Columnist Peter Benton: One man’s thought on who will win the LVI

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1998 | 10:10 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

The 16th annual $2 million Las Vegas Invitational got under way today over the Desert Inn and Las Vegas Country Clubs and the host course, TPC at Summerlin.

A total of 144 professionals -- vying for the first prize of $360,000 -- along with 432 amateurs will compete in the 54-hole Pro-Am which takes place today, Thursday and Friday at all three courses.

Following play on Friday, the field will be cut to the low 70 professionals and 20 amateurs, with these final two days being played over the TPC layout. Sunday's final round will be professionals only.

With so many excellent players in the field, it's difficult to predict who will make the cut, let alone win. However, as has been the case over the years, I once again offer my personal selections:

Fred Couples, 8-1: Has played sporadically this year but has two victories to his credit. Incredible player who everybody loves, and a win here would be a popular one.

Phil Mickelson, 10-1: This sweet-swinging southpaw has not played for six weeks. But a victory could very well mean the Arnold Palmer Award as the Tour's leading money winner for 1998. With $1,755,646 in earnings he is but $370,000 away from the top spot.

Jim Furyk, 12-1: Has not tasted victory since the 1996 Hawaiian Open, so is overdue. Won here in '95 and could conceivably be our first repeat champion.

Justin Leonard, 15-1: Can't recall the 1997 British Open winner having played here previously, but boy, does he have the credentials. A very heady player.

Bill Glasson, 17-1: Because of continuing bad health, has played but 10 events this year. However, he's a great competitor and last year's LVI winner. Could possibly become our first back-to-back champion.

Davis Love III, 20-1: Won here in 1993 and was second to Tiger Woods back in '96 so obviously enjoys the courses. Apart from his length, he's a superb putter.

Hal Sutton, 22-1: Seems to have both his game and confidence back after a couple of rather abysmal years.

Lee Janzen, 25-1: Perhaps not playing as well as some months ago, but do not omit the current U.S. Open Champion.

Billy Mayfair, 28-1: The guy with a queer putting stroke shared second here last year and is having one of his best seasons. Could be a threat.

Stewart Cink, 30-1: Although not having the year he did in '97, Cink, the Nike Tour Player of the Year in 1996, leads the Tour's putting category and could very well surprise.

John Cook, 32-1: LVI champion back in 1992, who appears to be back in form. Has the game and the course management to repeat.

Tom Lehman, 35-1: Despite not visiting the winner's circle this year and not having tasted victory since his stellar year in 1996 when he won the British Open and the Tour Championship, he cannot be counted out.