Friday, March 24, 2006

It also should be noted that the tournament organises are to continue a solid test of golf next year when the tournament is moved to the PGA National course. It is nice to see that some tournaments believe in selecting tournaments venues that are not bias towards the 'beefcake' and allow the 'ballerina' players an option as well. Long may it last!

I stated last week that in Asia you should only back players who are local or who have had experience in this part of the world. Well this theory was proved right again with Mardan Mamat of Singapore winning the Singapore Open. Once again let me say that local knowledge rules in Asia.

This weeks US tour schedule moves to Bay Hill for the tournament Arnie built, the Bay Hill Invitational. The Bay Hill layout will provide a good test of golf with narrow fairways and large undulating greens. The wind will be a factor in the afternoon and this will add to its toughness.

Selections:

Tiger Woods: as boring a selection as watching paint dry but the truth is he is the player they all have to beat. Not playing at his best this year but with three victories already he is just a class above. Beat him and you win.

Stuart Appleby: led this tournament after three rounds last year and can compete again this year. Already a winner on tour this year his game is solid and a good showing with the flat stick and he should be right there on Sunday.

Jose Maria Olazabal: if his driving is solid then he must be a chance this week. One of the great iron players and short game wizards this course will demand elements of his game that he is comfortable with. A good each way chance!

Others to mention: Adam Scott, KJ Choi and Retief Goosen.

The European Tour continues its love affair with the Asian sector this week with the staging of the TCL Classic played at the Yalong Bay golf course in China. This course was designed as a stadium course and thus it may turn the tournament into a putting contest, with wide fairways and large greens.

Selections:

Thaworn Wiratchant: his swing may not be pretty but his short game is as good as anyone. His performance last week when defending champion was encouraging and another good showing is expected.

Paul Casey: won here last year and likes the ability to rip the drives with no concern on where it ends up. He has the length to chip and putt a good score around this course and is fancied to defend his title.

Ross Fisher: the Englishman continues to play three good rounds in most tournaments only to let himself down in the final round. I think this is a sign of inexperience and this will not continue. He is too talented to not be winning tournaments and represents a good each way bet this week.

Others to mention: Shiv Kapur, Thongchai Jaidee and Andrew Buckle.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!

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