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Laird can rise to the Challenge

Can Jhonattan Vegas repeat his win of 12 months ago? © Getty Images

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Click here to bet on the Humana Challenge at bet365

The West Coast Swing kicks off at La Quinta with the Humana Challenge and some of the PGA Tour's bigger names, Phil Mickelson among them, make their returns to action.

Many of you, hardened golf fans as well, may be scratching your heads with regard to the event. Fear not, this tournament has a storied history in its former guise as the Bob Hope Classic.

It is an event favoured by the pros, as it is played entirely within La Quinta on the PGA West (Nicklaus), PGA West (Palmer) and La Quinta CC tracks, with the first three days being a pro-am - lending a relaxed feel to the event.

But there is a serious edge to a tournament carrying a winner's cheque north of $1 million. Jhonattan Vegas, he who smacks the ball into the stratosphere, is the defending champion and will be well fancied to make a bold bid for a repeat. His profile coming into the event is similar to 12 months ago, with a solid-if-unspectacular showing at the Sony Open. The event lends itself to the horses-for-courses adage as Bill Haas, the winner in 2010, was beaten in the play-off by Vegas in 2011. As such, Vegas is a tempting price at 66/1.

Betting bullets

• Martin Laird E/W - 25/1 at bet365
  Jhonattan Vegas E/W - 66/1 at bet365
  Brian Davis E/W - 150/1 at bet365

There is quality aplenty in the field, Mickelson - a two-time winner of the event - is available at 18/1 but may well be a little rusty in his first outing of the year and all roads will lead to Augusta in April for Lefty.

Matt Kuchar heads the betting at 16/1 and he has rock-solid credentials. Consistency is Kuchar's strong suit and he is well versed in shooting low scores - which is often required on the three-track event.

British interest is headed by Martin Laird and the Scot will make the short trip to California from his Scottsdale base in fine form. He finished second in the season-opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions and has made no secret of his desire to secure a place on the Europe Ryder Cup team. To do that he will need to make his presence felt on the PGA Tour and this week offers him a fine chance.

Laird finished tied for 22nd last year, but that result does not do justice to his display as if you take away a closing 74 and replace it with the 69 shot by Vegas he would have finished fifth. The Scot is at home on courses that reward attacking play and at 25/1 he offers up a decent punting opportunity.

The Bunker is never averse to tipping up a long shot and Brian Davis catches our eye at 150/1. He's not one for the win part of the bet, having never tasted victory in a PGA Tour event, but he is a consistent figure and seems certain to give you an interest into the weekend. The venue is to his liking, having been in a tie for 13th last year, and a minor punt each-way will not break the bank.

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

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