Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

In sport it is the player who keeps knocking on the door that will eventually see it open to success. Mr Consistency, aka Jim Furyk is that type of player. He is leading the scoring averages this year and every week he tees it up he seems to be in contention. This is a credit to his overall solid game and ball striking capabilities. His win at the Wachovia is a deserving reward for his overall play this year. In fact his form is so strong I would suggest to the readers that he must be a strong favourite for the US Open next month.

From the European tour emerged a bright star in Francesco Molinari to capture the Italian Open. Francesco is an Italian native who showed why he is a star in the making with a four- stroke victory. His game was rock solid throughout the tournament and on Sunday it was Francesco who forced the issue with the rest of the field and eventually won easily. He looks to have all the qualities of a very good player. You have been warned!

Finally on a less positive note I have an interesting fact for you. Sergio Garcia is yet to break par in the final round of any US tour event this year. Not positive reading for the Spaniard and his game is not where it should be for a player of such natural ability.

This week the US tour stays in Texas for the EDS Byron Nelson Championship. Played over two courses, the TPC Four Seasons and the Cottonwood Valley course, both situated just outside of Irving, Texas. The Cottonwood course is at least a stroke easier than the TPC, which is used for the final two rounds of the event. Although both courses are narrow they do have large greens and if the Texas winds stay calm then a low score will win the event.

Selections:

Luke Donald: the Englishman is rested and ready to attack the tour again. Quite simply this guy is world class and I expect him to play well on a tight course that will assist his style of play.

Fred Couples: I know he blew his chance at the Masters with a dodgy putter but they are the fastest greens in the world. Fred has a good record at the Byron Nelson and I expect it to continue. A good each way option.

K.J Choi: the South Korean player has been playing recently in his native country but his form both there and in the US has been solid. Another good ball striker I expect him to perform well this week.

Others to mention: Vijah Singh, Ben Crane & Chris DiMarco.

It is all pizzas and pasta this week on the European tour with the playing of the Italian Open this week at the Castello di Tolcinasco golf course in Milan. The golf course is fairly long and boring with lots of length, thick rough and large greens. The lack of depth in the course's quality is reflected in the lack of quality in the field with only Angel Cabrera being 'world class'.

Selections:

The European tour heads to rural England for the British Masters played at the Forest of Arden course in Warwickshire. This course is a fine test of golf for all with demanding tee shots and precise iron play required. The greens are accessible but do contain subtle slopes that will test the bets putters. The rough has been grown for this year and is severe around the greens. Ian Poulter: been playing on the US tour this year and his game is starting to come together after some poor early performances. He is aggressive and streaky with his putting but I feel he is primed to perform well this week.

Padraig Harrington: the Irishman is starting to play himself into some form with solid result on the US tour. He will love the grinding qualities required around this course and I expect him to go very close.

Richard Green: the Australian will find plenty of fairways and greens this week and if the putter behaves then he is a definite each way chance at good odds.

Other to suggest: Peter O'Malley, Angel Jimenez & Anders Hansen.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!