Fry.Com Open preview

With only four events remaining on the PGA Tour, the Fry.com Open this week is a key event for many reasons. As well as the event itself to think about, those in and around the top 30 on the US Money List will attempt to secure a place in the Tour Championship in November. Perhaps most importantly over the next four weeks is the fight for the top 125 on the Money List in order to secure playing privileges for next season.

The event is to be held at TPC Southerland and its sister course TPC Canyons in Las Vegas for the 15th time in the event's 24-year history. Scoring is traditionally very low here and birdies will required for those looking to get their hands on some of the $4,000,000 purse. The courses are both relatively short by PGA standards and those able to plot their way around a golf course often do well.

Jim Furyk is heavy favourite going into the event, not only because of his current form but also because of his past success at the event. Furyk has won the event three times and has six Top 5-finnishes in twelve starts - his game is perfectly suited to the desert layouts. He was narrowly denied his fourth win in the tournament last year by Wes Short Jr (pictured). The rookie secured his maiden victory by making par at the second playoff hole after Furyk had found the water at the par 3.

Englishman Greg Owen looks to continue his good form from after finishing 12th last week in Greensboro, Brian Davis also competes. David Howell is the only other Brit to make an appearance - he continues his busy schedule and trys to put the battle for the European order of merit to the back of his mind along with a poor week at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship last week.

Those looking to gain a place in the end of season Tour Championship include Tom Pernice Jr., who lies 28th on the money list, Nathan Green, who is 36th, and Scott Verplank, who is 35th. History bodes well for Verplank, who hasn?t missed a cut at the event in his last nine starts.

2004 Amateur Champion Ryan Moore could be a player to watch as he returns to his University of Las Vegas hunting ground looking to add to his $1,115,358 season's earnings.

So expect low scoring and nerves all the way down the leader-board in Las Vegas, as players try to reach their various targets at the close of the PGA Tour season.