Wednesday 9 January 2013

Sony Open 2013


The PGA Tour finally kicked off on Monday with 36 holes played by the 30 man field in The Tournament of Champions. Those staying on in Hawaii this week won’t have much time “in-between” before they tee it up for the Sony Open at Waialae GC where Johnson Wagner defends his title. A tight track with wind (hopefully toned down) to blow will make shot making a premium this week. Not too sure if this track will suit the favourite and TOC champion , Dustin Johnson, but he has practised hard coming into the TOC that it’s difficult to ignore him to win back to back in Hawaii. he is a proven wind player though so I would not be surprised if he does go in again. With a full field though, I’m looking for bigger odds in the hope that a place return will keep the blog ticking along if not produce a winner. That said, my top pick this week is just about backable on price at 18/1.

Matt Kuchar didn’t enjoy Kapalua this week but he finished it off well. This tight track will suit his game and I’m hoping he will be chomping at the bit to get going on Thursday following the “stop-start” shenanigans at the TOC. The betting is difficult this week as the bookies seem a bit tighter then normal with their prices. I was tempted to leave the Sony Open out of the week’s plan but the 18/1 for Kuchar just about gets a nod. (I would have like 20/1+). He did finish well yesterday and he can carry that form into this one on Thursday and shouldn’t be too tired after 54 holes over 2 days to compete for 4 days this week.

Tied 10th last year here and 2nd in the US Open, Michael Thompson grabs my attention at 60/1 with Betpack / Stanjames. He did miss quite a few cuts last year in his 2nd year on tour but had some notable results. Hot & cold he may be, but the chance is taken that he reproduces the form he showed here last year. He certainly has the ability to turn it on any given week and at these odds it’s worth chancing. Anything lower I would be looking elsewhere.

My final selection this week is Zach Johnson. The former Masters Champion is ideal for this kind of course. He has an early start on Thursday and plays alongside his namesake, Dustin which can only be good. Zach won the Sony Open in 2009, so he too like Thompson will enter here with good memories. A winner twice on tour last year, Zach is in good form and I’ll take the 25/1.

 

TIP 1: 1.5 pts e/w M.Kuchar @ 18/1

 

TIP 2: 0.5 pts e/w M.Thompson @ 60/1

 

TIP 3: 1.5 pts e/w Z.Johnson @ 25/1

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