Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

Talk about luck of the Irish! Padraig Harrington's win at the Barclay's Classic was pure Irish charm and left an unlucky Jim Furyk thinking of what might have been. Throughout most of the final round Fuyrk was in control of the tournament and with four holes to play was three strokes ahead. However around the Westchester course anything can happen and Harrington produced a birdie and an eagle in the closing four holes to take the title by one. His seventy-foot putt on the final green for eagle was unbelievable as it took a double break of about twelve feet to find the cup. Furyk could only watch in horror as another tournament got away.

A special mention must be given to Birdie Kim (yes that is her name!) for winning the LPGA US Open. In completing the victory she held a bunker shot at the final hole, which secured her win. Both Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Wie could not contend with the demands of the tight Cheery Hills course and finished well down the leader board. The most pleasing thing about the tournament was the number of amateurs contending during the week. With players like Michelle Wie, Morgan Pressel and Brittany Lang all contending the future for the LPGA looks bright and the dominance of Annika Sorenstam may not be as great in years to come.

And so to this week….

The US tour heads to Illinois for the Cialis Western Open played at the Cog Hill Golf Club. This tournament is the oldest tournament on the PGA tour outside of the majors and the Cog Hill course demands good shot making and precision driving. The tiered bent grass greens can also be difficult to conquer and with over one hundred bunkers on the course the player's short game is tested fully.

Selections:

Tiger Woods: boring I know but with wins in 1997,99&2003 he has the best course form on offer. Add to that his impressive display at the US Open and the Wood's A game is not too far away. If he has it 'switch on' this week he will win.

Jim Furyk: one of the most consistent performers on tour this year and an unlucky looser last week. If he can bounce back from that disappointment then he must be a contender this week around a course that plays to his strengths.

Bo Van Pelt: one of the leading greens in regulation players on tour he will find Cog Hill to his liking. A streaky putter his score this week will depend on a good display on the greens, however if the putter behaves then he can contend at decent odds.

Others to mention: Geoff Ogilvy, Lucas Glover and Zach Johnson.

The European tour hosts one of its premier events this week with the Smurfit European Open being played at the demanding K Club course in Ireland. With one of the best field gathered at this tournament it is fitting that a course as gruelling as the K Club is chosen to host it. With water coming into play on thirteen holes and the regular windy conditions making club selection difficult this course provides a full test of the player's ability.

Selections:

Thomas Bjorn: a winner already this year the K Club provides a good ball striker like Bjorn the opportunity to contend. He has a streaky putting stroke but if it is working this week then look for the Great Dane to contend.

Nick O'Hern: this lefty makes a tidy living by hitting fairways and greens on a regular basis. His ability to play steady golf will be beneficial around the K Club course. His nemesis is his putter and a steady week on the greens must see him go close.

Lee Westwood: another great ball striker who will relish the test this week. In good form recently with good results on the US PGA tour he could be ready to win again in Europe. Again his putter is a weak point of his game but a solid week on the greens will see him go very close.

Others to mention: Retief Goosen, Brian Davis and Greg Owen.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!