20th Sep 2011 | Tour Championship
Tour Championship Golf Tips: Nick Watney
Enjoys Donald Ross designed courses, finishing no worse than T13 on them. Two-time winner this year, knows how to get the job done.
Having been near the top of the FedEx Cup standings for most of the season it is surprising to see Nick Watney arrive at the Tour Championship in 7th place. With 15 top 25s and 2 wins from 20 events, it has been a sparkling year for the Californian.
Sitting outside the top five in the FedEx Cup standings means matters are out of his hands, which may turn out to be a blessing. With thoughts of the $10million bonus out of his head, he can concentrate on winning the Tour Championship and worry about the FedEx Cup later.
The Donald Ross designed East Lake course is tailor made for Watney. He is already a winner on a Ross course this year, at the AT&T National, a venue where he finished T7 the previous year. His record at East Lake is almost as good with T13-T4 finishes in the last two years. Combine the two and his last four tournaments on Donald Ross courses read: T7-T13-T4-1.
The change to Bermuda grass greens at East Lake have also helped. Watney is an excellent putter and ranks 11th on Tour for strokes gained putting. A T12 at the PGA Championship was his best placing in a major this year, no coincidence considering Atlanta Athletic Club also uses Bermuda grass.
In a cut down field the 18/1 with Paddy Power is good value, good enough to increase our stake and go win only.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 14:08 20th Sep, 2011 but subject to change
