Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Victory for David Howell at the European tour flagship event, the BMW
Championship. Once again he gave notice to golfing world that he's a player
of the highest quality. His complete game was faultless and he reduced the
newly lengthened and toughened Wentworth course to its knees. He is, without
a doubt, the most improved player in world golf over the past three years
and I see no reason why he cannot compete for a Major championship. He is an
unobtrusive player who sometimes slips under the radar of many but he is the
'real deal' and will continue to win at good odds. Hard to think the way
Jeff Maggert finished off the Fed Ex Classic on the weekend was the form of
a man who has not won for over seven years. Like Tim Herron the week before
Maggert was able to move the doubts aside for a week and capitalise on a
leader board that was not moving forward on the back nine. It is hard to
suggest what this may do for Maggert in terms of winning again as it has
been so long since his last win, however he does have the game for a US Open
course and maybe he will compete at Winged Foot in two weeks.

Speaking of the US Open it seems that Tiger will not play at the Memorial
this week and will go straight to the US Open as his first tournament back
after the death of his Father. Tiger is a different class to everyone else
but this is obviously not ideal preparation and his price has crept out to
11/2 to win at Winged Foot. Is this the best price for Tiger ever or just
about right for a player who must be still shaken by his loss?

The US tour moves to Ohio for Jack's event, The Memorial Tournament played
at Muirfield Village GC. The Nicklaus designed course takes a page from
Augusta with the fairways being wide but positioning within the fairways
paramount. The rough is penal and there is both water and bunkers ready for
wayward shots, however it is the positioning of the tee that is key this
week.

Selections:

Fred Couples: this is a tournament Fred just loves to play at and his runner
up position in the last two years shows his form around Muirfield is as good
as anyone's. His putting is always the key to his game but I see no reason
why he cannot compete at good each way odds.

David Howell: fresh of victory last week at the BMW Championship he is back
to his best. Howell has both the composure and the game to win around
Muirfield and I expect him to contend.

Jose Maria Olazabal: I chose him last week in Europe and am keeping faith.
If his driving stays as consistent as it has all season then the Spaniard
must rate a good each way chance. He should have won twice this year already
and I think his short game genius will be required this week. A good each
way option.

Others to mention: Stephen Ames, K.J Choi & Vaughn Taylor.

The European tour moves to Wales for the Wales Open played at the Celtic
Manor Resort course. This course will play host to the 2010 Ryder Cup and
the 7,200 + yards provides a severe test of golf. The designer, Robert Trent
Jones Jr, has created a course that has undulating fairways that provide
challenging approach shots to large greens. Add to this the expected soft
conditions and you have a real slog!

Selections:

Anthony Wall: the Englishman has played solid golf all season and in a
tournament that does not have depth he is likely to contend this week. At
around 50/1 he represents good each way odds.

Simon Khan: finished second to David Howell last week and this was his first
display of form this year. However he was definitely a player to follow last
year and his season may now be 'kick started'. Expect him to contend.

Ross Fisher: the Wentworth player continues to play solid golf. He is a
player of great attitude and his game will be suited by the Celtic Manor
test. The more he knocks on the winners door the more likely it will open.
This could be the week.

Other to suggest: Peter Lawrie, Phillip Price & Stephen Gallagher.

Until next week - May The Golfinggods Be With You!