Charles Howell three shots clear at the top of leaderboard

Sky Sports Golf Red Button, 6.30pm Saturday

Charles Howell, a best-price 50-1 for RSM Classic glory ante-post, has raced to 14 under through 36 holes of the tournament and is no bigger than 15-8 heading into the weekend.

Howell, who turns 40 in June, last won a US Tour title in February, 2007, and has amassed a $35m fortune on the circuit without being a prolific winner. He has triumphed only twice, the Nissan Open 11 years ago his last success.

Howell lost a playoff for the Quicken Loans National last year, a Kyle Stanley par on the first extra hole enough to defeat him, and the RSM leader has much to prove temperament-wise over the final two rounds.

Technically, Howell has always been short of serious weakness – his explosive swing is loaded with torque and he is typically efficient from tee to green – but his mantelpiece does not match his talent. Too many times, he has thrown away golden winning opportunities, which is why some layers are still prepared to offer 5-2 for the RSM despite his three-shot advantage.

Howell has missed just two fairways and two greens this week, but US Tour starlet Cameron Champ has stayed close enough to intimidate the halfway pacesetter. Champ is tied for second with seven-time Web.com Tour champion Jason Gore.

Ante-post 10-1 favourite Webb Simpson is in tenth place, eight shots behind Howell and five off second. Simpson is a stand-out 18-1 with Betway to reel in the leaders over the final two rounds.

In-running outright punters should probably shy away from Howell and Champ at short prices, as the Seaside Course, which will be used exclusively for the final 36 holes, is not ideal terrain for either. The Plantation Course will no longer be employed.

Nick Watney (20-1), who uses Sea Island as a practice base, and Brian Harman (16-1), who lives close to the course, are better value options from slightly off the pace, while Simpson is still well in the hunt.

Third-round threeball punters are pointed towards Watney (4.35pm UK and Ireland time) and Harman (4.25), who can use their local knowledge to great effect. Watney can outscore Ryan Blaum and David Hearn, while Harman can do likewise to Brice Garnett and Graeme McDowell.

Threeballs recommendation
N Watney
2pts 8-5 Hills

B Harman
2pts 13-8 general

Read every day for no-nonsense previews and expert sports betting tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport