Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

With another Presidents Cup match over it is interesting to hear the views of the American players about this tournament compared with the Ryder Cup. Many of the American team suggested that it is a tournament they look forward to more than the Ryder Cup because the camaraderie is much better and the bitterness of recent Ryder Cups is not there. With the closeness of the American and International teams and the obvious spirit in which it is played the organisers of the Ryder Cup need to take stock of their tournament and look to bring it into line with the spirit of the Presidents Cup.

Of course the Presidents Cup did give a glimpse of some potential Ryder Cup partners with Tiger and Furyk, Mickelson and DiMarco and Love and Perry looking likely to be used again. In particular it seems that Tiger has found someone he is comfortable with in Jim Furyk and both will provide a very hard test to anyone who competes against them.

The play of Angel Cabrera and Michael Campbell for the International side is also worth noting as they both displayed the game and the nerve to compete at the highest level. Both players have improved mentally this year and expect them to figure prominently in the majors to come. Both are now world- class players.

The Seve Trophy played on the European tour was also a huge success with the GB&I team winning a tight and entertaining battle against Continental Europe. Once again the highlights of the tournament was the play of Paul Casey who seems to be back in form, David Howell who continues to show world-class qualities and Henrik Stenson who is a hugely talented player who is starting to realise his talent. Look out for these players to win again soon.

The PGA tour this week heads to Greensboro for one of the oldest tournaments on tour, the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro, played at the Forest Oaks Country Club. The course has been re-designed by Davis Love III with extra length and stroke play requirements added. The bent grass greens are of an average size but hitting them is tricky with a number of false fronts requiring attention.

Selections:

Geoff Ogilvy: the big hitting Australian player will be well rested after a couple of weeks off and ready to contend again. His ability to hit the ball miles will see him have short irons into the greens and if the putter is working this week, this is a tournament he can win.

Davis Love III: coming back to some form now and has more knowledge of the course than most as he re-designed it. A likely contender if his game continues to improve this week.

Charles Howell III: although he is slightly one dimensional his game is coming together and a good tournament is definitely due. His putting has always been his nemesis and a good display with the flat stick will see him contend.

Others to mention: Jonathon Kaye, Bo Van Pelt and Tim Herron.

The European tour this week converges on Fife, Scotland for the dunhill Links Championship. This tournament is a four round pro-celebrity tournament with the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kings Barns golf courses being used. Top celebrities like Hugh Grant, Catherine Zita Jones, Michael Douglas will add some glamour to the event. All courses are capable of producing low scores but as always with links golf the weather will play a large factor. The three courses are only an hour apart but this can mean a different climatic scenario for each course. If the wind gets active then these course can be very tough indeed.

Selections:

Nick O'Hern: if the flight from the America and the Presidents Cup has not taken too much out of him then he can contend this week. A very solid player who just needs to hole some putts to start winning tournaments. All about the flat stick with him.

Paul Casey: very much in form with impressive displays in the Seve Trophy. His long hitting will be required around the links courses and he can shoot low numbers when in form. Expect him to go very close this week.

Lee Westwood: a past winner here who is refreshed after some time off. His game is as solid as ever and he is a good bad weather player. I think he will like his chances this week and is expected to go close.

Others to consider: Nick Dougherty, Paul McGinley and David Lynn.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!