Golf: Ace’s CIMB Classic Tips

THE PGA event staged in Asia is being held for the fourth time at the TPC Kuala Lumpur (West) course in Malaysia.

The 7005-yard, par 72, was opened in 1991 and had a complete revamp by Ted and Geoff Parslow. Last year winner Justin Thomas went round in -26 so looks like it could be a birdiefest with GIR and putting being important stats.

I like the look of Patrick Reed for this 78-man invitational. At the beginning of last season Reed played quite a few tournaments in Asia and Europe before returning to America for a successful campaign.

His GIR stat for last year is 64.65% with strokes gained:putting 0.28 and putting average of 1.753. His singles match against Rory McIlroy was one of the highlights of the Ryder Cup and I can see him continuing that form this weekend.

Kevin Na is another who had a good start to last season with four top fives in his first six outings. He has only played one tournament this season, last week at the Safeway Open, and finished 7th which included two 66s. He was really strong in the last round but putts just weren’t dropping for him. Last season his GIR stat was 66.73%, with strokes gained:putting 0.074 and putting average 1.748 so has the game for this course.

My final pick has to be Scott Hend. The Australian has had a great season, especially on the Asian Tour. He is leading the Asian Tour and was second last year. Ievents n fact in the last four he has not been out of the top four. Three top-four finishes in his last five in Asia but did seem to be a bit weary in his last two outings in Europe at the Italian and European Opens.

He had a good Venetian Macao Open and with GIR over 68%, putting average of 1.627 and 1.758 putts per GIR and looks a good eachway bet.

Recommended Bets

1.5pts ew Patrick Reed (Betfair, 14-1)
1.5pts ew Kevin Na (Betfred, 22-1)
1pt ew Scott Hend (Betfred, 90-1)

Ace Venturer