average and 5th in Total Driving.
Big things are expected of Van Pelt this year. This week could be the start of it. He represents great each way value.
Last Week’s Results
Nick Watney 25/1 finished T4th and returned a good each way profit for us while Hunter Mahan finished T15th.
