US Bank Championship golf betting guide: Dufner, O'Hern, Funk and Hoch

One of last week's failed selections, JASON DUFNER, looks worth another chance in this weaker company. Another very straight hitter, Dufner has twice finished 11th on this course, both last year and back in 2004. Considering this is by far his best season to date, Dufner could represent a bit of each-way value at 33/1.

Were he in the Open field, I'd probably have thrown away a few more pennies at an enormous price on NICK O'HERN. I'm not sure if I could show an overall profit from repeatedly backing the Aussie left-hander over the years, for while he regularly delivers in place and match betting markets, he rarely wins and never has done when carrying my cash. He is capable though, as third place at the high-class Houston Open illustrates, and his last two efforts were reasonable enough against much stronger company than here in Milwaukee. Nick is, typically, driving the ball very accurately right now, and that should bode well on a course where he finished 24th on his sole visit in 2006; a respectable effort after a slow start.

As mentioned above, plenty of experienced outsiders have thrived in this event over the years. The clearest example must have been 250/1 winner Corey Pavin in 2006, which demonstrated beyond doubt that players need not drive the ball any significant distances to compete on this course. With that in mind, my final two selections are both golfing seniors, FRED FUNK and SCOTT HOCH.

Both of this pair are competitive on the Champions Tour and famed for their driving accuracy. Furthermore, both can boast excellent records at Brown Deer Park. Hoch won this event back in 1997 and registered two other top-10s afterwards. Funk is something of a course specialist, making the top-15 in five of the last eight years, with 2nd in 2004 the best of the lot.

Finally, a quick word about the others that made the shortlist only to be excluded from the staking plan. Accurate

drivers Jason Bohn and Brian Davis have ideal conditions and came in for strong consideration, particularly the former who must still rate a decent bet in the place markets. George McNeill, who was 6th last year, is another whose fairly strong credentials were overlooked on price grounds. And another who fits the profile of an experienced, classy player is Steve Elkington, who has registered consecutive top-25s in his last two starts.

Good Luck!