Nissan Open

FINAL RESULT: 1-2; +3.75pts

Donald 13th
Clarke 3rd
Maruyama mc

Chaotic event and a great shame after it had looked so promising with Donald and Clarke in 2nd place after 18 holes. But it is relief to walk away with a profit in an event reduced to 36 holes.

Outright plays (total stake per play: 1.5pts):

Luke Donald to win 33/1 e.w. available generally
Riviera is the only course on Tour to have hosted four major championships, so it is no surprise that it is already-proven winners who win this event. These three selections have won on this Tour or the WGC and have won internationally as well so should go close if Tiger still fails to life this trophy. Donald's record around this course is admittedly poor, but last year was a sizeable improvement on previous years and his course form is already factored into this price. He should have won once this year already, but on short courses where accuracy is the key, he really should be a contender every time. He will certainly record his best finish at Riviera this week.

Darren Clarke to win 40/1 e.w. @ Victor Chandler and BetFred
Opposed Clarke in a matchup last week as I thought his home worries would still be affecting his game, but the news at home is good and his performances do appear to be rather solid. He ended 2004 with a win in Japan and has finished 4th and 6th in his two starts this year. With a top-10 finish on this course two years to add to his credentials, he should certainly start this event at much lower odds.

Shigeki Maruyama to win 50/1 e.w. @ Bet365, Victor Chandler and GolfingGods
Maruyama is another who should have won a PGA Tour title this year. His loss of nerve took place in the Sony Open in Hawaii, but with two solid performances since that event and a 2nd place finish to Mike Weir last year - and he really should have taken Weir to at least a playoff - this is another price that will not last.