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Henrico County Open

33-1 Claxton is the value shout
by Steve Palmer

SETANTA have decided to dip their toes into the Nationwide Tour again for this week's Henrico County Open and last year's runner-up is a decent price to go one place better.

The Dominion course should provide a stiff challenge as it was the fourth toughest venue on the NT last season, playing to an average of 73.43.

There are four former US Amateur champions in the field – David Gossett, Bubba Dickerson, Ricky Barnes and Nick Flanagan – but PAUL CLAXTON could leave them all trailing.

The 33-1 chance was beaten by Matt Kuchar in a play-off for this title last year and he goes back to The Dominion in fine fettle, having been second in last month's Louisiana Open and placed sixth and 14th on the NT the last two weeks.

GREG CHALMERS, who has had four top-20 finishes in his last five NT starts, is a straight driver and ace putter who should enjoy this layout and could be a dangerman.

And pick of the long-shots may be BRAD ELDER. He was a very well-thought-of youngster on the US Tour a few years back (runner-up in 2000 Pennsylvania Classic) and he played nicely for ninth place in the Livermore Valley Championship at the start of this month.

Recommendations
Paul Claxton 1.5pts e-w 33-1
Greg Chalmers 1pt e-w 50-1
Brad Elder 0.5pt e-w 150-1