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The RSM Classic brings the curtain down on the Autumn/Fall portion of the PGA Tour schedule. The venue is a familiar one – Sea Island in Georgia – although there is a light tweak. The Plantation Course has been revamped and made a little longer but, as that is used just once over the four days, the effect is likely to be minimal. As usual, one of the first two rounds is played at the 7,005-yard Seaside Course before those who make the cut return there for both weekend laps. The Seaside features Bermuda greens and is exposed to the wind and plays to a par of just 70. Charles Howell ended a long win drought to take the title last year while every winner since the tournament became part of the schedule in 2010 has been north American – eight from the United States and one from Canada. Angles to consider 1/ First-time winners Four of the last five champions at Sea Island were posting their first victory on the PGA Tour. The timing of the event and its place on the schedule mean most of the big guns skip it and the door is open for a lesser light to put a ‘W’ on the board. 2/ Putting Looking across the main statistical categories of past winners and Putting Average emerges as the key skill. That makes sense. It’s easy to set up lots of birdie chances so it becomes a bit of a contest to see who can cash in best. Those bringing a hot putter to Sea Island are definitely worth a close look. 3/ Age While the lack of length suggests the older brigade will relish this course, four of the last five winners of the event were in their 20s. Four of the first six winners on the 2019/20 schedule were 20-somethings so we could see a return to that early trend. Selections The above angles have been used to create a shortlist from which the following players are selected. Dominic Bozzelli Setting the stats filter to 10 weeks, we can see which players in the field have the best Putting Average figures in this current season. The first non-winner in their 20s we come to on that list (Matt Kuchar and J.T. Poston are the top two) is Dominic Bozzelli. The 28-year-old was sixth just four starts ago at the Sanderson Farms Championship while his appeal grows further when noting he finished tied 11th here last year after an excellent final 54 holes. Maverick McNealy The 24-year-old McNealy also boasts some impressive Putting Average numbers and has ranked in the top 10 in that category in two of his last three starts. He’s in solid form – 27-35-17 – and closed last week’s Mayakoba with a 65. This is an opportunity for the former World Amateur No.1 to get a first win. Denny McCarthy A player nearer the front of the betting with the same profile is McCarthy. Until a T47 at the Mayakoba, he’d racked up four straight top 20s, a run which included top 10s in Las Vegas and Houston. He also has some experience in this event and closed 67-68-65 last year. Regarded as one of the best putters out there, on current form he could be in for a big week. Tips: 1-2; -1.00pts 1pt e.w. Dominic Bozzelli at 150/1 (Boylesports 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) mc 1pt e.w. Maverick McNealy at 125/1 (Betfair, Paddy Power, Boylesports 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) 53rd 1pt e.w. Denny McCarthy at 45/1 (Betfair, Paddy Power 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) 8th
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