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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