Sony Open Golf Tips: Brian Davis

Measuring just over 7,000 yards, the par-70 Waialae Country Club isn’t exactly a beast but with an average winning score of 14.6 under par it offers a stern test.

The wind is the main defence, but fairways and greens are difficult to find thus opening up the tournament for the more modest hitters who can plot their way round. Ranked 178th on tour for driving distance, Brian Davis falls into this category.

The 38-year-old Londoner has endured his fair share of near misses, he is is a five-time runner up, but still winless on tour in 250 attempts. This makes him a tough proposition from a win only perspective, but at 200/1 (Ladbrokes) we can still make a sizeable profit if his finishes in the top-5.

Last year he finished in the top-5 on three occasions and ranked 18th for driving accuracy - excelling on tougher, shorter tracks. Although his record in the Sony Open is unspectacular, Davis has form on similar courses. He was second at Colonial in 2010, another par-70, and enjoys an excellent record at Hilton Head which is often buffeted by the wind.

At 200/1 (Ladbrokes), he rates as a lively each-way outsider, with ¼ odds for a top-5 finish.