South African Open

With the 2010 season under way, I am still looking to Thomas Aiken to produce a result this year. He missed the cut last week but that's his makeup,and can easily bounce back this week. Fabrizio Zanotti challenged well enough last year and just missed out on top 60 so at 66/1 this week I feel I have to stick with him. My third pick this week is Rhys Davies who looks very promising and at a price of 80/1 with Ladbrokes he is selected to give it a go this week.

Bank balance after Dubai World Championship (YTD) +75.93

South African Open Selections

2.5 units e/w T.Aiken @ 33/1
1.5 units e/w F.Zanotti @ 66/1
1 unit e/w R.Davies @ 80/1

Dubai World Championship

The top 60 descend in Dubai this week and there will be much excitement as to who will emerge European No. 1 come Sunday night. Of the 4 contenders, I really fancy Ross Fisher to give it a good run and at 20/1 to win this week I am feeling confident of a return. Martin Kaymer should also go well but I am opting for Fisher as I believe he will handle the pressure better than the man from Dusseldorf. The danger men who could strike are Soren Hansen, Ian Poulter and Oliver Wilson, the young Englishman has been so close so many times it would not surprise me if he broke his duck this week. Alexander Noren though has been playing very well and he just might add to his European Masters Title and with 50/1 on offer, I will keep the faith with the Swede. For a small outside interest, despite poor form, I have to keep faith also with Thomas Aiken- he will either be out the back of the field or he can challenge- he is such a great player he is due a good week and having had a few weeks off now he could be recharged for this one.

Bank Balance after Hong Kong Open (YTD) + 85.93

2.5 units e/w R.Fisher @ 20/1
2 units e/w A.Noren @ 50/1
.5 units e/w T.Aiken @ 200/1

Hong Kong Open

The final tournament before the top 60 descend on Dubai sees Race to Dubai leader Lee Westwood up against Rory McIlroy as they battle to head the field into Dubai next week. However at odds of 8 & 9/1 they cannot be backed this week although the Ulsterman is in brilliant form. The shortest course on tour all year should suit one of the most consistent performers this year in the shape of Soren Kjeldsen and its he who has shown great putting form all year that I will be backing to win this week at 25/1. Whilst tempted to have a punt on Darren Clarke or Jeev Milka Singh, I have an inkling this week for Chapchai Nirat again as well as Danny Lee, who won earlier this year as an amateur.One of my earlier fancies this year, Andrew Coltart needs a good showing this week to keep his card and I hope he does it as he has had a good comeback this year but whether he can grab a top 10 this week I'm not sure as it will be quite intense this week as the likes of Clarke,Zanotti,Jonzon battle for a Dubai spot whilst the last chance saloon sees the year scramble for cards

Bank Balance after HSBC (YTD) +95.93

Hong Kong Open Selections:

2.5 units e/w S.Kjeldsen @ 25/1
2 units e/w C.Nirat @ 90/1
.5 units e/w D.Lee @ 10/1

WGC- HSBC Champions

The penultimate event before Dubai, sees the world's best descend on Shanghai for the final WGC event of the year this week, where Tiger Woods looks certain to capture yet another WGC title. Betting w/out Tiger this week I hoping last weeks success for Ross Fisher will inspire him to go on again & win this week and the fact that he tees it up in the company of Woods tomorrow might just be the ticket for him to get off to a good start. Alaxander Noren has improved so much this year and even in a field of this quality I cannot ignore him especially at 50/1 w/out Tiger. of the value picks this week Henrik Stenson is selected at 25/1 to do well as he lies in 16th place in the Race to Dubai and he normally goes well in the big events. Steve Marino is & up and coming regular leaderboard name and at 80/1 w/out Tiger this price cannot be ignored either.

