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Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

9 August 2006

By Jason West

Even the Golfinggods have a break every now and then and this tipster will be sunny himself in the Norwegian landscapes for the next two weeks. However that does not mean I cannot try and project outcomes further in the future than normal and this week's report is based around the final major of the year, the US PGA Championship.

Played on the number three course at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois the championship returns to a truly great American golf course. The championship Course No. 3, designed by Tom Bendelow, was carved out of an oak tree forest with rolling terrains. It opened in September, 1928. Course No. 3 is no stranger to major championships, or competitive golf; it has hosted three Western Opens (1939, 1962, 1966), three U.S. Opens, (1949, 1975, 1990) one U.S. Senior Open, (1988) and one PGA Championship, (1999). Medinah will again host the PGA Championship from Aug. 14-20, 2006. Then the eyes of the golf world will return to Medinah in 2012 when it plays host to the Ryder Cup matches.

Changes to the course from the last Major (1999) have occurred with extensions to eight holes stretching the course length to 7508 yards along with other subtle changes implemented by the golf architect Rees Jones. The rough has also been over-seeded to create a very penal area on all holes, six bunkers have been added and six greens have been completely rebuilt. The key to playing Medinah will be to hit fairways and greens. The landing area for most holes is fair but tight and thick rough waits to catch anything wild. A number of fairways are tree lined and provide a visual narrowing of the fairways. The greens are Bentgrass in their construction and offer generous landing areas but subtle slopes. Putting is always a key in any tournament but if you do not hit enough fairways then your putting will always be under pressure.

Selections:

I am going to select some value for the tournament, as Tiger is just too short to back at 5/2. He is hitting the ball beautifully but I am not convinced about his driving consistency around Medinah. Although he has won there before I feel he represents no value at such a short price.

Jim Furyk: we all know his strengths are hitting allot of fairways and greens and Medinah will suit his game perfectly. His putting has become more consistent this year and I feel he has a great opportunity to add to his US Open title. At 16/1 he represents good each way value.

Luke Donald: on a course that will be similar to Winged Foot it is reasonable to assume that Donald will like the test it represents. His game is based around a solid base of hitting fairways and greens and his putting is solid without being spectacular. A good each way option at around 33/1.

Chad Campbell: not many players hit more greens throughout the year than Chad but his putter is one of the coldest on tour. He is currently ranked 123rd in putting however Medinah will place more emphasis on ball striking than putting. If he can just have an average week on the greens he still could be a force and at 125/1 he may just be over priced.

I cannot tip any of the 'big five' except for the 'big one' (Woods). I mean Vijah is not holing putts, Ernie is not consistent enough, Goosen is like Ernie in his inconsistency and Phil is lucky to find the neighbouring fairway with his driver so I have to pass on them all.

Others to consider: Tim Clark, Robert Allenby & Ben Crane.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!

Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say…. is republished from Online.CasinoCity.com.
 

Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

2 August 2006
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Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

25 July 2006
Tiger Woods once again showed why he is one of the greatest of all time. After missing the cut at the US Open after the death of his father he came into The Open with only a week of decent form (Western Open) and many questions over his mental state and form. Why did I doubt him? For the last twelve ... (read more)
 

Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

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Last week saw victories for John Senden at the John Deere Classic and Johan Edfors at the Scottish Open. For Senden this victory was a triumph over a mental brittleness and dodgy putter while Edfors once again showed why he is the success story of 2006 on the European tour. This was his third victory of the year and both entry into the majors and a Ryder Cup spot now beckons. ... (read more)

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Jason West
Jason West is the chief strategy officer for US Sports Camps and the Senior Vice President of Nike Golf Camps.
Jason West
Jason West is the chief strategy officer for US Sports Camps and the Senior Vice President of Nike Golf Camps.