Golf
Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….
Two really good stories emerged
over the weekend, er three actually if you include
the Michelle Wie show, but I guess that was
reduced somewhat by an unusual disqualification.
Speaking of which
have a thought for poor old Kevin Stadler. He
was disqualified during the last round of the
Michelin tournament as one of his irons had
a bent shaft. Apparently this altered the club,
which is a violation of the rules, and he was
DQ! It reminds me of his father's famous disqualification
in a tournament for resting on a towel to play
a shot under a tree. Of course Kevin's disqualification
is more extreme as he was heading for a big
cheque and momentum towards keeping his card.
Anyway
it was good to see two 'journey men' win over
the weekend. Wes Short Jr played fantastically
to come from behind and beat Jim Furyk for the
Michelin title and Raphael Jacquelin won for
the first time on the European tour with victory
at the Madrid Open. Out of the two players I
suspect Raphael Jacquelin may win again soon
as he was always a player with talent but perhaps
did not recognise his potential enough. However
for now they both can reflect on a career-changing
week.
The
US tour moves to Florida this week for the Funai
Classic hosted by Mickey Mouse and the gang
at the Walt Disney World Resort. The tournament
is another pro-am event with two courses being
used. The Magnolia course is used for the weekend
and it is seen as a low scoring resort style
course. Both the fairways and greens (Bermuda)
offer wide targets and many opportunities for
birdies. Expect some low rounds and a putting
competition!
Selections:
Tiger
Woods: not original but the most obvious choice.
Even when his long game is off his incredible
short game saves his score. With accuracy of
the tee not a requirement this week and putting
the key it is hard to see past him.
Geoff
Ogilvy: the long hitting Australian has the
game to shoot low around a tournament like this
but his consistency is not always his strongest
element. His ball striking is usually very good
but the putter can run cold. I am taking a chance
by selecting him but if the putter is hot this
week he can win at very good odds.
Fred
Couples: another long hitting player who is
enjoying a form revival this year. Like Ogilvy
his ball striking is not an issue but his putting
will have to improve this week. If it can then
this is the type of format that he can play
well in.
Others
to mention: Tim Herron, Brandt Jobe and Sean
O'Hair.
The
European tour moves to the sun-drenched island
of Mallorca for the Mallorca Classic. This tournament
has not attracted the strongest field of the
year but is an important tournament for a number
of players trying to keep their playing cards
for 2006. The tournament is played at the Pula
G.C, which will offer an unusual test with its
tight driving and smallish greens. Add to that
a par of 70 and only two par fives and you have
a good test of golf. Accuracy from both the
tee and the fairways will be required to contend
this week.
Selections:
Sergio
Garcia: an obvious choice considering the lack
of depth in this field. His driving is renowned
for its accuracy and his shot making skills
will allow him to score freely. If his putter
is only lukewarm this week I still expect him
to go very close. Maarten Lafeber: one of the
best drivers of a ball on the tour he is a player
that is not yet realising his potential. If
he can find momentum from his current form then
he must have a chance this week, although the
putter must not be cold.
Bradley
Dredge: in fine form during the past three months
and has one of the best short games on tour.
His scrambling skills may be required this week
as the greens are small and tricky to hold.
Has got to be a good each way chance this week.
Others
to mention: Raphael Jacquelin, Simon Khan and
Anders Hansen.
Until
next week – May The Golfinggods Be With
You!
For
all your Golf Betting requirements log onto
http://www.golfinggods.com/
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