This week we look at two tournaments which are being played in China and Japan.
First up is the WGC HSBC Champions tournament which is being played at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China. The course has hosted this event since 2006 however it was replaced by Mission Hills in 2012. It is back in play this year and as a Par 72 course it measures 7266 yards.
The small field is playing for US$8.5 million on this visually stunning course. We can expect low scoring again year judging on the past winners. In 2011 Martin Kaymer finished on -20, while 2010 winner Francesco Molinari was -19 and Phil Mickelson won with -17 in 2009.
The bookies top five in betting are- 12/1 Rory McIlroy, 16/1 Phil Mickelson, 16/1 Justin Rose, 16/1 Henrik Stenson and 20/1 Martin Kaymer. That is a pretty impressive list of golfers.
My selection this week is-
Peter Hanson 40/1 www.sportsbet.com.au
Pete is just about to ready to hit some good form after his performance last week in the BMW Masters. He opened with a 79 then managed to put it all together in the fourth round with an impressive 63 to finish T8th at the Lake Malaren Golf Club in Shanghai, China.
That was Hanson’s fourth Top 10 for the year from 20 starts. The other three were T9th Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, T8th WGC Cadillac Championship and T9th Volvo World Match Play Championship.
When it comes to this course Peter was 31st in 2009, 6th in 2010 and 33rd in 2011. His great putting will stand him in good stead this week on the undulating greens.
Expect to see Hanson up there challenging over the weekend. At 40/1 he represents great value.
The next tournament to look at is the Mynavi ABC Championship at the ABC Golf Club in Hyogo on the Japan Golf Tour. This tournament has been won by a few well known names over the years like Ryo Ishikawa in 2008, Shingo Katayama in 2003, 2005 and 2006 and Brendan Jones in 2002.
The Bookies Top 5 in betting are- 8/1 Oda Koumei, 10/1 Kim Kyung-Tae, 10/1 Shingo Katayama, 12/1 Park Sung-Joon and 18/1 Fujimoto Yoshinori.
The player to follow is-
Kurt Barnes 40/1 www.sportsbet.com.au
Aussie Boy Kurt is sitting at 69th on the order of merit on the Japan Tour this year with the Top 70 players getting automatic cards.
He needs another good performance this week to secure his rights for next season. Judging by his efforts over the last three tournaments he is moving in the right direction.
T46th Coca-Cola Tokai Classic, T12th Toshin Golf Tournament and T3rd Bridgestone Open. Another good pointer is last years tournament where Kurt finished T19th.
Stats wise Barnes is ranked 21st in birdie average and 4th in driving distance. He will be keen to keep his good run going and guarantee his card for next season.
Good luck good punting.
