FleetBoston Classic

A change from its customary August slot on the schedule, but no drop in the quality of the field. With the exception of Tom Watson and Gil Morgan, all the Tour's leading players are at Nashawtuc to complete their preparations for next week's US Senior Open at the nearby Salem Country Club. This is the oldest official 54-hole tournament on the Senior PGA Tour and Nashawtuc is hosting the event for the 18th consecutive year. A well-established event to prepare everyone for next week major.

Even with the leading players in action this week, it was not expected that the odds on the favorite would be so high. Simon Bold are at least a point higher than everyone else and for the first time this year, the favorite is a selection. Given Hale Irwin's record in this event, it is justified. In 18 rounds, he has never been over par with a scoring average of 68.50 and is the leading money-winner in the tournament's history, averaging $90,100 per appearance. His six appearances have been two firsts, two seconds (one via a playoff), a sixth and a ninth. With his form last week, he should be a very strong contender at an event that he loves.

The second pick is Allen Doyle. It is rare to have him as a selection again, his odds are nowhere near as high as at the start of the season, but they are justified. In 17 starts this year, he has finished in the top-10 on 14 occasions, the highest of any player on Tour, and has finished in the top-5 in his last three starts. Ranked 2nd behind Irwin in All-Round stats and with two top-5 finishes in the past three years, Doyle is definitely one of the top players on Tour this season and should at least pick up a place finish.

The final pick is Dana Quigley who reached as high as 2nd on the back nine last Sunday, but could only par in and fell to 6th. That meant a run of three top-10 finishes in five events, including his 2nd runners-up spot of the year, and in such form stands a reasonable chance of picking up a place finish. His course form may not be that spectacular, but 'Iron Man' Quigley will never be found wanting for effort.

Outright plays:

Hale Irwin to win 5/1 @ Simon Bold

Allen Doyle to win 12/1 e.w. @ BetSmart

Dana Quigley to win 40/1 e.w. @ Surrey

Final update: 0-3 and -3.00 units

Frustrating blank as all three had chances to secure at least a place finish and in the end both Doyle and Quigley missed out by one shot