Done this many times, started a thread and didn't continue it but this season I will be trying to post everyweek, even if it just to say no bet.
To keep an accurate record I will post all bets. I Backed Singh last week and lost 2pts
I will not always be able to post any weekend bets but will aftertime. Win or lose they will be up there.
Players to follow will be posted at a leter date but here are this weeks, The Joburg has started but I forgot till last night that it started at 6am.
Joburg Open J Kingston 20/1 0.25pts E/W Good recent form in South Africa D Clarke 16/1 0.25pts E/W must playing ok and may pop up.
Sony Open Accuracy should be key here although the long hitters may sneak into this.
After 1 week on tour the stats show:
Driving Accuracy Percentage Rank Leader Rounds Total 1 Scott Verplank 4 93.33 2 Fred Funk 4 90.00 T3 Aaron Baddeley 4 88.33 T3 Jim Furyk 4 88.33 T3 Paul Goydos 4 88.33 T14 Charles Howell III 80.00 T19 Vijay Singh 76.67 T25 Boo Weekley 73.33
Greens in Regulation Pct. Rank Leader Rounds Total 1 Nick Watney 4 93.06 2 Charley Hoffman 4 90.28 T3 Mark Calcavecchia 4 88.89 T3 Chad Campbell 4 88.89 T3 Hunter Mahan 4 88.89 T6 Vijay Singh 87.5 T9 Jim Furyk 86.11 T27 Boo Weekley 76.39
Proximity to Hole Rank Leader Rounds Total 1 Fred Funk 4 29' 0" 2 Justin Leonard 4 30' 3" 3 Scott Verplank 4 30' 7" 4 Steve Stricker 4 31' 8" 5 Vijay Singh 4 32' 8" 6 Jim Furyk 4 33' 9" 13 Charles Howell III 4 34' 9" 30 Boo Weekley 4 43' 1"
Scrambling Rank Leader Rounds Total 1 Stephen Ames 4 84.62 2 Jim Furyk 4 80.00 3 Vijay Singh 4 77.78 4 Hunter Mahan 4 75.00 5 Justin Leonard 4 73.33 16 Charles Howell III 4 50.00 29 Boo Weekley 4 35.29
Putts Per Round Rank Leader Rounds Total 1 Justin Leonard 4 28.75 2 Stephen Ames 4 29.00 3 Daniel Chopra 4 29.25 4 Jonathan Byrd 4 29.50 T5 Charles Howell III 4 30.00 11 Jim Furyk 4 30.75 28 Vijay Singh gh 33.00
From the stats the two market leaders look good selections. Add in course form, both have won here, and you get two good picks. If Singh gets his putter going then he should have an outstanding chance (33 putts/round in last weeks tournament is not good enough)Furyk is steady and his recent form is good, should be there or there abouts come Sunday. I'm throwing Howell in as he has had a 2nd, 3rd and 4th here, if he fills the gap either end, 1st or 5th we get paid. Boo Weekley is a big hitter whos accuracy stats aren't that bad.
J Furyk 8/1 1pt E/W V Singh 9/1 1pt E/W C Howell III 28/1 0.25pts E/W B Weekley 50/1 0.25pts E/W
BALANCE -8pts
REGS
DCS
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any views on the season as a whole, particularly the majors and the Ryder Cup?
I saw Monty on Golf Night last week and he though Woods could hold all 4 this year? Hes as short as 20/1 to do that, but I do like the 2/5 about him winning 1 or more, that looks like a 40% interest rate for a max of 5 months investment.
Possibly a better bet is the 7/4 for a US Masters win. After 3 wins in it since 2000, he has had 2 blank years so will be hungry to get this one in the bag to set him up for the US Open a tournament he has not won for 5 years. However this year it is at Torrey Pines in San Diego, the home of The Buick Invitational and Woods has won that 4 times in the last 5 years. So thats 2 down and on to Royal Birkdale for The British Open. Last time the Open was held there the US Masters winner Mark O'Meara bagged his 2nd major of the year, so if history repeats itself its no. 3 for Woods and on to the USPGA at Oakland Hills where he is going for 3 consecutive titles.
