28th Jan 2015 | Panama Championship
Panama Claro Tips: Rod Pampling
Runner-up in the Australian Open. Can capitalise on the big drop in class.
The Web.com Tour will introduce the viewing public to several new names this season but for my first selection I’m sticking with a grizzled old veteran.
Many will think Rod Pampling’s best days are behind him but this could be a big year for the Australian.
Having alternated between the PGA Tour and Web.com Tour, the 45-year-old needs a good season to regain his playing rights and the early signs are good.
Pampling put in an excellent performance to finish second at the Australian Open, gaining a ticket to the Open Championship at St. Andrews in the process.
Pampling put his improved performance down to watching videos of his 2006-08 swing, a period in his career when he reached number 22 in the world.
If this return to form is permanent then he could be a cut above his rivals in Panama this week. In Australia, he finished ahead of Adam Scott and therefore this week’s field should hold no fears.
At 33/1 (Bet365) he is a good each-way bet with ¼ odds for a top-5 finish.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 08:44 28th Jan, 2015 but subject to change