Tipster: Shaker

Honda Classic

Outright plays:

Back Brad Faxon 1 pt @ 110 at Betfair
Back Justin Rose 1 pt @ 140 at Betfair

Two players that the vast majority would be passing over this week due to their lack of decent finishes in 2004, but I'm happy to take a chance because the odds are probably more than twice what you'd get in this average field if they were in half-decent form. Rose's PGA finishes last year of 5th in the US Open and 3rd at the Deutsche Bank weren't preceded by any real form either, so, despite it being hard to find anything specific to recommend him, I'm willing to speculate a small stake at these near-insulting odds. He has been working hard on his game for this event and he undoubtedly has the ability to make this extended stay in the US a successful one. I'd like to try Faxon this week because these greens, if reports are true, could turn this event into a battle of the short-game specialists and, as he's finished 2nd, 11th & 9th in his last three Florida events, the return there this week could be what sparks his game back into life. There was maybe a sign that he was ready when he was around 3 under par in losing his Matchplay first round recently.

Half-time Update:

Very hopeful that Faxon can go the whole way for us, his short game is marvellous so far this week.
Lay Brad Faxon 4 pts @ the current 6.6 (shouldn't have to go higher than 7) at Betfair

Also put up two lays in case his price drops rapidly during the third round:
Lay Brad Faxon 7 pts @ 4
Lay Brad Faxon 11 pts @ 2

To say Faxon was a major disappointment is a big understatement.
Total points staked: 2 ... Total points laid: 4 ... Profit = 2 pts.