McGladrey Classic Golf Tips: Chad Campbell

After a couple of lean years Chad Campbell is returning to the sort of form that saw him reach a playoff at the 2009 Masters. The Texan arrives at the McGladrey Classic after a consistent year where he has made 21 cuts from 28 tournaments. The highlight of which was a T5 at the British Open, a timely boost to remind him he can compete in majors.

Campbell has always been an excellent ball striker, he leads the tour in GIRs this year; it is the 169th in strokes gained putting that tells you all you need to know. If he could find the hole more often, he would be back amongst the top 50 players in the world.

At the Shriners a fortnight ago a closing round of 66, with only 25 putts, hinted at better days ahead. Confidence is a factor and a return to Bermuda grass greens should also help. The last two times he played the Sony Open in Hawaii he finished T13-T8. The Waialae Country Club course is very similar in layout to the Seaside course at Sea Island, so he should feel comfortable this week.

He might be frustrating to follow but at 80/1 (Sportingbet) we are amply rewarded for the risk. Back him each way for ¼ the odds for a top five finish.