The Chevron World Challenge tees off this weekend at Sherwood Country Club, California. Established as a charity fundraiser in 1999 there is a decent amount of prize money on offer with the winner taking home a cool $ 1.2 million whilst last still gets his hands on $140 000. When Woods wins, which he has often, all his money goes to one of the charities with which he is associated but I can’t see any massive donations being sent their way this year. Despite solid performances in Australia and the Presidents Cup I’m not keen on Tiger taking a win yet so the question is where in the 20 man field to look? Let’s try find out.
To Win OutrightTiger Woods 3/1
Webb Simpson 9/1
Nick Watney 12/1
KJ Choi 14/1
Jason Day 14/1
Jim Furyk 14/1
Hunter Mahan 14/1
Steve Stricker 14/1
VALUE BETS
GARY WOODLAND (16/1 a win, 4/1 a place)
Woodland is coming off the back of a very successful two weeks having assisted the US in taking home the Presidents Cup and bringing home the gold in a spectacular World Cup win. His playing partner, Matt Kuchar, had nothing but praise for him following their victory and seemed pretty adamant that Woodland was the best player in the field at Mission Hills. After a successful year Woodland is poised for a big season in 2012 and a victory here would assist greatly in building the confidence he will require if he is to play himself in to the Ryder Cup team. I’m going each way here but the focus will mainly be on places. I think I’ve found the winner…..
MATT KUCHAR (16/1 a win, 4/1 a place)
There were no surprises when seeing that Woodland and Kuchar had been priced up the same for this year’s Chevron World Challenge. Despite the fact that Kuchar pointed out Woodlands performance in last week’s World Cup he also played some magnificent golf and as much as I hate to say it the team from the USA really were a pleasure to watch. Fresh off the back of a Presidents Cup win and a big win last weekend Kuchar will be keen to make amends for his poor display here last year which saw him finish in last position. I’m not keen on the win here but at 4/1 a place MK makes appeal.
BEST BET: Rickie Fowler (16/1 a win, 4/1 a place)
In my humble opinion 16/1 a win on the young Rickie Fowler is a huge price!! He must surely have been upset to not have been part of the Presidents Cup team two weeks ago and will be looking to make the Ryder Cup team next year. He finished poorly in the PGA Tour after a mostly solid season but since gained his first professional victory at the Korean open where he edged Rory McIlroy into 2nd place. This proved he can mix it up with the big boys and since then he managed a respectable 14th in the PGA Championship. With his flat brim caps and colourful style he epitomises California golfing and I’d love to see him take home first place this weekend. I believe he has what it takes to win here and will be going each way.
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