Phoenix Open Tips: J.J. Killeen

Nationwide Tour graduates are often overlooked in the early part of the season, particularly where the betting is concerned, but we have already seen unheralded players making an impact in these early weeks. The likes of Matt Every, Jonas Blixt and Martin Flores have all made fast starts to life on the main tour, enjoying considerable airtime that comes with late Sunday tee times.

We are yet to hear much about the one player who beat them all last year – J.J. Killeen. The 30-year-old from San Diego topped the money list on the Nationwide Tour, earning $414,000 and winning two tournaments; a feat that earned him the Nationwide Tour Player of the Year accolade.

Averaging over 300yards with his driver, he is considered a long hitter even by PGA Tour standards, but it is his putting that sets him apart. He averaged 1.703 putts last year, a figure that would have put him second on the PGA Tour, just behind Luke Donald and ahead of Steve Stricker. Even taking into account the easier course set-ups on the Nationwide Tour, those are still impressive statistics.

J.J. Kileen has started the season quietly with finishes of T38-MC-T52 but there was encouragement with a 67 at the Farmers Insurance Open. A poor final round dropped him 33 places but he will have learnt plenty from the experience.

Rookies don’t have a great record at the Phoenix Open but the 300/1 on J.J. Killeen won’t last many tournaments. He is certain to make his mark on the main tour sooner rather than later. Back him each way at 300/1 (Coral) with ¼ odds for a top five finish.