Greater Hickory Classic

FINAL RESULT: 0-3; -6.00pts

Stadler 25th
Thorpe 17th
Nelson 7th

Had been hopeful of a decent return on these outrights with Nelson entering the final round in 4th position and Thorpe in 6th, but with Thorpe taking NINE at the 4th hole there was no way back. Not so dramatic for Nelson, but he squandered a good position with three bogeys early on the back nine.

Outright plays (2pts):

Craig Stadler to win 7/1 @ Stan James
Playing at Whistling Straits at the weekend and having no experience of the course or the Champions Tour will work against Romero, so siding with Stadler who should be a couple of points lower. Still the best player on this Tour or at least until others commit until it full-time and he is the defending champion so his course is good, to say the least.

Jim Thorpe to win 18/1 e.w. @ BetInternet
Sticking with Thorpe again, even though he hasn't shown the form that netted him a win in June and a win in July. But a couple of top-10 finishes since and a 3rd place finish last year suggest that this should be another week in which he should be a contender.

Larry Nelson to win 25/1 e.w. @ Stan James
Nelson seemed to have lost his form in June/July after a very good start to the season, but the cornered has definitely been turned with a top-20 finish in the U.S. Senior Open and a 3rd place finish in the 3M Championship this month. He was the leader after the 1st and 2nd rounds last year, but couldn't hold off Stadler on the Sunday. He still finished 2nd, so on the basis of good course form and improved current form, he is a worthy selection.