Miguel Angel Jimenez wasn’t kidding last year when he implored Champions Tour officials to keep the tournament at Fallen Oak Golf Club in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Spaniard had just won his second event there in as many years, but there were rumors the sponsor was leaving.
That put the future of the tournament in doubt and Jimenez wanted another chance to win there. He told reporters last year he hoped it would return to Fallen Oak.
“I will be here, of course,” Jiminez said. “It’s a great event, it’s a great place. It’s a beautiful golf course, beautiful people here, very warm. I think this is the place.”
New Sponsor Saves Event
Fortunately Rapiscan Systems stepped up and took over title sponsor duties. Their commitment meant the stop on the Champions Tour would continue for the ninth straight year.
No one was happier than Jimenez, who now will try and become the ninth player in PGA Champions Tour history to win the same tournament at least three straight times. Jimenez begins his title defense on Friday.
Mark Calcavecchia said that Jimenez definitely has the advantage at this course.
“Miguel Angel Jimenez is tough to beat here,” Calcavecchia said. “Obviously, you got to play well here, tee to green. It’s not the toughest driving course in the world, but you got to hit your irons in the right spot, preferably below the hole.”
Larry Mize said the course has several characteristics that he and his fellow professionals enjoy.
“I think it’s one of the better golf courses we play all year and one of the tougher golf courses we play all year,” Mize said. “It’s a really good test of golf. You have really got to play your ball around this place and you know conditions in spring time can be tough.”
Familiarity Doesn’t Breed Favorite
Even though Jimenez would appear to have the advantage here, sportsbooks have not made him the top pick this week. The current betting favorite is Steve Stricker at +225.
He tied for third last year at Fallen Oak, and led the field with 18 birdies. This year, Stricker has split time between the PGA and Champions tours, and has won once on the senior circuit. He tied for second once on the main tour.
Jerry Kelly follows at +900. He has a dual threat going for him. He is second in scoring average at 68.73 and is third in putting average — enough for sportsbooks to put him ahead of Fred Couples at +1000.
The payout for Biloxi booster Jimenez is at +1200, a line he shares with Vijay Singh, who won the most recent Champions Tour event, the Toshiba Classic, two weeks ago.
For a good bet with a handsome payout, Scott McCarron might worth a look. He stumbled last year with an opening 73, but finished with low rounds on the weekend and finished fifth.
“I got off to a bad start last year, but then shot 65, 67,” McCarron said. “I was lower than anyone else on the weekend to finish, I think third or fourth. I like this golf course. It sets up well for me. I just got to get off to a better start.”
A longshot to consider is Joe Durant. The winner of the Chubb Classic has three other top 10 finishes this season. He is listed at +2500 to win his second tournament of the year.
