Sony Open – No Tiger Woods, but USPGA Tour still shines in Hawaii

The USPGA Tour’s Sony Open in Hawaii is at the third round stage as well, under less than ideal circumstances as well. Sure there is no Tiger Woods around at the moment to draw golfing headlines, but the spirits still look to be good around the USPGA Tour. There were smiles and commerarderie all round in Hawaii. It’s a big gusty out in Hawaii to say the least, and it is has been a show of persistence and determination for the players to get around the beautiful surroundings. Who wouldn’t want to be playing golf out in Hawaii in the middle of January, huh? Anyway, it is Steve Stricker who made an error free round of 67 to leave himself 7 under par, just two shots off the top of the leader board after two rounds. Discipline and focus is what is needed under these conditions, and that is what Stricker has produced, making him a good bet for the tournament. He is worth getting some money down upon, even it if is just to place.

But it is Ryan Palmer who lead at the end of day two, -9 under par, after posting rounds of 65 and 66 consecutively. His game should leave him in contention in the final round, but, as the only non-American in the top ten, Australian Robert Allenby could be the one to watch after looking steadier than ever with his putting. Sinking holes on the green is usually the side of the game which lets him down, but he has gained a marked improved in this tournament so far, and that side of his game alone has made him a real threat. Chad Campbell and Zach Johnson are just two shots off the lead, while joining Stricker on three back are Jeff Quinney and John Merrick (no, not that one) who all in close contention. The winds may not be as bad over the final couple of days and that could make the difference. Davis Love III and Tom Lehman are there or there abouts, as well as Argentina’s Angel Cabrera.

Sony Open Outright Winner
Zach Johnson (-8 under) – 9/2 at BetFred
Steve Stricker (-7 under) – 11/2 at SportingBet
Robert Allenby (-8 under) – 13/2 at Stan James
Chad Campbell (-8 under) – 8/1 at Totesport
Ryan Palmer (-9 under) – 12/1 at SkyBet