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We’ll jump into this after 18 holes this week. A move in the schedule to the opening event of the new season was potentially significant as it gave those in good form from the second-tier Korn Ferry Tour the chance to stay hot. And that’s how it played out with Robby Shelton taking the lead with a 62 and four of the five sharing second place last seen competing on the Korn Ferry. Kevin Na, the defending champion, was the only regular PGA Tour player to finish in the top six after day one and he gave some useful insight on the course. “I thought the greens were pretty firm,” said Na. “I think tomorrow morning it'll be a little softer. I don't want to say easier, but definitely be easier to get it closer to the hole." Angles to consider 1/ The Korn Ferry These guys are hot. The Korn Ferry Tour Championship finished on September 2 so we have plenty of players in the field who are still in a nice flow after contending the KF playoff events. 2/ Tee-To-Green Looking at the stats after round one, performance in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green was the best indicator to a high place on the leaderboard. A couple of the early pacesetters putted well but strong iron play was the key attribute. 3/ Tee-time Weather could play a big part from here with some rain and storms predicted. Therefore, getting out early in round two could cause the least disruption. Selections The above angles have been used to create a shortlist from which the following players are selected. Scottie Scheffler The youngster is the pick of the Korn Ferry grads in many eyes and a 5-under 65 was a nice way to start. Scheffler gained 5.57 strokes Tee-to-Green and has the chance to kick on from his Friday morning tee-time. Just needs that putter to heat up. Mark Hubbard Another hot off the Korn Ferry and 6-under from his p.m. tee-time on Thursday was a great way to keep the momentum going. Hubbard gained 4.92 strokes Tee-to-Green and said later he was striping it off the tee. Martin Laird The Scotsman had back-to-back top tens in July at the Barbasol and Barracuda so has been playing well in modest fields like this. A strong start here (66) was fuelled by some decent iron play and, again, he can kick on from a morning tee-time. Tips 0-3; -6.00pts 1pt e.w. Scottie Scheffler at 20/1 (Boylesports 1/5 1,2,3,4,5,6) 7th 1pt e.w. Mark Hubbard at 50/1 (Boylesports 1/5 1,2,3,4,5,6) 10th 1pt e.w. win Martin Laird at 50/1 (Boylesports 1/5 1,2,3,4,5,6) 47th
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