|
Although this is one of the PGA Tour’s long-standing alternate events (one which plays opposite a high grade event, in this case the WGC St Jude Invitational), this year it is throwing us something of a curveball. There maybe some who argue it has always done that, since it utilizes not only a Stabbleford scoring system, but a modified version of those points. But first things first: the novel curiosity, which a new host course, the Old Greenwood layout at the Tahoe Mountain Club. In one sense there is commonality because, like the track at previous home, Montreux, it is a Jack Nicklaus course which will play to a par of 71 and a distance of 7,390 yards. Perhaps note that the tournament used to be hosted in Nevada, but is now in California (just over the border). Rather more important might be to remember that Reno (past host city) was at 4,505 feet altitude and new host town Truckee is 5,817 feet. That thin air, and the longer shots the players can hit in it, could well prove key, as could fondness (or otherwise) for Nicklaus designs. The scoring system grants the following points: +8 for an albatross, +5 for eagle, +2 for birdie, 0 for par, -1 for bogey and -3 for double bogey or worse. It’s immediately clear, then, that attacking play gets rewarded. It may also be the case that some players who struggle to cross the finish line in strokeplay are able to ride a wave in this format, the differences providing a positive distraction from common fears on the back nine Sunday.
Angles to consider 1/ Nicklaus designs The Great Bear likes to offer width from the tee, but he insists it is deceptive because one side of the fairway will always offer a better angle to the green. His designs are often called second shot courses, too. That’s because he likes to test control of distance with approaches. 2/ Altitude Past editions of this tournament were played at a slightly lower altitude, the WGC Mexico Championship is higher at 7,835 feet, the 2014 BMW Championship was in Denver at 5,660 feet and the European Tour’s European Masters is played at about 5,000 feet. Some players excel with added yardage in the bag, some are flummoxed by it. 3/ Other Alternate Starts in the Year Of the last ten tournament winners, Geoff Ogilvy was playing his first alternate event in a while, but seven of the other nine made the cut in their previous such start, five of thre seven landing top 25s. Winner two years ago Andrew Putnam was among those who missed the cut, but he had been fifth in an opposite field earlier in the year. In previous seasons the John Deere or Barbasol were probably better (and definitely more recent) guides than this year, where you need to stretch back to the Puerto Rico Open, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
Selections The above angles have been used to create a shortlist from which the following players are selected. Alex Noren The Swede brok par in all four rounds last week at the 3M Open and, whilst he missed the cut in the Puerto Rico Open, he was T15th in the Bermuda Championship which, whilst not an alternate event this year, was one this season. The clincher is his pair of wins at Crans. He’s also a winner at lower altitude on the high veldt in South Africa. Kyle Stanley Carded a 66 and a 65 last week and was tied third in the Puerto Rico Open earlier this season. Finished eighth in this event in 2014 and has proved himself a fan of the Jack Nicklaus design at Muirfield Village where he has a sixth, a third and a play-off defeat (in 2018). Denny McCarthy A third round 64 got him into contention last week before a Sunday 72 saw him go backwards. But that low number was a reminder of the form that saw him collect four top 15 finishes at the start of the season in fields like this week’s (T15th in the Bermuda included). Twice played the format and both times briefly got into contention, second after 18 holes on debut and tenth at halfway last year.
Tips: 0-3; -6.00pts 1pt e.w. Alex Noren at 25/1 (Skybet, 888Sport, Unibet 1/5 1,2,3,4,5,6) 9th 1pt e.w. Kyle Stanley at 50/1 (Bet365, BetVictor, VBet 1/4 1,2,3,4,5) 12th 1pt e.w. Denny McCarthy at 80/1 (Bet365, BetVictor, VBet 1/4 1,2,3,4,5) 32nd
|
