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A location change due to the revised PGA Tour calendar means this week’s CJ Cup takes place in Las Vegas rather than South Korea. It makes logistical sense given that Vegas also hosted last week’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open won by Martin Laird. Despite the switch, Coronavirus has already had an impact with tournament favourite Dustin Johnson having to pull out after a positive test. A second withdrawal has also been announced with Tony Finau absent once more after missing last week’s tournament at TPC Summerlin. The field remains at 72 however, with J.T. Poston and Robby Shelton being promoted to the starting line-up. Host course Shadow Creek, designed by Tom Fazio, was first shown to TV viewers when it staged ‘The Match’ between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson a couple of years ago. Anyone tuning in would have been confused about the location as the 7,500-yard par 72 did not resemble a desert course. More on that later. Water comes into play on nine holes and the greens are much smaller than they were last week. It’s big money they’re playing for, with the winner taking home a massive $1.755million. With Johnson absent, Jon Rahm takes over as favourite as some of the big names look to hone their games ahead of next month’s US Masters. Angles to consider 1/ Strokes Gained: Approach More precision will be needed this week than last. The greens average only 5,500 square feet so iron play needs to be sharp. They’re set to run at around 12 feet on the Stimpmeter. 2/ Performance at altitude Las Vegas is over 2,000 feet above sea level so that requires some adjustments in club selections. Other events played at altitude include the WGC-Mexico at Chapultepec and last week’s Shriners. 3/ Form in North and South Carolina Tiger Woods noted in ‘The Match’ last year that Shadow Creek was atypical of a desert course. Instead, he likened it to a course in the Carolinas due to the rolling terrain and tree-lined fairways. 4/ Strokes Gained: Off The Tee Several players in the build-up have noted the importance of hitting the fairways and playing approaches from the short grass. With so much water, loose drivers could get punished. Selections The above angles have been used to create a shortlist from which the following players are selected. Matthew Wolff The youngster followed up his brilliant second place in the US Open with another runner-up finish here in Las Vegas last week after losing a playoff so he’s the form horse of the field. Looking at his numbers, Wolff ranked 6th and 8th respectively for SG: Approach in those two events while he’s one of the best drivers of the ball around. This course should suit. Bubba Watson Bubba ranked 9th for SG: Approach and 3rd for SG: Off The Tee in the US Open last time, his strong play in those categories making him a surprise early contender before he fell away. He’s got a couple of second places in the Carolinas, including one at Quail Hollow (same course designer as this week). The left-hander was also T9 at Chapultepec a couple of years ago so can function at altitude. Sergio Garcia Sergio has some pep in his step again after winning the Sanders Farms Championship a fortnight ago before playing three good rounds in last week’s first Vegas event. He gained a combined 11 strokes on Approach in those two events and his SG: Off The Tee numbers are always positive. The Carolinas connection could play into his hands too as he’s a winner at the Wyndham Championship and was fourth at Quail Hollow last year. Finally, he has stellar record in the European Masters at high-up Crans-sur-Sierre. Tips: 1-2; -1.75pts 1.5pts e.w. Matthew Wolff at 18/1 (William Hill 1/5 1-2-3-4-5-6-7) 73rd 0.5pts e.w. Bubba Watson at 60/1 (Betfair Sky Bet 1/5 1-2-3-4-5-6-7) 7th 1pt e.w. Sergio Garcia at 50/1 (Sky Bet 1/5 1-2-3-4-5-6-7) 21st
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