Midwest Classic

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After coming so close in the last few weeks I'm feeling as though something has to go my way at some point in the near future. Saying that, it is encouraging to see picks at least challenging week in week out so I must be doing something right.

This week we arrive in Kansas and the Midwest Classic at the Nicklaus GC at LionsGate for what will be the third year of this event. Lionsgate is a par 72, 7251 yard course with rolling fairways and strategically placed trees used to vary distance and angle to the greens. Last year James Nitties ran away with the tournament, shooting 26 under and in 2009 Michael Sim hitting -20. What is also worth noting is that in both years of this tournament, low scores have been essential as proved by the two winners but also by the fact that the top 60 have finished under par. For this reason we shall be focusing on scoring average and birdie or better stats for our potential winner this week. Also, based on this comment from Travis Hampshire last year, "You know it's going to be a birdie barrage and you try to make as many as you can. You stay aggressive. The greens are soft enough that you can throw it right at the holes." I am inclined to go for those players who rank highly in proximty to the hole.

There isnt much more to go on in terms of course form or feedback as this is only the third year, so here are my picks.

Luke List - Already a winner this year at the South Georgia Classic, this young boomer off the tee must be the price he is this week solely for his missed cut last week. Five top tens, including that win and two runner up positions is quite impressive and looking at his stats makes me more interested - 3rd in birdie average, 5th in scoring average and 2nd in birdie or better conversion percentage ticks every box i'm after this week. Throw into the mix that List has played this course twice before with a respectable 11th last year with a score of -17 and we have a prime candidate for the winner's circle. 0.5pts e/w @ 45/1 Bet365

Dawie Van Der Walt - So near yet so far was Van Der Walt two weeks ago when finishing second at the Cox Classic. Unfortunately he missed the cut last week to add to his other fairly average performances on the Web.com tour this year. I am quite happy to overlook this average form and look straight to his stats that tell me in 28 rounds, he ranks 8th in scoring average and 2nd in eagles. Throw into the mix his 2nd in GIR and therefore his ability to aim for the pin and the fact that he (like List) finished 11th here last year on 17 under and I'm happy to have him on side. 0.5pts e/w @ 80/1 Various

Duffy Waldorf - Waldorf has been plying his trade across the PGA tour and the Web.com tour this season and has made the step down this week, luckily for us. Looking at his finishes this year, nothing really stands out but only has three missed cuts out of eight on the PGA with a couple of top 25s thrown in there. his best finish on the Web.com tour was at the Stonebrae Championship where he finished 2nd so that is encouraging. Stat wise, what appeals to me most is his proximity to the hole on the PGA where he ranks 17th along with his 4th ranking in GIR. In short, he attacks the pin which will serve well here. His high GIR ranking translates to the junior tour too where he sits 10th and his scoring average is good enough for a 23rd ranking as is his birdie average. 0.5pts e/w @ 80/1 Sky Bet

Total Staked - 3pts