The co-sanctioned ISCO Championship returns to Hurstbourne Country Club in Kentucky this week, for the 11th edition of the tournament previously known as the Barbasol Championship.
American William Mouw claimed the spoils last year, finishing on -10 and one stroke ahead of compatriot Paul Peterson, and he is aiming to become the first player to successfully defend the title.
Jackson Koivun, who missed the cut on his professional debut at last week's John Deere Classic, has been installed as the +1400 favorite, ahead of +1800 Max Homa.
This will be the fifth year in a row that the ISCO Championship has been co-sanctioned between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
ISCO Championship First Round Leader betting picks and predictions
Beau Hossler each-way (+4500)
Hurstbourne Country Club played difficult last year, with the winning score -10, and another tough test is anticipated at this tree-lined parkland course which boasts small greens.
Each player in the field will be eager to make a solid start on Thursday and one individual who appeals in the first-round leader market is Beau Hossler, who was tied 14th on his debut at this course last year.
The American's best performance this season came at the Myrtle Beach Classic, where he shared third place in what was a weaker field than usual, and he could thrive this week with the world's best playing at the Scottish Open.
A solid short game was crucial to success at Hurstbourne 12 months ago and it bodes well that Hossler is third in scrambling and ninth in strokes gained putting.
The 31-year-old is also second in round one scoring average on the PGA Tour and he can move into the lead in Kentucky on Thursday.
Stephan Jaeger each-way (+3500)
Another player capable of making a fast start is Stephan Jaeger, who enjoyed a welcome return to form with a tied-15th effort at the John Deere Classic on Sunday.
The German's two results prior to that top 15 were a withdrawal from the Charles Schwab and a missed cut at the RBC Canadian Open, so his showing in Illinois is pleasing.
Jaeger's short game has looked solid this season and he ranks 15th in strokes gained around the green and 24th in scrambling, while his irons were in full flow last week as he was tied third in greens in regulation.
The world number 96 opened up with a round of 64 at the John Deere, leaving him one off the early pace, while he was two strokes back after day one of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in May.
Steven Fisk each-way (+4500)
American Steven Fisk has failed to kick on since landing his maiden PGA Tour title at the Sanderson Farms Championship in October last year, but there have been positive signs over the last few weeks and he is capable of setting the early pace this week.
The 29-year-old recorded a top 20 at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and then shared 10th position at the Charles Schwab Challenge - his best result of the season.
Fisk started strongly at the Texas Open in April, carding a 66 on day one to sit just one back of the lead, and a similar effort to that could see him at the summit on Thursday.
Ranking 17th in scrambling, Fisk has the ability to get up and down in tricky situations and that will prove invaluable at Hurstbourne.
ISCO Championship First Round Leader Odds
Jackson Koivun | +1400 |
Max Homa | +1800 |
Christiaan Bezuidenhout | +2200 |
Davis Thompson | +2200 |
Ben Kohles | +2500 |
William Mouw | +2500 |
Stephan Jaeger | +2800 |
Rico Hoey | +3000 |
Steven Fisk | +3300 |
Beau Hossler | +3500 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
