Dan Roebuck’s Greenbrier Classic preview: Simpson a big price

Current rather than course form has obviously persuaded the odds compilers into making Phil Mickelson the favourite for this week’s Greenbrier Classic at 12/1, as how else would you come up with the current quote about Lefty given he has missed the cut on both his starts at the Old White TPC in West Virginia?

It’s a layout that yielded a 59 only three years ago, but Stuart Appleby’s record Sunday score that saw the Australian come from off the pace to pip Jeff Overton for the title is unlikely to be repeated this week as the track is a lot tougher after being overhauled since then.

With Mickelson no value, the headline pick is Webb Simpson at 16/1, who for me should head the market. The 2012 US Open winner has been hit and miss this term but found some consistency on his last start when fifth in the Travelers Championship.

Simpson has posted successive top tens at the remodelled Old White TPC and, as he’s been finding extra distance off the tee recently, he could be ready to enter the winners’ enclosure for the first time since his Major victory.

Andres Romero heads to West Virginia on the back of two top-25 finishes for the first time in two years. The Argentine is a streaky player who can never totally be relied on, but his good recent form, coupled with fourth in this event two years ago, bodes well for his prospects at 100/1.

Morgan Hoffman (66/1) is a rookie who has caught the eye in the last month with top tens in his last two appearances. He is making his debut at Old White TPC but don’t let that put you off, as maidens have won both the last two renewals. His putting has improved over the early summer and he is a worthy member of the staking plan.

My three to follow – Simpson, Romero and Hoffman.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.