There may some value at 40/1 in backing DANIEL CHOPRA, who played well all weekend on the fringes of contention at Sawgrass. Chopra also made the top-10 at Bay Hill and is clearly running into form. Like Wi, we are dealing here with a multiple international winner who has already prospered at La Cantera, finishing 3rd two years ago. Others worth a mention must include Texan favourite Chad Campbell after his near-miss in the Masters. So far at La Cantera, Campbell has registered three top-20s, but I would have hoped for a better personal best than 15th. In any case, take away Augusta and he's done nothing since the opening event of the year. Another Texan, Bart Bryant, has won here before and would have a chance on his 4th in Puerto Rico. Runaway Heritage winner Brian Gay would almost certainly have been picked, were it not for concern about his withdrawal after the opening round at Sawgrass. It really is notable how many otherwise unimpressive, moderate characters repeatedly come to life on this course. For instance, Harrison Frazar barely ever makes a top-25, yet has three top-11 finishes here in the last four years. Chris Stroud has only four PGA Tour top-10s to his name, two of which came on this course. DEAN WILSON's course record is quite outstanding for a player of his middle ranking status. He registered four consecutive top-7 finishes from 2004 to 2007, and while he hasn't made a top-10 either this year, Wilson has at least registered three decent top-20s on serious golf courses to prove his game is not in crisis. Perhaps on what is clearly his favourite course we will see an improvement. Finally, another decent bet amongst that group of candidates could be JJ HENRY at 80/1. The former Ryder Cup player has had seven poor results in a row, but did at least finish 2nd in the Mayakoba Classic previously to confirm he's not completely gone at the game. His record at La Cantera is eyecatching to say the least, with four top-6 finishes in six years. Valero Texas Open golf betting tips: 2pts ew CHARLEY HOFFMAN @ 25/1 (GENERAL) 2pts ew CHARLIE WI @ 25/1 (GENERAL) 1.5pts ew DANIEL CHOPRA @ 40/1 (GENERAL) 1pt ew DEAN WILSON @ 50/1 (GENERAL) 1pt ew JJ HENRY @ 80/1 (BETFRED, CORAL, SPORTINGBET) 2008/2009 STATS: -119pts 2007/2008 STATS: +618pts
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Tour news: Tournament previews Gallery: Pictures from TPC Sawgrass Equipment: Callaway FT-i Squareway fairway wood review Golf Monthly Forum: Have your say
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