Michelin Championship in Las Vegas

Chandlers say they want to keep Scott Verplank 'onside' for this week's Michelin Championship in Las Vegas.

The 40-year-old hasn't tasted victory on the US Tour since 2001 but golf compiler Glen Hyslop expects Verplank to end the 2004 season with a flourish.

"He's a quality player who always scores lots of birdies and that's just what the doctor ordered for this event.

"His record here is terrific and he'll be looking to build up a solid bank of form between now and the WGC Team Championship at Seville in November."

Verplank has carded 4th, 7th, 15th and 3rd place finishes in this event over the past four years.

Unsurprisingly, Chandler have slapped an industry-low 25/1 quote on the Oklahoma resident to avoid support.

Verplank will partner Bob Tway in the forthcoming WGC event in Spain.

Hyslop added: "Most of the US Ryder Cup team snubbed the chance to play in the event and that's a very poor attitude if you ask me.

"Is it any wonder the American players are continually slammed for showing a lack of team spirit?"

Ryan Palmer and Daniel Chopra are two more players Chandler want to avoid laying at this week's four day, three course, pro-am format.

"Palmer finished second at last week's Southern Farm Bureau and is another player who can rake in the birdies when on a roll.

"And Chopra put together some great top ten finishes in August and September is another birdie machine," said Hyslop.

Carl Pettersson, now 50/1, is the firm's biggest liability for the Nevada desert tournament.

"We opened up at 80/1 and were bowled over with the support. It'll be a nervy final round for us if he's on the premises," he added.