Last time I looked Woods had won 6 of his last 7 events, dont know what happend with the T2 in Deutsche Bank Championship, perhaps he was ill.
As for The Ryder Cup I think it could be a classic. USA will be a lot tougher, they have modified their selection procedure to give them more chance of playing the team they want and they are home. Europe have a captain who will be cool and calm, but possibly isnt one of the lads. I think Woosie succeeded because he didnt tinker with a winning formula and just let the players make their own decisions. I hope Faldo doesnt try to impose himself too much when the action starts. Just do the speeches Nick and dont stir things up. Europe are marginal favs although Id be happier backing them at odds against. Perhaps its one for in runnung.
Really think this could be the year that Tiger wins all four.
Obviously you won't be getting anywhere near 100/1 which you could have in the past but @ 33/1 I think its worth a bet. Rolling up winnings from 1 Major to the next takes alot of balls. I'd Rather put a small bet on now and see what happens. Think he'll win at Augusta and also The Open. The others should be all about how well others play athough I think he could well do the lot.
Players to watch T Woods (Seems like easy money in some events) L Westwood J Rose L Ochoa M Wie (Interesting to see how she does once her wrist gets better, will pop up at a big price somewhere, and I won't miss it!) R McIlroy A Romero
LANGER (Champions Tour)
With regards the Ryder Cup I would suggest that you wait till The US picks have been made, 8 qualify 4 captains picks so that could make a big difference. At the moment Europe don't look strong enough but things will obviously change.
Looking for a price for R McIlroy to qualify for the Ryder cup
Qatar Masters After a good week last week Westwood looks to be coming into form and often plays 2-3 tournaments well in a row. Currently 12/1 looks the best price. Stenson, a past winner here is also playing ok, but will be a no bet unless word of improved driving is reported.
Donald may do well this week after his first week back on the tour last week.
Buick Invitational
Tigers back! All eyes will be on Woods this week although Lefy may well try and upset the party. Tiger will likely be 5/4 where as Phil will be 12-14/1.
This looks likely to be a fantistic four days with the addition of Mr Consistant - Furyk and the most recent player to take the world number 1 spot of Woods - Singh.
I'm hopeing for a 2 way shootout, final group, Saturday & Sunday with Phil pipping Woods. Backed Woods quite a few times last year when he was 2/1 7/4 and had some nice wins but I think he will be really short for this this week. If he wins here he is likely to be the same price for the Masters so I advise 10pts @ 13/8 on Woods for the Masters.
This weeks bets will be up by Tuesday night.
Just trying to get some early prices and post before Racing Post put up their picks.
L WESTWOOD 0.75pts E/W @ 12/1 (In the hunt last week and as is often the case plays well in 2 or 3 tournements in a row. Lee will be a one to one this season after getting back to winning ways last year) R GREEN 0.25pts E/W @ 33/1 (Some course form and a fair outside option @ 33/1)
BUICK INVITATIONAL
T WOODS 6pts WIN @ 6/5 (Record arround here is fantastic and has won his first tournament of the year 6times before. With Lefty suffering some shortness of breath etc Tiger could run away wth this) C HOWELL III 0.25pts E/W @ 50/1 H MAHAN 0.25pts E/W @ 50/1 B SNEDEKER 0.25pts E/W @ 66/1
TURTLE BAY
B LANGER 0.5pts E/W @ 6/1 (One of my players to watch this season, he managed 4th last week -17 and looks sure to be there or there abouts this week)
BALANCE -17.50pts
REGS
DCS
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Good start from Westwood, and from a certain Mr Woods @ Buick, C Howell III also.
I did expect Westwood to push on today but with conditions as they are he can manage two birdies in his last 5 holes I would be happy. Currently -5, (level for the day) but hopefully he'll be at least -6 when he finishes. edfors has just tourn it up but hopefully will struggle tomorrow.
Well after walking away with the Buick invitational Tiger takes a trip to this side of the pond to play in the Dubai Desert Classic.
