Honda Classic Golf Tip: Stephen Ames

I was very close to tipping Stephen Ames for the Mayakoba Classic last week, considering he finished T16 it was the correct decision, but I can’t let him go unbacked again.

At 47 years of age, he is considered a veteran but Ames is still competing at the sharp end of tournaments. His last win was in 2009, recent enough to suggest he hasn’t lost that competitive edge.

Last season he finished T51 at the Honda Classic but his play deserved more. He was T8 for driving accuracy and T10 for GIRs but his putting let him down. His stats for the early part of 2012 suggest his game is on the up. He ranks 58th for strokes gained putting, 27th for birdie average and 38th for the all-important scoring average.

Having been out for a month with a back injury it was encouraging to see him play so well in Mexico last week. It is an injury that won’t be permanently resolved but if he manages it well, and the signs are positive, he could spring a surprise at long odds.

Back Stephen Ames each way at 150/1 with Coral with ¼ odds for a top five finish.