Golf: Ace’s Puerto Rico Open Tips

FOR the 10th time in a row, in fact since its inception, the Coco Beach Golf and Country Club hosts the Puerto Rico Open.

One of the longest tests of the year, the 7506-yard par 72 has large greens which helps when the wind blows, as it does regularly. With temperatures of 80F, a persistent threat of rain and easterly breezes of 10-15 mph this will be a good test. Distance off the tee, greens in regulation and putting average could be a factor here.

With five top 15s from the first six tournaments this season Luke List then had three missed cuts from his next four outings. However, he has gradually got some form back, culminating in a T17 last week at the Arnold Palmer. The 32-year-old has yet to win on Tour but with that slight return to form and the weakened field he looks a good bet. He certainly hits a long ball (313 yards average), GIR of 70.17% and a putting average of 1.744.

Another who had a good start to the season was Chris Kirk with three top eights in his first four tournaments. He really looked good at the Sanderson Farms when he finished T2 and with four missed cuts since then it’s hard to justify his selection. Sometimes it’s just a matter of feeling a player will come good in a certain tournament and that’s what it is this week. Not that long off the tee (286.5) but his GIR (72%) and putting average (1.713)

Peter Uihlein has been in good form on the European Tour since December with five top 15s including a solo 4th, T5 and T7. Those who follow this column know I have followed the American for a couple of years. He has struggled to get to the level of ex-flatmate Brooks Koepka but I have high hopes. He hits a long ball off the tee (310 average) and has a GIR of 68.7% and putting average of 1.6.

Recommended Bets

1.5pts ew Luke List (Ladbrokes, 25-1)
1.5pts ew Chris Kirk (bet365, 35-1)
1.5pts ew Peter Uihlein (Betfair, 25-1)

Ace Venturer

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