Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

The great thing about the professional golf tours of the world is that they never stop producing headlines. Take last week for example. The big hitting Rory Sabattini won the Nissan Open from Adam Scott. Rory is a guy who talks fast and plays faster. Just ask Ben Crane! Riviera was a course that should not have suited his grip it and rip style of play but it is a measure of how far he has progressed in his game that he was able to adapt his game accordingly. Adam Scott played three days of mediocrity until a final round 65 took he into second place and only one shot of a playoff. His game is coming together nicely and if he puts four rounds together then he will win very soon.

The Nissan also created headlines with the withdrawal from the tournament of Mr Woods. It is the only time I can recall this happening and flu like bug was the cause. It will be interesting to see if he is fit for the Matchplay event this week.

The Champions tour restarted again this week and a familiar sight was forming again with another victory by Loren Roberts. That is now three in a row and for the 'boss of the moss' it is turning into a pension plan from heaven. I think however he will have to make the most of it with Jay Haas returning soon and players like Fred Funk just waiting to join in on the 'license to print money' tour.

This weeks US Tour event is the WGC Accenture Matchplay and the first World Golf tournament of the year. Played over the La Costa golf course in California this tournament is a minefield for gamblers with upsets happening frequently. I mean Nick O'Hern beating Tiger Woods last year! Need I say more? However the course is a fair test for matchplay golf with good shot making holes throughout the card, which offer players a risk/reward option. Obviously matchplay golf is also a tough mental test with new opponents every day and the ability to switch off during shots a must. This tournament will go to the player who is the most consistent and who has the most luck during the week.

Selections:

David Toms: the defending champion has already won this year and boasts a fine Ryder Cup record. His consistent game is suited perfectly by matchplay golf and I expect him to defend his title well this week.

Darren Clarke: another former winner who has started to obtain some form after being away from the game for a few months. His performances in the desert tournaments on the European tour were encouraging. He too boats a competitive Ryder Cup pedigree and I expect him to go well.

Jose Maria Olazabal: the Spaniard is playing well at the moment. He should have won the Buick Invitational but lost to Tiger and his statistics in scrambling and putting are very good. In matchplay these skills are crucial and I can see him playing well this week at good odds.

Others to consider: Adam Scott, Luke Donald and Chris DiMarco.

Although there is no official European tour event this week there is a secondary US tour event – Chrysler Classic being played at the Tucson National golf course. This tournament provides a fantastic opportunity for lesser players on the US tour to shine and enjoy the rewards of a tour win, without the stronger field participating. With conditions to suit this week I expect some lower scores around a course that offers no real defence to big driving and good putting.

Selections:

Alex Cejka: the German has been in solid but not spectacular form this year. His ball striking is very good but he does struggle on the greens. If the putter is behaving this week then he can contend.

Kevin Na: the Korean player lost a playoff in this event last year so he has good form around this course. A solid performance last week should see him contend again.

Pat Perez: the volatile Perez has abundant skill but his mental state is questionable at times. However this is a weaker field than normal and I expect him to contend this week at good each way odds.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!