Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

Last week I spoke about how the first four weeks of the season had given an insight into who is going to perform and who is not. I suggested that players like Henrik Stenson on the European tour was a player to follow and that the return of the Tiger could set the agenda for the rest of the year. Now I am no fortune teller but Stenson won at Qatar and Woods basically bluffed everyone at the Buick Invitational into a win. Perhaps I should grab a tent, go to the nearest Town Fair and start reading palms!

You do have to hand praise to Woods though. I mean here is a guy who lately has been more concerned about the interior of his hotel/home/suburb than playing golf. And it shows. He spends most of the week missing fairways, greens and putts. But you know what he hangs around the top of the leader board and everyone starts to implode. They see the great man in their rear view mirrors and panic. The final nine holes on Sunday resembled a multiple pill up on the Interstate, but as usual Woods walked unscathed from the wreckage to win yet again.

Also I told you Henrik Stenson was a good player. This guy is destined for the top. Don't say I didn't warn you!

As for players with problems already it seems Davis Love III, Stewart Cink, Charles Howell III and Jason Gore are not where they would like to be. It could be a long season for them indeed.

This week sees the US tour have its 'crazy week' at the FBR Open in Scottsdale. I mean three or four hundred people flow through the gates with beer, babes and banter on their minds. The golf really is secondary to having a good time at this tournament. The TPC at Scottsdale provide an adequate, if not severe test for the players. The closing holes provide a lot of risk/reward golf and plenty of changes will occur coming down the stretch.

Selections:

Phil Mickelson: was in contention last week but uncharacteristic mistakes around the greens saw him loose ground. He has a good record in this event and I expect him to go close at his third start for the season.

Jonathon Kaye: a local guy who finished last week's tournament with five straight birdies. He has played well in the desert before and must warrant an each way bet.

Chris DiMarco: he has been the nearly man on the US tour for some time now but a victory on the European tour recently must have helped his confidence. With the 'claw' working well he must figure again this week.

Others to mention: Robert Allenby, David Toms and Mike Weir.

The European tour remains in the desert for the Dubai Desert Classic played at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. This course is similar to a US style course with enormous fairways and greens with a lot of water and bunkers. Scoring is usually good and the only defence for the course is an afternoon breeze that can be strong. However if the wind does not get up than expect low scoring all week.

Selections:

Tiger Woods: played poorly last week but still won. He can only get better and is definitely the man to beat.

Henrik Stenson: tipped him last week and he prevailed at Qatar. This week's field is stronger but he is one of the inform golfers at the moment and I think he will go well again.

Colin Montgomerie: last years Order of Merit winner has started the season well and on a course that requires good ball striking he may contend late on Sunday. His putting is the key this week but a good each way chance looks obvious.

Others to mention: Ian Poulter, Darren Clarke and Paul Casey.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!

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