Weather and course conditions have had a major influence on the outcome of this event over the last few years. When the weather has been windy and the course/greens firm and dry players such as Justin Leonard have tended to come to the fore whereas in more benign conditions long hitters such as JB Holmes have tended to excel. In a traditionally low scoring event good putters tend to do well.
OUTRIGHT: Martin Laird, 1 point win & place, 25/1
Arizona resident Laird should certainly have the unruly locals on his side this week and with good reason as his game is well suited to desert style golf as he has already demonstrated in Reno, Las Vegas and indeed on this very course last year when he finished tied third. If he can maintain his excellent current form he can go close.
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OUTRIGHT: Bryce Molder, 1 point win & place, 66/1
Molder also stays locally and arrives back home in excellent spirits having recorded a maiden tour win in the Frys Open late last season. He too has some good course and current form having finished tied eighth here in 2010 and having recorded a top ten finish in Hawaii followed up by a top fifteen finish last week in San Diego.
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OUTRIGHT: Scott Piercy, 1 point win & place, 66/1
Although not a local boy Piercy has few peers here in terms of course form with figures of T15th in 05, T6th in 09 and T8th in 10 marking him down as a player to reckon with. He too has made a bright start to his 2012 season. His tied thirteenth finish last week in San Diego bodes well.
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