Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

On the US tour last week it was a victory for the small guys. Corey Pavin won the US Bank Championship; his first win in a decade with two other short guys, Jerry Kelly and Jeff Sluman following him home. I am sure there were days when Pavin felt the game of golf had progressed beyond him and his victory is a huge credit to his strength and persistence. His victory is also a victory for the Brown Deer GC who set the golf course up to favour accuracy and shot making – other tournaments courses take note!

A victory for Robert Karlsson at the Deutsche Bank Players Championship in Germany has projected him into the automatic list for the Ryder Cup. It was his second victory in two months and showed his ability to lead from the front of a leader board. His consistency in the past had been questioned but in this form he may be the surprise package at this years event.

The US tour moves to the Warwick Hills GC outside of Michigan for the Buick Open. The field is strong with the return of Tiger after his victory at The Open. The Warwick Hills GC is nothing more than a putting competition with the fairways very wide, the rough not penal, the greens very receptive and the par fives all reachable. This will result in a birdie blitz by the field and unless the weather turns nasty expect a winning score of around 20 under or lower.

Selections:

Tiger Woods: if he hits the ball as well as he did at Liverpool then this tournament is already over. His price of 3/1 is reflective of his chance and although it is a short price he does seem the best option.

Geoff Ogilvy: the long hitting Australian will love this course and if his putter is warm then he can go very close. Winning the US Open this year will give Geoff the attitude to beat any field and his form has not waned since that victory. Expect a good showing here.

JJ Henry: a winner this year and another player who will be suited by this course. He is a fantastic driver of the ball and if the 'broomstick' putter holes its fair share then he is a good each way option at about 100/1.

Others to consider: Vijah Singh, Robert Allenby & Lucas Glover.

The European tour moves to Sweden for the Scandinavian Masters played at the Barseback GC outside of Malmo. A very severe test awaits the players this week with accuracy of the tee a must and very severe rough waiting anyone who is not. Add to that the two different styles within the course – woodland and links – and you have a very unique test of golf. The player who wins this week is one who will have complete control of his game, especially his driving.

Selections:

Carl Pettersson: tipped him last week and will give another chance. Has won this year on the US tour and is playing the most consistent golf of his life. His ball striking is particularly sound and if the long putter works then he is a real chance.

Raphael Jacquelin: this course will suit his game with his ability to hit allot of fairways and greens a big plus. His putting is at times suspect but if he can get this working then he is a good each way option at 80/1.

Mark Hensby: the Australian is starting to show a little bit of form after a very lean spell on the US tour. He is the defending champion and at 40/1 he looks to represent value.

Others to consider: Michael Campbell, Niclas Fasth & Henrik Stenson.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!