With a fancy new sponsor, what you know as the Mayakoba Golf Classic has a very strong field on offer in what is promising to be a very entertaining week in Mexico. After a week off for me in Bermuda, the World Wide Golf Technology Championship is the perfect opportunity to kick on from our win in Japan, and I have plucked out four from the field who I think can continue our excellent run of results. But first…
World Wide Technology Championship details
Venue: El Cameleon Golf Club, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Date: November 04-07, 2021
Course stats: Par 71; 6,987 yards
Course summary: Designed by Greg Norman, this quirky course takes in different landscapes as it switches from jungle to oceanfront to create a picturesque paradise for players. This track is heavily impacted by the wind, and with smaller than average greens players will need to be extremely accurate with their approach play. Tree-lined fairways and moderate rough will give players plenty to think about as they head down the stretch on Sunday.
Purse: $7.2 million
Defending champion: Viktor Hovland (-20)
World Wide Technology Championship TV coverage
Thursday: Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports Golf from 7pm
Friday: Sky Sports Golf from 7pm
Saturday: Sky Sports Golf from 6pm
Sunday: Sky Sports Golf from 7pm
World Wide Technology Championship staking plan
Bazza’s Banker: Abraham Ancer @ 20/1 with Bet365
Following the thought process that gave us our most recent winner, I can see Ancer dazzling in front of a strong home support this week. Ancer has had a quiet start to the year, with a T14 finish at the CJ Cup his best finish so far. He does however have an incredible record at this course, and is irresistible when you consider that he has finished in the top-12 on three of his last four visits.
When you look at Ancer’s statistics from last season, it is clear to see why he plays so well at this tight, intricate venue. In the 2020 season he ranked 5th for Driving Accuracy and 22nd for GIR, while a hot putter helped him secure his first PGA Tour victory. My general feeling is he should perhaps win more with the game he possesses, and I fancy him to do just that this weekend.
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The Next Best: Billy Horschel @ 30/1 with Bet365
Following on from a solid finish at the Tour Championship back in the Summer, Horschel went from strength-to-strength by securing the BMW PGA Championship title on his very next start. That in itself makes him an interesting contender here, but when you add to the mix his outstanding course form he becomes a must pick.
The American has finished in the top-8 players in both of his most recent starts here, and in the last three months ranks 7th for SG: Total. That consistency and course experience could prove to be critical this week, so I wouldn’t back against Horschel bringing home the bacon for the second time in quick succession.
The Each-Way Play: Gary Woodland @ 60/1 with Bet365
After a horrendous run of form this time last year, it is great to see Gary Woodland back contending at the top of the leaderboard. A solid T9 finish at the CJ Cup demonstrated the progress he is making, and with 65 in round four he could be about to challenge at an event where he has played well in the past.
Woodland was runner-up at this venue in 2016, chasing down Pat Perez when finishing just two shots back, but it is his stats that suggest he should suit the challenge with his current game. Woodland currently ranks 2nd for GIR on the PGA Tour, and ranks 2nd for SG: Off-the-tee for his last two events. That sort of performance would put him right up there if everything else clicks, so there is certainly some each-way value in this price.
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The Long Shot: Carlos Ortiz @ 80/1 with Bet365
Despite a pretty average start to the season, I can’t help but think Ortiz if going to be up for this one. His course form also suggests he raises his game for this event, finishing runner-up and 8th in his last two appearances here. The concerns around a withdrawal from the ZOZO Championship are perhaps reflected in the price, but with home support and some positive vibes from recent years performances he could play a big part.
Encouragingly, Ortiz more than meets the challenge of accuracy around here – ranking 14th for GIR this season. The questions marks come on the putting surface for the Mexican, but with a home crowd cheering him on who knows what could happen at a generous price.
For more prices visit Bet365.
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