5th Jul 2016 | LECOM Health Challenge
LECOM Health Challenge Trends
The Upper Course of Peek'n Peak Resort hosted six tour events in the 2000s and the Web.com Tour returns with the LECOM Health Challenge. We examine the trends of past winners.
The LECOM Health Challenge is a new name on the Web.com Tour but in effect it is the rebirth of the Peek’n Peak Classic that existed between 2002-2007. Fortunately the Upper Course of Peek’n Peak Resort still hosts so we can build an informed view on what type of player to back.
Measuring 7,058 yards, the Upper Course is a relatively short par-72 but is certainly no pushover. The average winning score is -11.8, with nothing better than Roland Thatcher’s -15 total in 2007.
The undulating tree-lined track makes it difficult to overpower and control could be key.
Winning trends from 2002 to 2007.
Top-60 on tour for driving accuracy
The Upper Course measures a modest 7,058 yards but its tight, twisting nature means accuracy is favoured over length. Of the past winners only Kevin Stadler could be classed as a (wayward) bomber off the tee.
Top-60 on tour for putting average
Five of the last six champions ranked inside the top-60 for putting average, the exception being John Merrick. In the years Kevin Stadler and Patrick Moore won, they finished the season first and second in the putting rankings.
Top-70 on tour for birdie average
Although the Upper Course is testing, players can’t play it completely defensively. Players need to make at least a dozen birdies to stand any chance and the last six winners all ranked inside the top-70 for birdie average.
Top-60 on tour for par-5 scoring average
The Upper Course has four par-5s and none are particularly long, measuring between 523 and 575 yards. The last six winners ranked inside the top-60 for par-5 scoring.
Top-60 on tour for par-4 scoring average
Past winners have played the par-4s well, all of them ranking inside the top-60 for scoring average on tour.
Top-60 on tour for all-around ranking
The last six winners all finished the year inside the top-50 of the tour’s all-around ranking.
Players that fit all six trends:
Joel Dahmen 33/1 Paddy Power
Brad Fritsch 50/1 Paddy Power
JT Poston 50/1 Bet365
Chris Baker 66/1 Bet365
Austin Cook 70/1 Bet365
Byron Smith 70/1 Bet365
Odds correct at time of publishing: 09:44 5th Jul, 2016 but subject to change