Liberty National is back on our screens this week having hosted the 2017 President's Cup and before that two renewals of the Barclays in 2009 and 2013. Although 2009 was loudly ridiculed by the golfers both stagings have told us that those who gain ground from tee to green largely prevail here. It isn't so straightforward as backing the bombers though. Irons off tees are often rewarded and a general conservative approach off the tee can reap rewards, especially as we've seen some shorter hitters grace the leaderboards here. Greens aren't the easiest to hit either with Scott winning in 2013 hitting 69% and Slocum hitting 63% on way to his victory in 2009. Thus scrambling should play an important role throughout the week also. Winning scores of 11 and 9 under show us that it isn't easily overpowered this place and you'll need most aspects of your game in good working order to be in contention here on Sunday.

It remains to be seen how McIlroy reacts to losing to Koepka a few weeks ago. The course should suit the Irishman but the days of prolific winning like Koepka or Dustin (not recently) look to be a far way off. A season with 2-3 wins is an enormous success and that looks like the path McIlroy is on now and whether we'll see the superlative stuff from years ago is very questionable now. Dustin continues to have putting woes and looks unlikely to solve that quickly.

I find it difficult to jump off the BROOKS KOEPKA (Enhanced 9-1) juggernaut after the way he won the WGC a few weeks ago. I said then that it is a long time until the next major and I think he will be re-focused on doing a proper job in any event he plays in, especially the bigger ones. A Playoff event is enough to tickle the tastebuds and I expect Koepka to gain his second victory this year in this state. When faltering somewhat during day four of the PGA at Bethpage the crowd turned and it caught him by surprise as they got fully behind Dustin after the procession until that point. Hopefully no negative vibes remain from that performance and it is forgotten by the fans. Nobody likes a runaway victor, especially when it is Brooks. He hits all the tee to green stats we want for this but the most positive factor for my reason to bet again is that I think he should definitely be a few pts shorter. With six top 5s in his last 9 events he is absolutely cruising right now and I think at the peak of his powers to date. The domination has already been underway for a while, it looks likely to continue in my eyes, and possibly even cranked up in the next 12 months.

4pts WIN B.Koepka Enhanced Win Only 9/1

Brooks Koepka - 4pts @ 9/1

TIGER WOODS' (Enhanced 30-1) troubles at Portrush were predictable given the temperature and forecast and I don't think too much weight should be put to those few days. Tiger has achieved enough in the last 12 months to prove to us he can peak when needed. These next few weeks will be of high importance, probably what he has mostly aimed at as the majors after Augusta always seemed somewhat out of his reach for various reasons. The events coming up in the next few weeks certainly aren't though. We know Tiger is no fan of early starts these days but a lush course in the morning on Thursday may just provide some opportunities. Thereafter later tee times will hopefully be accomplished for the weekend and we could see the best of him. Runner up here at the two previous stagings at Liberty National there is no doubt he has the tools, and a lack of wind which contributed to tough conditions the past two times should play into his hands. It's a bet I'd love to be able to tip on the exchanges as he currently sits 46 there, so enhanced win only seems the only way to go. I certainly think he has been underestimated here.

2pts WIN T.Woods Enhanced Win Only 30/1

Tiger Woods - 2pts @ 30/1

TONY FINAU (45-1 / 8 Places) once again displayed a penchant for the big events when finishing 3rd at Portrush. That is now three top 5 finishes and a further three top 10 finishes in Majors. The lack of wins is a major cloud hanging over his career though and a win in a Playoff event would put pay to all that doubt. It has been an average in the lower tier events having finished 5th at Augusta earlier in the season. He showed his ability at Portrush to manufacture his way around a course that requires some strategy and with irons off a handful of tees here being the order of the day he may score well. He consistent in all departments I look to this week and I think a win can only be around the corner for someone with his talent. It's a tough field but I'm prepared to bet at 45/1.

1pt each-way T.Finau 45/1 (1/5 8)

Tony Finau - 1pt e/w @ 30/1