Three Against The Field / Dan Geraghty / 19 January 2011 /

Dan's backing an old favourite for glory in this week's Three Against the Field column

It was close but no cigar for all three of last week's selections, Steve Stricker was ninth, Anthony Kim was 13th and, closest of all, Tim Clark coming up one place short in second. I'd be keen to get on Clark again here but it's going to be a long week for those who played 36 holes in Hawaii on Sunday. The Bob Hope consists of five rounds and following Sunday's 36 hole shootout in Hawaii Clark complained of blisters. They may well end up keeping him from starting this week.

Our old friend Bubba Watson seems to enjoy it here, he's finished in the top 30 for the last three years, culminating in his runner-up finish in 2010 with a 29 under par total. At first glance his price [24.0] looks a little skinny, but Bubba's game moved on to the next level last year and he is now a tour winner with Ryder Cup experience. This field lacks strength in depth and Bubba's record and experience here will stand him in good stead. The big-hitting little man seems in good spirits as usual...

Ryan Moore can count himself as one of the stars in this field and his price [34.0] looks a little generous. Like Watson, Moore avoided last week's disjointed tournament and from four attempts here he has a fifth (2008) and a 10th (2010) place finish.

Brendon De Jonge likes a birdie, he's 13th on tour in scoring average and that is a good thing here where it's going to take a huge under par total to win. De Jonge was a revelation last year and showed that he has started where he left off with a great performance at the Sony last week. Brendon finished 74th on his first try at this tournament but last year he improved on that to finish 33rd and if Sunday's gruelling 36 holes haven't taken their toll, he can improve on that again.

Dangers: Last years victor Bill Haas didn't play last week in Hawaii and should be fresh for his title defence. Haas has matured into a fine player and doesn't seem to get the credit he deserves, I'm sure he'll put up a good showing this week. Alex Prugh was fifth in 2010 and started his season in fine fettle with a 20th place finish at last week's Sony Open.

Selections: Bubba Watson [24.0], Ryan Moore [34.0], Brendon De Jonge [75.0]

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