Valero Texas Open Tip

The Texas Open returns to San Antonia, where it has hosted the event since 2010. Playing at 7,400 yards, it should suit the bombers of the tee, but event history does show that a variety of different players have prospered here also. It can be quite windswept in this part of the world, so maybe an eye for the ball strikers and the scramblers to come to the fore might be the best policy. The course may play longer than usual this

The course may play longer than usual this week as wet weather is forecast, and if correct, the scores could be high side as this course is already one of the toughest on tour. Narrow fairways, deep bunkers and native vegetation all add up to some fed up looking players come cut time Friday afternoon. Kevin Na had a 16 on his scorecard in 2012 (well worth a look on Youtube) which give all us Saturday medal players hope.

On the betting front, we just missed out on the revitalised Luke Donald landing the 50/1 odds, but still a tasty E/W price.

I’m going to advise that as this an event that can throw up some big priced, and unheralded players that we keep stakes on the low side. I’m only going to back two players this week, due to the topsy-turvy nature of the tournament.

J B Holmes 25/1 E/W Paddy Power ( 7 places)

J B has been quietly impressive of late, and I was struck how well he played at the Masters, a course where he’s never really played well at previously, and where his power fade is not ideally suited. But he still managed to post a tied fourth, and a lot of the improvement was down to how he is right on top of his mid to short irons, a requirement which will be needed this week. I’m a little concerned about his scrambling around the greens, but hopefully he will mitigate this with his approach game. Of course his main attribute is that power game, and if the forecast of wet weather is correct, he has a decent advantage on the rest of the field.