Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

Another gruelling US Open is now behind us and it was fantastic to see one of the real nice guys of world golf, Michael Campbell prevail. The New Zealander was last in contention in a major in 1995 at St Andrew's and at that time seemed to have the golfing world at his feet. However during the past ten years he has been on a roller coaster ride with his form, his fitness and his passion for the game. It was not too long ago when Cambo, as he is affectionately known, was thinking of giving the game away. This naturally talented player had sunk to a new low with the loss of form due to a wrist injury and the future did not look bright. That has now all changed and his composure over the final round at Pinehurst suggests this may just be the beginning.

A special mention must of course go to Tiger Woods, who hit more greens than any other player but was last in putting. His shear will and fighting powers are just a treat to watch and his grinding last round was just another reminder of his greatness. If he brings his entire game to St Andrews then everyone else may be playing for second.

There is always going to be a debate over the course set up for a US Open but I think this year was pretty close to acceptable. Some of the pin positions were a little extreme but there was not too many of these and the greens were kept sensible. With only one man equalling par for the four rounds the USGA will say they had it right, but not too many players will agree.

And so to this week….

The US PGA tour moves to the Westchester Country Club for the Barclays Classic, which was formally, know as the Buick Classic. The Westchester course is renowned for its US Open style layout, with tight fairways and small fast greens. Unlike a US Open however the rough is not as penal and the greatest test is the approaches to the greens. You will need to be looking for a good greens in regulation (GIR) player this week to contend.

Selections:

Kenny Perry: struggled at the US Open with his driver but still found a lot if greens. He currently leads the tour in GIR and can be expected to play well this week. The putter may be the only think holding him back but a sound putting performance could see him go very close.

Greg Owen: one of the best ball strikers in the professional game right now this likeable Englishman looks made for this course. With his putter always being his weakness he may find these greens easier with their lack of undulation. He could go well this week at a very nice price.

Nick O'Hern: another player who finds a lot of fairways and greens but does have a weakness with the putter. That said he is in fine form this year and can compete with this field. A solid display on the greens this week will see him contend.

Others to mention: Bo Van Pelt, Billy Mayfair and Justin Leonard.

The European tour moves back to the continent this week with the Open de France being played just outside of Paris at the Le Golf National course. This course is not like many European tour courses in that it resembles a US stadium style course with a lot of high banks and viewing points for spectators and large undulating fairways and greens for spectators. Last year saw very penal rough and poor weather early in the week. If this continues this year then high scores can be expected.

Selections:

Stephen Dodd: the Welshman is enjoying his best season yet and has improved his ball striking greatly. A consistent, if not brilliant putter he will be confident after his Irish Open victory and can contend once again this week.

Thomas Levet: the local favourite will have to improve his overall game this week but he is a streaky player who will draw on the home support. If he can keep his ball in play more than he has done recently then he may just provide the second French winner in as many years. A good each way bet.

Jose Maria Olazabal: the Spaniard has been playing well for most of 2005 and will enjoy this course with its emphasis on ball striking. Needs to find a lot of fairways to do so but if he can then he is a very good bet this week.

Others to mention: Paul Broadhurst, David Lynn and Richard Sterne.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!