Best price this week is Ev money and although I think its still a reasonable price I just have a little doubt in my mind. Flew into Dubai Monday an although he is used to jet setting around the world I think there is enoughtalen this side of the pond to run him close. Stenson would have won last week but for Scotts final round 61, awsome weekends golf by the young Aussie after shooting 65 on Saturday, but the calm Sweede has now had two 2nds on the bounce and must be there or there abouts come Sunday, in a tournament he has won before.
Other players in form/ coming into form include David Howell, C Montgomerie, N Dougherty, R McIlroy J Edfors, and L Westwood.
I think this week may be a time to bet without Woods. For me Westwood 10/1 is a deffinate bet as is Stenson 15/2. Howell looks a big pice @ 50/1.
FBR Open
A real fun event to watch especially when it comes to the par 3 16th. With the feel of an Amphitheatre and combined with an alcohol fuled crowd, any player not willing to take on the flags will get abused worse than he ever has done. Boasting some of the largest attendance on tour with more than 550000 people through the gates over the four days, The FBR Open always throws up some spectacular golf.
Being a graduate of Arizona State Lefty always comes into this as the fans fav. After blowing away the cobwebs, overcoming respiratory problems and with the absense of a certain Mr Woods, Phil will be looking for his first win of the season.
Last week everyone talked of Tigers ability to come back and play well after so long off but he had played mid Dec in his Target championship. Phil on the other hand had not played competively since early Nov, and with the added concerns off course, namely the desert fires close to his home in California and the afore mentioned resulting respiratory problems, Phil can be forgiven last weeks inconsistancy, which still earned him 6th spot.
Phil will be a pick this week but the other I'm too sure about yet. C Howell III has let me down so far but looks like he could come good soon.
All picks will be finalised later today
DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC L WESTWOOD 0.75pts E/W @ 10/1 W/O WOODS (Good recent form) E Els 1.00pts E/W @ 15/2 W/O WOODS (Top 3 finish in all 7 starts here) 2nd 2.875
FBR OPEN P MICKELSON 1pt E/W @ 7/1 (Past winner) 2nd 2.75 BEATEN IN PLAYOFF A Oberholser 0.25pts E/W @ 66/1 Non Runner 0.5pts D Toms 0.25pts E/W @ 50/1
BALANCE -11.675pts (Inc 10pts WOODS to win MASTERS)
REGS
DCS
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Tiger Woods has issued an ominous warning to his rivals by claiming that he is still improving.
And after winning a record sixth Buick Invitational, the world number one reiterated his belief that a Grand Slam of all four majors is within his grasp.
Woods, who won three of the four majors in 2000, said: "I'm hitting shots that I never could hit before, even in 2000. I'm actually hitting the ball better.
"Do I see it (the Grand Slam) as a possibility? I say 'yes'."
Woods is now best price of 14/1 (VC Bet, Stan James) to win all 4 majors.
Paddy Power have Woods at 2/5 to win 1 or more majors which barring injury looks a cert.
-7 T Woods (USA) -5 S Dyson, P Edberg (Swe), S Hend (Aus), MA Jimenez (Spa), M Kaymer (Ger), T Levet (Fra), G McDowell, A McLardy (SA), G Murphy, J Randhawa (Ind), JM Singh (Ind)
1.44 on betfair now which is incredible after only 1 round and a 2 shot lead.
INDIAN MASTERS E ELS 1pt E/W @ 4/1 (As short as 9/4 in places inc Ladbrokes and is the class in this field) J RANDHAWA 0.5pts E/W @ 14/1 (Course form and recent form) P MEESAWAT 0.15pts E/W @ 50/1 (Course form)
AT&T PEBBLE BEACH PRO AM P MICKELSON 1pt E/W @ 4/1 (Course form, has won twice the after losing a play off, has played well without putting well and looks ready to strike) M WEIR 0.25pts E/W @ 20/1 (4 top 5's in the last five years before missing the cut last year, has had a good start to the 08 season) N WATNEY 0.15pts E/W @ 50/1 P GOYDOS 0.1pts E/W @ 175/1 (Course form, and big outsider)
Possibly more to come with the Champions Tour back on this week.
