APART from 2012 the Sheshan International Golf Club has been the host to the WGC-HSBC Champions since it’s inaugural season in 2005.
With lots of water, well-placed bunkers and undulating greens the course is quite a challenging 7261-yard par 72. It’s hard to pick out what statistics would be beneficial here but form could be important with GIR and putts per GIR the stats I would look at.
A couple of weeks ago my tip Tyrrell Hatton won at St Andrews which was his second win in a row. His form at the moment is second to none and although it doesn’t happen often it wouldn’t surprise me if he did it again this week.
If he did complete the treble he will become only the third player to do it following in the footsteps of Rory McIlroy (2014) and Tiger Woods (2000 when he went on to complete a four-timer). GIR: 58.87% Putts per GIR: 1.76. Form: 3-8-1-1.
Someone who really has come into form in the last few months is Marc Leishman. The Aussie won twice last season, the Arnold Palmer and the BMW in the second last tournament, and started this season with a second last week after a play-off with the phenomenon that is Justin Thomas.
At the CJ Cup he was top of the rankings in Putts per GIR and although his GIR wasn’t great it was windy. He has also two top 15s at this course in his two previous outings. GIR: 70.83%. Putts per GIR: 0.33. Form: 3-1-24-2.
Paul Casey lost me some money when he blew his chance of winning the Tour Championship at the end of last season. It wasn’t the first time and I vowed I wouldn’t pick him again but he has finished in the top 20 now 15 times in eight months and I’m loathe to leave him out.
He has continued his form into this season and does have a decent record in China with seven top-12 finishes at Sheshan. This might be the time he does the business and gets a win. GIR: 77.08%. Putts per GIR: 0.130. Form: T33-5-T7-T19.
I’m going totally off the wall with South Korean Hyun Roo Ryu. He has some form behind him on the Japan Tour, winning the Fujisankei Classic and three top 10s in his last five. I know it looks a big step up for the 36-year-old but he might be worth a small wager for top-10 finish. GIR: 67.74%, Form: T5-T19-T10-T10.
Recommended Bets
- 1.5pts ew Tyrrell Hatton (28-1, Betfred)
- 1.5pts ew Marc Leishman (18-1,bBet365)
- 1.5pts ew Paul Casey (20-1, Coral)
- 1pt Top-10 Finish Hyun Roo Ryu (25-1, Paddy Power)
