Thursday 15 January 2015 10:11, UK
Ben Coley previews the PGA Tour's Sony Open and expects Matt Kuchar to take all the beating...
Jason Day is favourite as the PGA Tour year kicks off in earnest at the Sony Open.
The Aussie is one of several who arrive here having played in the invitation-only Tournament of Champions and heads the betting from play-off loser Jimmy Walker, but it’s Matt Kuchar who may take all the beating.
Kuchar has been no worse than eighth here over the last three years and should thrive on what is a flat, tight course which rewards accuracy and finesse over power, unlike last week’s venue.
The biggest danger to Kuchar could emerge from Luke Donald, who returned to form at the end of 2014 and has since been working hard with long-time coach and mentor Pat Goss.
Donald is another neat and tidy player with form at Waialae, having been runner-up in 2007, and makes more appeal than some of the younger players ahead of him in the market.
One rising star who has already shown a liking for this course is Harris English and the two-time PGA Tour winner could bounce back to form, while of those at bigger prices watch out for Matt Every, who would look a big price if returning to his best on a layout which plays to his strengths.
Recommended:
Matt Kuchar: worked out the layout in recent years and the most likely winner - 20/1 with Sky Bet
Matt Every: form at all relevant courses and looks a strong each-way shout - 100/1 with Sky Bet
Luke Donald: previous runner-up who finished 2014 on a high - 28/1 with Sky Bet
Live coverage of the first round of the Sony Open starts Thursday at midnight on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.
