84 Lumber Classic

FINAL RESULT: 1-2; -3.14pts

DiMarco 5th
Appleby 9th
Taylor 32nd

Disappointing to say the least! Appleby held sole possession of the lead entering the weekend, but could hardly hit a straight shot for the next 27 holes and when it looked as though DiMarco would at least make it a profitable event, he three-putted from 17-feet on the penultimate hole to ensure a four-way split of the place return.

Outright plays (total stake per play: 1.5pts)

Chris DiMarco to win 25/1 e.w. @ BetInternet
Three times a runner-up in 2005, this could be one of his best opportunities for a win this year. Not only did he win the inaugural Pennsylvania Classic in 2000, but his record on this course, used for the last two years, is particularly of note. He has finished 10th and 3rd in the last two years here. With a 2nd place finish in the NEC Invitational in his penultimate start and solid performance last week in Canada, the omens are good.

Stuart Appleby to win 40/1 e.w. available generally
Appleby missed this event through injury last year, but his debut on this course in 2003 marked the beginning of his best form on this Tour. He finished 2nd that week and would follow it up with finishes of 2nd and 1st in his next two starts. So, coming off impressive top-15 finishes in the PGA Championship and NEC Invitational, he should be hopeful of a repeat burst of form on his return to the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

Vaughn Taylor to win 66/1 e.w. available generally
Because it was played the same week as the NEC Invitational, Taylor win in the Reno-Tahoe Open did not generate too many headlines. But he was the defending champion, won wire-to-wire and set new event records for 36-hole, 54-hole and 72-hole totals in the process. Quite an achievement for a player in only his second season on Tour. And to chow that he is no one-course specialist, he followed that win with finishes of 12th in the Buick Championship and 3rd in Deutsche Bank Championship; events in which there can be no caveats about field quality. He safely made the cut in last year's debut as a Tour rookie and should continue to display his undoubted talent this week as well.