A change in schedule means the precursor to the Masters now takes place in this 'Fall' period where a largely disappointing field heads to the lone star state and the Houston Golf Club. Tournament organisers always set up the course very close to Augusta with various similarities but we'll see a totally different perspective this year is my guess. The rough will be higher and the green speeds a lot slower. The winning score I'd suggest will probably come down from previous years but it will remain a relatively straightforward task.

Over the past few years I have noticed a correlation between form figures here and the Pheonix Open. It is difficult to put my finger on exactly why, maybe it is the pristine condition in which both courses are setup and similar hazards. Singh, Mickelson and Holmes have won both events, Verplank runner up in both and Mahan, Bubba and Fowler have all shown form across both events. Henley added himself to that list a few years ago after we tipped him having posted 10 under par in the Pheonix earlier that season. I have named the obvious form above of those who have played well in each tournament but rest assured there are plenty more who go well in both. I will once again be keeping this in mind when I make my selections.

Stenson grabs the favourite baton and I certainly wouldn't put anyone off backing the Swede at what I think is a fair price. He wasn't much bigger that 12/1 here last year with Spieth, Fowler and Rose in front of him in the betting. The field standard has dipped way below what it was last year and Stenson is playing reasonably well this weather. A couple of runner up finishes here show he can cope around here and the more lush conditions may suit his game.

Harris English has sprung into action quickly this term and the time may be right to invest a few pennies. A solid end to the season was followed up with a top 5 at the Greenbrier, 6th at the Sanderson and 33rd a few weeks ago at the Safeway. That hasn't told the whole story though as he has played magnificently from tee to green only to be let down by his short game. A return to bermuda greens will suit the Georgian and may just prove the difference between those solid finishes of late and a victory. He has already been backed early on this week but remains at a very workable mark at 40/1+.

2pts each-way Harris English 40/1 (1/5 8 places)

Harris English - 2pts e/w @ 40/1

Denny McCarthy had a mixed season in 2018 having won the Web.Com Tour Championship but he has reached a higher performance level lately and can be expected to go well on a surface he likes. He has kicked off 2019 in fine fashion with 31st at the Greenbrier, 18th at the Sanderson and last week a top ten finish at the Shriners. It's worth a punt that he improves for the 4th week on the trot on a track where he shot two 68s on debut last year. He started well at Scottsdale earlier in the year with 69-65 before a 71-73 weekend plummeted him to 33rd. Nevertheless he is an improving sort and given the weak fiedl can consider this a fair opportunity.

1.5pts each-way Denny McCarthy 35/1 (1/5 8 places)

Denny McCarthy - 1.5pts e/w @ 35/1

Nick Watney was going extremely well a few weeks ago at halfway in the Safeway only to fall to 10th after the final day and could be worth siding with in Houston. He staged somewhat of a mini revival in his career in 2018 with a string of consistent results and despite the odd missed cut he can contend on a going week. This may be another going week at Houston where he has finished inside the top 35 on 3 of the 4 occasions he has played. He was going nicely through 3 rounds of the Phoenix earlier in the year before slumping to a final round 74. Watney has a win or two left in him yet and a weaker field on this track may just prove an opportunity.

1pt each-way Nick Watney 66/1 (1/5 8 places)

Nick Watney - 1pt e/w @ 66/1