2nd Apr 2013 | Valero Texas Open
Valero Texas Open Tips: Ben Kohles
A prodigious talent who turned pro in 2012 and promptly won on his first two starts. Recorded two top-20 finishes last month.
With many of the big American names skipping the Valero Texas Open the tournament has an open feel about it. Rory McIlroy is easily passed over at the head of the market at 10/1 (BetVictor), but the scene could be set for another young gun to prove his worth.
Ben Kohles only turned pro last year but he made an instant impact winning his first two starts on the Web.com Tour. That earned him enough money to graduate to the PGA Tour in 2013 and he’s made the transition seamlessly.
He already has two top-25 finishes to his name; a T7 at the Tampa Bay Championship and a T14 at Bay Hill. Both results were achieved in the last month, suggesting he’s hitting a rich vein of form.
Ranked 5th for driving accuracy and 31st for strokes gained putting he should be suited to TPC San Antonio, where there is a premium on keeping control of your golf ball.
Kohles is primed for a big year and at 100/1 (Paddy Power), he looks excellent each-way value with ¼ odds for a top-5 finish.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 15:06 2nd Apr, 2013 but subject to change
