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Often downplayed as a silly-season event, the one thing the QBE Shootout does have going for it is longevity because rather incredibly this is the 32nd renewal of the team tournament. It’s not the only thing going for it either – it’s also one of the very few occasions outside the Ryder and Presidents Cups that we get the chance to see players pair up. From a pure fan perspective (and possibly nosiness) it’s intriguing to see who doubles up with who and from a punting viewpoint there’s an unusual little riddle to be unpicked. The first round is played in the Scramble format (both players hit, pick the best result, both hit from that position, and so on throughout the hole), the second is Modified Alternate Shot (Greensomes – both players tee off, pick the best ball and play alternately from there on in) and the third is Better Ball (four ball). The host is Tiburon Golf Club in Florida which is a Greg Norman design and it’s fast become one of the patterns of November and December – how many Norman designs are utilised by the two main tours (El Camaleon last week on the PGA Tour, Fire and Earth at Jumeirah the last fortnight in Europe). It’s a par-72 set at 7,382 yards with Bermuda grass on the greens and with its Naples location it is susceptible to the blustery breezes which whip in off the Gulf of Mexico. That has mattered to some extent, as has the format.
Angles to consider 1/ Success on similar tracks Look for pairings that have tasted success in Florida (Bermuda greens, blustery) and, if not, layouts that resemble that test – the likes of Waialae, El Camaleon, Harbour Town. 2/ Going low at El Camaleon Last year’s winners were Rory Sabbatini and Kevin Tway, the former carded two 68s at El Camaleon (then opened with a 65 at Sea Island). In 2018 Brian Harman warmed up with a 66 at El Camaleon (he also had two 66s and a 64 at Sea Island); his partner Patton Kizzire did so with a 65 and 66 in Mexico (plus two 66s and a 63 at Sea Island). 2012 and 2016 winners Harris English and Matt Kuchar have both won at El Camaleon. 3/ Approach play The various formats more or less rule out the driving unless you’ve got a pair of particularly careless golfers. It kind of explains why Steve Stricker has two wins – he’s a superb wedge and short-iron golfer.
Selections The above angles have been used to create a shortlist from which the following players are selected. Daniel Berger-Steve Stricker Stricker won this event in 2017 alongside Sean O’Hair and also in 2009 with Jerry Kelly. He was also second in 2016, third in 2010 and fourth in 2011 and 2012. He knows this format and he likes it. As mentioned above, his superb short iron and wedge game is even given a helping hand because of the format of the first two days and ditto his putting. This week he’s paired with one of the hottest golfers of 2020 who has played here three times and placed twice. Berger is a winner this year and closed his El Camaleon account with two 67s last week. Stricker shot 65-67 the same weekend. Harris English and Matt Kuchar This pairing is seeking a third victory in this tournament, but they were also second in the two years between their victories – not a bad return from five visits. English is another of the form players of 2020, he shot a 64 and a 62 at Sea Island on his way to sixth and then closed 66-63 for fifth at El Camaleon. Kuchar has had a tough year, but his middle rounds of 66-67 on his last start at Sea Island were a sign that all is not lost.
Tips: 1-1; +7.38pts 1pt e.w. Daniel Berger and Steve Stricker at 11/1 (Betfair Sportsbook, Paddy Power, 1/5 1,2,3,4) 9th 1pt e.w. Harris English and Matt Kuchar at 15/2 (Skybet, William Hill, BetVictor, Betway 1/4 1,2,3) 1st
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