14th Feb 2012 | Genesis Open
Northern Trust Open Tip: Ricky Barnes
Third at Pebble Beach and thrives on tough courses with a classic set-up. Finished T9 back in 2010.
It seems like Ricky Barnes has been around forever but amazingly he is only 30-years-old. The former US Amateur Champion burst onto the scene in the 2003 US Masters where he outscored Tiger Woods by seven shots in the opening round.
Apart from a runners-up spot in the 2009 US Open, his career has largely remained unfulfilled, perhaps until now. A third place finish last week at Pebble Beach reminded me that the talent is there, especially on a course with a classic set-up.
Not an especially long hitter, he tends to save his best performances for the tougher courses on tour. His only top-10s last year came at the Honda Classic and The Heritage, both amongst the most testing courses on the PGA Tour. With Riviera CC ranked the 11th hardest on tour, it should provide a suitable test of golf.
Barnes has a T9 back in 2010 to call upon, and if he continues his good form he could get amongst the leaders at 90/1 with Sportingbet. Bach him each way with ¼ odds for a top five finish.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 17:58 14th Feb, 2012 but subject to change