REGS
DCS
BALANCE -17.975pts (Inc 10pts WOODS to win MASTERS)
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Love backing the golf every week, have copied and pasted below my weekly email to work colleagues (excuse the banter like content). 3 bets I liked the look of, 2 at the Indian Masters and one at teh AT and T : INDIAN MASTERS GOLF - Rest of the World
I've already talked up the chances of Shiv Kapur as a possible contender this week, theres no doubting he has the current form, confidence and course knowledge to be in the mix. Monday saw him open at 40/1 which was more than a fair price, now he is top priced 33/1 and thats only available at 2 or 3 online bookmakers. Theres no doubting that the calibre of the field is extremely weak, its not often that only one of the worlds top 20 are on show for a European Tour event. Els is understandably short, at 4/1 you could argue hes a good price but I really do beg to differ. Hes without victory in a stroke play event for a long time, playing a course that he isnt familiar with and in an event where a whole host of competant players will look to bag Order of Merit points with the stars away, id leave him well alone.
Im still undecided at what angle to have a bet, outright markets in golf offer great prices but its tough with such a large field and unknown quantities. Theres lots of capable Asian players, respected pros who win often on their own tour. Thonchai Jaidee and Prayad Marksaeng will fancy there chances, along with Arjun Atwal who plys his trade in the US these days. I like to search out value and im sticking with Shiv Kapur in Bet365'S rest of the world market. One thing that is on our side is that Ernie Els is absent in their market, more interesting is that Kapur is priced at 14's which I think is way too high. Other bookies have him joint 2nd favourite in the Top Asian market, hes been backed down to 7's alongside Jeev Milka Singh and Jaidee, notably he is also shorter priced than Atwal and Marksaeng who Bet365 have ahead of him in there interpretation. I cant see why he is double the odds on their book when the only additions are few Aussies that are included who are longer priced than our man, Scott Hend being the only danger if he finds fairways this week.
So, first choice is Shiv Kapur @ 14/1 in the Rest of the World Market with Bet365.
INDIAN MASTERS - Top European
Found a gem here I really have!
Jean-Baptiste Gonnet is a young Frenchman, really starting to show some of the promise he had as a teenager coming on to tour. I noticed this guy last year when he finished 2nd in the Scandinavian Masters, I was on our man Martin Kaymer and this french fella just wouldnt go away at the top of the leaderboard. He missed a few putts in the final round but Ive never seen someone attack the pin so well and he had so many chances to win, Ive noted him down ever since. After a slow start to the season he has picked up come the turn of the year, he is 66/1 to win this outright but 28/1 to be top european? I dont see how that can be when Simon Dyson and Graeme McDowell are the top two Europeans here and im not even sure if they are in the Worlds top 50 (there or there abouts). Gonnets last two tournaments have resulted in 13th and 14th placed finishes, one in Qatar and one in Dubai and he is 15 under par for those outings combined. Obviously playing well, Id have him more like 10/1 as the competition in my opinion is again, very very weak. Bar a few form horses in Ross McGowan, Richard Finch and Graeme McDowell (the worthy market leader) most of the players above him in the betting are there on reputation. Bjorn, Howell, Kjeldson, Clarke, Castano and Dyson are all household names - but Gonnet has beaten these men the last 2 tournaments and has nothing to fear - I could see him taking advantage of absentees this week to pick up a big cheque.
So second choice is Jean Baptiste-Gonnet @ 28/1 to win the Top European Market, also at Bet365.
