LIV Golf Invitational Chicago Tips: A slice of the pie for Smith

Chicago, the windy city - could there be a more apt location for the latest chapter in the on-going saga of LIV Golf?!

While the moniker is widely believed to reference the freezing cold gales that sweep across Lake Michigan, legend also has it that the nickname invokes the nature of local residents and politicians who are famous for being full of hot air.

This week might add a third dimension since golf currently feels like it is trapped in a windowless room that is tangy with other people's flatulence.

Never mind a breeze, the game desperately needs a tornado to rip through it and leave behind some fresh air.

This week LIV Golf heads to Chicago and Rich Harvest Farms whose name, a little bit like Jessie J singing "It's all about the money" at the post-London party, might be assumed a joke if it weren't for the truth that LIV people don't really do humour.

The track is a par-72 set at 7,408 yards, designed by the owner (Jerry Rice) and described on its website, with admirable restraint, as a "breathless masterpiece".

Back in 2009 it hosted the Solheim Cup and the players all referenced the width from the tee. Obviously, officials can minimise the short grass this week, but the key feature does appear to have been identified by Paula Creamer when she said: "The greens are humongous. It comes down to somebody with great iron control, who can put the approaches in the right sections."

It has also twice hosted the Palmer Cup (a collegiate match between Europe and the US), most recently last year when two of this week's field were playing.

David Puig, who turns pro on Friday, won three of his four matches while the still amateur Eugenio Lopez-Chacurra went 4-for-4.

The latter had his best LIV performance last time out but placing seems a big ask of him. A fast start, fuelled by the good memories, is not out of the question but the compiler has taken note with his First Round Leader prices.

Another factor to consider is trans-Atlantic travel.

After completing his second round last Saturday Lee Westwood admitted to having struggled with jetlag all week following the journey from LIV Boston to London.

Like many others rebels, he now recrosses the pond to Chicago. More jetlag maybe? It makes me wary of the air miles set this week.

This column's success rate in LIV events has so far been really quite peculiar (winners at 33/1, 28/1 and 13/2, plus two placed picks from just eight selections). Let's hope it gets weirder.

Main Bet: Cameron Smith 2pts win @ 5/1

His triumph in the Open on the Old Course in July was the consequence of a stupendous putting exhibition but the early season brilliance of Cameron Smith was built on a fine approach game.

He set up par-breaking opportunity after par-breaking opportunity (and made the most of them) in his wins at the Tournament of Champions and THE PLAYERS Championship.

He was also superb with his irons when 13th at the PGA Championship and ended last season ranked fifth for SG Approach.

LIV has no stats but in opening with a 64 and, in particular, closing with a 63 in Boston that approach play looked back to its best.

If he maintains his usual flat-stick excellence he looks set to make a bold bid for a first victory on the rebel circuit to add to his three on the traditional tours this year.

Next Best: Paul Casey 1pt each-way @ 25/1

I was tempted by Henrik Stenson whose win last time out seems to have been ticked off as a one-off.

But there is an added factor in his 40/1 price: he missed the Boston event with vertigo. He's a long term sufferer and proven to drop out if it's affecting performance, but I remain wary.

Instead, I'll add Englishman Paul Casey who dodged the drama and fatigue last week in Wentworth.

He re-emerged from the 2020 lockdown playing some of the best golf of his life, much of it in the majors and he came very close to winning THE PLAYERS in March.

He was very chipper about winning a big one which makes his flip to LIV rather odd, but no odder than doing so after having spoken up against the Saudis for UNICEF.

At his best he's another with fine approach play and although he's had injury problems his entry to LIV has shown promise.

He was sixth on debut in Bedminster and was among the top five low scorers in rounds one and two at Boston (a poor middle round hurt his chances).

*Having difficulty working out the place returns? Fret no more - you can easily work out your returns with our new each way calculator.