Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

Congratulations must go out to Phil Mickelson who won his second green jacket last week at Augusta. His game was solid if not spectacular however his back nine stroll towards the title was made easier by his nearest competitors not putting any pressure on him. It seemed that Woods, Couples and Singh could not hole the putts when required and this allowed Phil an open door to his second Masters victory.

The tournament committee of Augusta must also be congratulated on making the event a huge success. The changes to the course were not that cruel and if they stop the stretching of the course and make it firm and fast then they have a course that is ready to compete with any technology changes.

The US PGA tour heads back to normality until the US Open in June with a trip down to Hilton Head for the Verizon Heritage played over the unique Harbour Town golf course. This course is a throw back to Scottish Link style design with accuracy of the tees vital and iron play tested with small greens. It is not a long course with only three par fives however it will not be dominated by the 'bombers' as inaccuracy from tee is punished severely.

Selections:

Rod Pampling: the Australian is enjoying a consistent season again and this course will suit his straight driving and good iron play. He is suspect coming down the stretch but this is a course that will suit him and he is a good each way option this week.

Scott Verplank: another straight hitter who has one of the best putting strokes on tour. If he can find his form with his approach shots then this is a tournament he should be able to contend in.

Jim Furyk: once again another good ball striker who finds a lot of fairways and greens. His putter needs to find some form but if it does then he should go very close indeed.

Others to mention: Nick O'Hern, Jerry Kelly and Greg Owen.

The European tour once again heads to the Far East with the Volvo China Open played at the Honghua International golf course. The course is set up like so many in China, as a resort course with wide fairways leading into generous greens. The greens are grainy and will assist the local players but ultimately this tournament will be a bombers paradise.

Selections:

Henrik Stenson: on current form this player should win this tournament easily. His power game and good putting stroke are ideal for this course and I expect him to be very hard to beat.

Raphael Jacquelin: the Frenchman has been in solid form this year and he will be hitting a lot of greens this week. His putting is the only concern but if he can find some form with the flat stick then he will contend.

Alex Cjeka: a rare appearance by the US based German. His ball striking is excellent but his putting is not. Some form with the putter will see him contend but it is a worry!

Other to suggest: Paul Casey, Stephen Dodd and Jarrod Lyle.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!