AT &T PEBBLE BEACH PRO AM - Top European Market
Not as confident in this selection as the other 2 but price wise Brian Davis is not a 20/1 shot in this field either. Its only a 13 man market and 1/4 first 3.......and it really is wide open. Harrington hasnt found much since winning a major but is rightly leading the way as favourite - but surely he is vulnerable especially playing in the states on a couse that does cause problems. The thing I like about Davis is that he has been residing and playing over this side of the pond for a few years now and is starting to show signs of finding his game. Prone to shooting the odd shocker he is a frustrating player indeed, a first round 68 was followed by a dreadfull 77 last week and he missed the cut which doesnt inspire confidence. Last year in this tourny he recovered from a bad first round to make the cut and that would be a good starting point as I can see half of the 13 going home at the halfway mark. 2 Swedes too look out for are Daniel Chopra and Freddy Jacobsen - although I think Chopra is starting to feel the heat after winning his maiden tournament back in Jan and has voiced his desire to make the Ryder cup team, golfs a tough game with expectations like that!
Brian Davis, 20/1 to finish Top European is no way a 20/1 and therefore the third selection.
I have done small each way singles, doubles and trebles.
Nice pick with Randahwa, just a bit too short for me too get involved but his course form is second to none and had to be respected, looks very strong after the opening round!
Bad couple of weeks in a row so time to try and get a few placers at least.
Astro Indonesia Open
Not a massive fan of this event and betting in running may be the answere.
Northern Trust Open
Scott returns to the US for his first outing of the season in what use to be known as the Nissan Open. LTO Scott won after his final round 61 over in the Qatar Masters. He is joined by a few Europeans such as Westwood Garcia and Donald but for this week its young Rose who is interest.
Year Winner Score Runner up Score
1999 Ernie Els 270 Ted Tryba 272 1999 Tiger Woods 272 1999 Davis Love III 272 2000 Kirk Triplett 272 Jesper Parnevik 273 2001 Robert Allenby 276 Brandel Chamblee 276 2001 Toshi Izawa 276 2001 Dennis Paulson 276 2001 Jeff Sluman 276 2001 Bob Tway 276 2002 Len Mattiace 269 Brad Faxon 270 2002 Rory Sabbatini 270 2002 Scott McCarron 270 2003 Mike Weir 275 Charles Howell III 275 2004 Mike Weir 267 Shigeki Maruyama 268 2005 Adam Scott 133 Chad Campbell 133 2006 Rory Sabbatini 271 Adam Scott 272 2007 Charles Howell III 268* Phil Mickelson 268
PHIL MICKELSON 1pt E/W @ 10/1 (2nd last year, 11 on a par 5 last week took him outthe tournament and but for his putting Phil is playing good golf. When the flat stick works Phil will win, no supprise if its this week!) MIKE WEIR 0.25pts E/W @ 33/1 (14th last week, recent tournament winnner and is due another good finish) J ROSE 0.25pts E/W @ 33/1 (Has become may fav English player just in front of Westwood & Donald. Played well at the back end of last season and but for Tiger would have won a few tournaments. Due to back problems Justin plans his schedule meticulously. First event of the year but should be in good order) JEFF QUINNEY - 0.1pt E/W @ 100/1 D LOVE III - 0.1pt E/W @ 100/1 (Reasonable finish last week after 5 months off with hamstring injury, too big a price at a course where he has played well)
SBS Open - LPGA TOUR
The girls a back this week and after picking last years winner P Creamer @ 33/1 its time to see if we can follow up again this year.
Notible absentee is L Ochoa, womens number 1 who was pushed in many events last year by one of this weeks picks.
Turtle Bay - Hawaii hosts this weeks event and a point to note is itss over 3 rounds. If you don't shoot under par the first round its unlikely you'll win although in 2006 Ochoa shot 74-65-67 and then lost in the playoff.
S PETTERSEN - 0.5pts E/W @ 10/1 (Taking a chance with Suzanne as she missed the cut last year but this girl can play and managed 5 wins in 2007. May be a little rusty but would this was the 2nd or 3rd event of the year and without Ochoa playing she would be nearer 5/1) M PRESSEL - 0.25pts E/W @ 28/1 (T4th & T5th the last two years)
BALANCE -23.375pts (Inc 10pts WOODS to win MASTERS)
REGS
DCS
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Finally got a winning week. The Ladies didn't do so well nor did a few of the US tour guys but with Phil and Jeff fighting it out on the weekend a profit was assured.
