Chrysler Classic of Greensboro Round One: Curses - they say it's going to turn a bit nasty

Is the curse of Greensboro about to strike again? The morning crew were smiling Thursday as they plundered a course at its most benign and bagged most of the top spots. But the experts talking about Friday’s weather suggested the smiles would be on the other side of their faces as they head out into some nasty stuff supposedly due Friday afternoon. Among them will be defending champion K J Choi and current joint leader Brent Geiberger, a winner here two years ago (and whose father is a previous champion!). Just how far will the fates go to prevent a repeat winner?

The weather is always a big if, but IF the forecast is correct the man best placed to clean up is Nick Watney, joint leader and first off the tee Friday morning. James Driscoll, Charley Hoffman, Robert Damron and Arjun Atwal could also benefit if they keep their game together. All but Watney and Hoffman are among the desperadoes fighting for cash to survive, with Atwal the closest to safety. Watney, safe enough at 91st in the money list, will fancy his chances of a first PGA win, especially if he can continue to wield the tournament’s deadliest putter.

Things look like being tougher all round Friday, with overnight rain and cooler temperatures.

One player praying for a wetter rough is Carl Pettersson, who complained Thursday it was too easy, a bit odd since he’s hardly Mr Accurate off the Tee these days. His round was better than it looks though: he started with two bogeys but ended four under. Unfortunately he is one of the afternoon crew, but if he can master the conditions he might be up for a weekend scrap.

I will lay Choi even though he did my bank in last year. To have him within a point of current favourite John Rollins in the betting when he is three shots off the lead and supposedly heading into the worst of the weather begs to be challenged.

Rollins is a winner this year but I don’t fancy him on recent form. Thursday’s conditions flattered him. He needs the money, though, to sneak into the Tour Championship, an issue also likely to be concentrating the minds of Tim Clark and Mike Weir, only just inside the money list top 30, and John Senden, on the outside looking in.

As for me, I’m happily on the inside looking out on what promises to be a decidely soggy day in North Carolina!