Players Championship Golf Tip: Ben Crane

This season has so far been dominated by the ‘Golf Boys’ but with their sporting prowess rather than vocal talent making the headlines. After Rickie Fowler’s win in the Wells Fargo, it means that Ben Crane is the only member of the quartet yet to register a win this season.

Over the last few years, we have seen close friends inspire each other to victory. The likes of McDowell/McIlroy and Oosthuizen/Schwartzel have brought the best out in each other.  Perhaps the same could happen to Ben Crane.

If there is one course to invigorate him, it is TPC Sawgrass. His record at the venue is: MC-T66-T36-T6-T5-T4-T45.

After a fast start to 2012, with three top-tens in four tournaments, the world number 48 has slightly gone off the boil. That is not uncommon looking at his profile, his two best results last year came after missed cuts. He is the sort of player who can turn up and contend from nowhere.

Not renowned as the fastest player on tour, Crane methodically plots his way around a golf course. He hits the ball straight and putts well, attributes that are suited to Sawgrass.

After a second-round 64 at Quail Hollow, Crane sounded full of confidence, “All in all, just one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. The course is playing really well. Mentally I feel like I’m getting a little sharper.”

Returning to a venue he loves, and inspired by his friends, this is a perfect opportunity for the fourth ‘Golf Boy’ to top the charts. At 66/1 (Ladbrokes) back him each-way with ¼ odds for a top-six finish.