Brendan Steele, J.J. Henry eye win in Nevada

Omnisports

June 29, 2016 2:48 AM

Brendan Steele's solid form could be capped off with a second PGA Tour victory when he heads to the Barracuda Championship.

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The American has four top-20 finishes in his past six starts, and he will look to build on that at the Montreux Golf and Country Club.

The event in Reno, Nevada, is the only one on the Tour that uses the modified stableford scoring system.

J.J. Henry is back to defend his title, while Jon Rahm and John Senden are also part of the field, with the leading non-exempt player booking a spot at The Open Championship following the cancellation of the Greenbrier Classic. STEELE, GARRIGUS BRING FORM

Steele has only been missing a top-10 result, having made the cut at 12 of his 14 events this year to go with some solid finishes. Included in his recent run was a tied for 15th at tricky Oakmont at the U.S. Open.

Improving since missing three straight cuts earlier in the year, Robert Garrigus has two top-10 finishes in his past three starts. WARM CONDITIONS TO GREET PLAYERS

The Jack Nicklaus-designed par-72 course is 7,472 yards in length, with a "Bear Trap" through holes 15, 16, and 17. Hot weather is also expected. HENRY KEEN FOR IMPROVEMENT

American Henry won the title for a second time with his play-off victory over Kyle Reifers last year. The world number 284 has struggled this year, missing six cuts in 17 events – including three straight. HAPPY MEMORIES FOR HENRY

Henry is a two-time champion at the event and along with Reifers finished on 47 points last year. He produced a 15-foot eagle putt on the second play-off hole to secure his win to add to his 2012 triumph. WOODLAND LOOKS TO MAKE IT TWO FROM TWO

Gary Woodland claimed victory in his only other appearance at the Barracuda Championship (2013).

Bryce Molder has enjoyed a month off, but he heads to Nevada on the back of three top-10 finishes in his past six starts.

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 28, 2016

HENRY EXCITED FOR DEFENCE

Henry knows what he can do with the modified stableford scoring.

"Obviously, it's kind of different," he said. "It rewards birdies. Bogeys don't hurt you as much potentially as it does in a normal event."

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