Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

What additional pressure does a defending champion have when he/she has to defend his/her crown? I will never know as I am so far removed from winning anything on the golf course it is not funny but for all professional golfers it is a position that they want to find themselves in. It cannot be easy though with the added media attention and all eyes on the practise range focussed on you because you are 'the one' this week. Or can it?

Paul Broadhurst and Phil Mickelson would disagree with my analysis above as both players went out and defended their titles last week. Paul Broadhurst made it back-to-back Algarve Opens with a winning score based around an opening sixty-four, and held on for a one-stroke victory. Phil however was never in sight for the rest of the field in the Bell South classic. With a total score of twenty-eight under it was daylight second, well actually Olazabal and Johnson but they were thirteen strokes behind! It seems that for some defending is actually a nice place to be and for those of you who follow such things, both selections would have paid a 500/1 double. Ouch!

For me the following week is one of the best of the year and I would not be surprised if it has the same feel for most of you out there. The US Masters captures the mind like no other tournament. Played over the Augusta National course every year this tournament is set up like no other and perhaps gives the viewer a chance to see what golf, and golf courses, are like in heaven.

Tailored to the minute degree to provide a golf course that is more a photographs portfolio than a sporting arena but within this 'unnatural beauty' lies a character that everyone loves and the back nine on Sunday is always a viewing must.

In an attempt to keep up with technology changes there has been a number of changes to the course over the past year although many of these changes involve length and not structural modifications. I am not sure this is the best way to tackle the longer hitters and if it is heavy over the course of the tournament then this can only help the bigger hitters. The Augusta committee have suggested that the 'new rough' grown over the past year will place an emphasis on accuracy of the tee more than every. The jury is definitely out about these changes and we will know more after the tournament.

New changes aside, what is assured is that a good putting stroke and short game is essential at Augusta, as is the ability to handle the white hot pressure the back nine will place on all players in contention. This is a tournament for the strong and whoever wins this week will earn every accolade.

Selections:

Phil Mickelson: it is hard to not tip him this week after his impressive display last week. I only hope that his form continues and does not drop off after such highs last week. However he has won the Green Jacket before and has an impressive record around Augusta. His game will not affected by the increases in length to the course and another big week is expected by 'Lefty'.

David Toms: here is a player that may just slip under a lot of people's radar this week, but he could be a real contender at big odds. His form is solid and he already has won this year. He is hitting high numbers of fairways and greens and his putting stroke is as good as anyone's. His record around Augusta is moderate but he does have enough experience and current form to surprise the field this week. A good each way option.

Vijay Singh: hitting more greens than just about anyone on tour the Fijian is in great form even though he is suffering with his putter. You may feel it is suicide to tip an out of form putter for the Masters but Vijah is a past winner and Augusta is a place where familiarity is a huge advantage. If Vijah can hold his share of putts this week I think he can contend and be a real threat. At odds of about 16/1 he is a good each way option.

Others to mention: Tiger – defending champion and obvious threat even with other things on his mind, Ernie Els – magnificent record around Augusta and is coming back into some form & Fred Couples – a past winner and a player in form could surprise at 100/1.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!