Depending on whether you are a glass half full or a glass half empty kind of person, will colour your view on the Sanderson Farms Championship. Either it is a second rate PGA Tour event which is why it’s held as an alternate to the WGC HSBC Championship. Or, it’s a unique tournament held at a quality course where numerous players have bagged their maiden PGA Tour win.
We prefer to take the latter view, as will the nine players who have got over the line for the first time at the Sanderson Farms Championship. As, indeed, will many of those in the field who love playing at the Country Club of Jackson in Mississippi.
The course is actually made up of two different nines – the Dogwood and Azalea courses. They’ve got subtle differences but work very well together. Each are tough tests of strategy for example. Their combined yardage may be 7,421 yards but driving distance is far less important than keeping the ball in play on the tree lined fairways. Scoring at this venue has been very good in recent years although there is a feeling that the rough is more penal this time around. That will further play into the hands of the most accurate players in the field.
Kirk a Worthy Favourite
Long term, Chris Kirk will be aiming to get back into the world’s top 50 so that he can play the World Golf Championships regularly. But, in order to achieve that goal he’s going to have to start winning on the PGA Tour.
The 31-year-old has taken the chance to play the Sanderson Farms Championship before when he’s not qualified for the same event played that week. He’s actually a previous winner of the event but not since it’s been moved to the Country Club of Jackson. Still, he’s in good form having gone T33-T10-T8 in his last three starts, is a class above many of his competitors this week and looks decent value at 14/1 with Bet365.
Can Poulter Roar Back to Form?
Ian Poulter did not enjoy being a vice captain for Europe at the Ryder Cup. The Englishman was happy to help out in any way he could but watching on from the sidelines was very tough. A foot injury put paid to any chances that Poulter had of competing at Hazeltine but he’s now back and injury free.
If Poulter was hoping to be eased back into action he’ll be disappointed. The 40-year-old only has weeks left on his medical exemption and has to do something special to retain his PGA Tour card. That could happen this week at a course which will suit his patient, accurate approach. Poulter remains a classy player and is worthy of an each way bet at 33/1 with BetVictor.
Boo’s Love of the Course to Shine Through
This is a very popular week for many of those in the field but few players are more enamoured with the Country Club of Jackson than Boo Weekley. He loves its traditional feel, he loves that it poses a test in terms of setting a game plan and he’s had good results here before. Make sure to back Weekley each way at 60/1 with Betfred.