Andrew Putnam can take to Greenbrier challenge and beat Kevin Kisner

Sky Sports Golf, 6.30pm Thursday
Tournament starts midday

Kevin Kisner would have a Greenbrier Classic title to his name had he beaten Danny Lee in a playoff three years ago, but the West Virginia track has not been a happy hunting ground for the 34-year-old from South Carolina.

That is the only occasion he has made the weekend in five attempts and his recent form suggests a change of fortunes may not be on the horizon.

This is the first time Kisner has been in action since he missed the cut at the US Open by a four-shot margin and a seventh place at the heritage is the only occasion when he has finished in the top ten in 13 regular events this season - he was runner-up to Bubba Watson in the WGC Match Play.

He could be vulnerable this week in a match bet against Andrew Putnam, who has risen 210 places in the world rankings since the turn of the year.

Putnam makes his debut in the tournament, but four of the last seven winners of the Greenbrier Classic were taking their first look at the course so that should not be a reason to be discouraged.

He was second at the St Jude Classic last month and fired an opening 64 at the Quicken Loans National last week before fading to finish 27th.

He has made each of his last eight cuts and could make his presence felt this week.

Russell Henley has his game in fine fettle - he was sixth at the Travelers Championship in his last outing - and he has finished fifth in his last two tournaments at Greenbrier, so he should be confident of getting the better of Phil Mickelson.

Lefty is a member at Greenbrier but there is limited evidence that familiarity with the set-up has been beneficial over the years.

He was tied for 20th last year but that has been the only occasion that he has made the cut in four goes.

Mickelson has claimed one top-ten finish since he won the WGC Mexico Championship in March and he could be up against it.

Recommendations
A Putnam to beat K Kisner
2pts 10-11 Betfred
R Henley to beat P Mickelson
2pts 10-11 Betway

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