Mayakoba Classic preview: More banana skins down Mexico way

I could do with some R&R in Mexico after yesterday’s matchplay wipeout. I felt like a first world war general watching his troops march to their doom. It’s not hard to see why I usually steer clear of the format.

But it’s an odd week all round, because there’s not a lot to tempt down Mayakoba way either. In more ways than half a dozen this is a trappy minor event that can quickly reduce you to penury.

For a start most of the weekend money will be headed Arizona way, especially if Tiger Woods is still in the hunt, so don’t expect a lot of in-play liquidity. Then there’s precious little information about what is actually happening. Looks like there’s the standard AP man on patrol and that’s about it. It is on the Golf Channel/Setanta but presumably fighting its tiny corner against the matchplay. And, of course, it’s a tournament filled with the not-so-great and barely good who tend to do strange things when their more exalted peers are not around.

We haven’t seen the course in action either, making analysis a trifle difficult. The best clue I’ve seen is that it favours accuracy. Which is an immediate downer because that puts a damper on my main fancy Pat Perez, whose eighth place at the Nissan last week signalled a man back on top of his game. He’s well down our accuracy table. His other big problem is temperament - you never know when that is going to cloud his day.

Fred Funk tops the accuracy charts, but is not to so hot in other departments, so I’m wary of him too. But other accuracy merchants who catch the eye are Robert Gamez, who also wields a hot flatstick, and Greg Owen. On paper putting is bis Achilles heel, but he showed signs of getting on top of that at the AT&T two weeks ago when he came fourth. Ted Purdy is accurate and good with his irons, if a bit weak on the greens.

The favourite Vaughn Taylor has a lot going for him: top 50 for accuracy, on paper the best putter on the course and ninth for greens in regulation. He struggled a bit last week, but tied for 11th in the FBR two weeks before.

The form pick of the moment would probably be Craig Kanada, whose average finish from four events this season is 19th. He’s 31st for accuracy and top ten for putting and GIR.

One outside possibility is Doug LaBelle II. He’s already had one fourth place this season at the Sony, and the only stat that lets him down is distance off the tee.

Of course, I had wanted to tout Anthony Kim as a strong contender, but he had to pull out. Seems he didn’t realise you needed a passport for Mexico until it was too late. Duh!

Mind you, after yesterday, who am I to talk?