WGC Matchplay 2012

The play-off curse of this blog struck again last week when 50/1 tip, Keegan Bradley was beaten in a three man play-off by Bill Haas at the 2nd extra hole. (Phil Mickelson also defeated). The win would have been nice at those odds but a welcome 13.50 pts return nonetheless. This week action centres on Dove Mountain, Arizona for the WGC Matchplay where World Number 1, Luke Donald defends his title. His first round match sees him against a matchplay specialist, Ernie Els who has shown some signs of improvement lately and could provide a tough test to the Englishman. But if Donald prevails in this one I expect him to progress out of the Bobby Jones bracket.That said last weeks selection, Adam Scott, could also do well with a first round match against Robert Rock, a possible match then with either Bo Van Pelt or Mark Wilson. These are opponents he can beat over 18 holes and after warming up the weekend in LA I expect him to progress past these 2 rounds at which point confidence gains and with Steve Williams on the bag, the experience should be an extra boost to Adam's quest and I'll take a chance on him to go far in this event. He is available at 33/1 with William Hill.
In the Gary Player bracket I really fancy Rory McIlroy. Over 18 holes he will be tempted to "go for it" and if he gets a fast start he could be difficult to reign in. 13/1 with Betpack is not bad a price but I also like the look of Charl Schwartzel in this bracket. He looks good to make it to the quarters and the 40/1 with Paddypower is a must for me. Tiger Woods finds himself in the Sam Snead bracket where he plays Castano in his first round match. There is no doubting that Darren Clarke will be motivated to beat Nick Watney in his first round to setup a match with Tiger in the 2nd round. However, I think this is the weakest bracket this week and gives Tiger a real good chance to do well. That said I also like the chances of both Justin Rose and Webb Simpson. Rose meets in form again Paul Lawrie but US desert experience should count for Rose who played well last week at the Northern Trust. Simpson has been very consistent and is certainly a top 10 FedEx player for 2012. I'll be backing both at 66/1 (Rose) and 30/1 (Simpson).
In the Ben Hogan bracket, last years beaten finalist Martin Kaymer heads the seedings. This for me is by far the toughest bracket and anyone could come out of it. I'll keep on the good side of the German again this week especially at 25/1 with Betpack and I'll take a chance on Jonathan Byrd who can produce the goods at any given time and last Sunday did look like a challenger for the title early in his round.he is amazingly available at 100/1 with Betpack also due largely to the fact he starts with a match against Matt Kuchar, possibly Bubba thereafter and a reward for that possibly v Stricker, but if progressing, confidence grows and anything can happen in matchplay. He is a value outsider at those odds!

the full draw for the matchplay can be seen by clicking here

Please note I am doing win only this week to win outright in order to select more players than usual.

TIP 1: Rory McIlroy @ 13/1 Betpack

TIP 2: Webb Simpson @ 30/1 Betpack

TIP 3: Justin Rose @ 66/1 Bodog Sportsbook

TIP 4: Adam Scott @ 33/1 William Hill

TIP 5: Luke Donald @ 16/1 Betpack

TIP 6: Martin Kaymer @ 25/1 Bodog Sportsbook

TIP 7: Johnathan Byrd @ 100/1 Betpack

TIP 8 : Charl Schwartzel @ 40/1 Titanbet