Bank Balance after Singapore Open (YTD) + 105.93

WGC - HSBC Champions Selections:

1.5 units e/w R.Fisher @ 20/1 (without Tiger)
1.5 units e/w H.Stenson @ 25/1 (without Tiger)
1 unit e/w A.Noren @ 50/1 (without Tiger)
1 unit e/w S.Marino @ 80/1 (without Tiger)

Singapore Open

As the Race to Dubai gathers momentum, a €5,000,000 purse will surely whet the appetite for all playing this week at Sentosa as they attempt to either cement their position in the standings or even better move into the top 60. This week I do fancy Harrington to win, he normally goes well in this part of the world and he will want to move into the top 15 in "The Race". However at 8/1 it is tempting not to back him but he has to taken for for the win. Of the value bets I do like the way Noren is playing lately and I also like the form that Chapchai Nirat is bringing into this week, a player that seems to peak on his home tour. Richard Sterne is too good a player to be ignored at 125/1 and hopefully he can get a good start to challenge at that price as he tees off Thursday in the afternoon and early start on Friday might get him up the leaderboard early for the weekend.

Bank Balance after Castello Masters: (YTD) + 115.93


Singapore Open Selections:

4 units win P.Harrington @ 8/1
1 unit e/w A.Noren @ 33/1
1 units e/w C.Nirat @ 60/1
1 unit e/w R.Sterne @ 125/1

Castello Masters

The frustration continued in Portugal when Alex Noren's 62 on Sunday meant yet again just one shot short of a collect(albeit a small profit) as he finished in a tie for 6th.
This week sees the action move back into Spain where Sergio Garcia heads the market at 6/1 ! Having led on day one in Madrid 2 weeks ago he may feel a bit under pressure to deliver this week so with that in mind, not to mention the ludicrous odds of 6s he simply has to be opposed. I have my eye on golfers who are coming into form the past couple of weeks and who are pushing to make Dubai. Darren Clarke is one of those (currently 64th in the Race) and Fabrizio Zanotti who I have tipped quite a few times (tied 10th in Madrid and currently 59th in the Race). I have to keep the faith with him again this week, he is top quality who needs a good 4 round putting performance to really make his mark. I will also take a punt on Castano despite only being 40/1 and will have a wee interest in Thomas Bjorn, who now having resigned as chairman of the players committee, may just relish concentrating on playing good golf, he did strike some consistent form earlier in the year, and also lies 85th in the Race (€130,000 behind Ignacio Garrido in the last qualifying spot), 150/1 becomes very tempting.


Bank Balance after Portugal Masters (YTD) +125.93

Castello Masters Selects:

1.5 units e/w F.Castano @ 40/1
1.5 units e/w D.Clarke @ 45/1
1.5 units e/w F.Zanotti @ 80/1
.5 units e/w T.Bjorn @ 150/1

Portugal Masters

Another unlucky week last week, or should I say a frustrating outcome, when my 125/1 tip, Fabrizio Zanotti dropped from 3rd to 10th over the last 3 holes and with it 31.25 units profit!By right I should stick with him again this week but the field is so strong this week in The Algarve I am spoiled for choice. As always the favourites end of the market is too short on pricing so I will opt for the real good value this week. However I cannot ignore Alex Noren who is in brilliant form lately and now having won on tour already this season he will be keen to add to it and at 33/1 he is worth a flutter. Some of the best value this week lies in the shapes of Darren Clarke, 80/1 a great price for a man not too far off hitting top form and he has a great rapport with Portugal. Steve Webster is another who loves this course and 50s are very tempting.Daniel Vanscik is a type who can just click on a particular week and this course will suit his style- if he can get a good start he is worth a punt at 150/1. Michael Campbell returns to action and is available at 400/1- the kind of price for him to return to some form but 20/1 to finish in the top 20 is probably the smarter punt.

Bank Balance after Madrid Masters (YTD) +135.93

Portugal Masters Selections

2 units e/w A.Noren @ 33/1
1.5 units e/w D.Clarke @ 80/1
1 unit e/w D.Vanscik @ 150/1
1 unit Top 20 Finish M.Campbell @ 20/1

Madrid Masters

Badly need to get a winner this week as the lean spell continues following the Dunhill Links last week. This week I have to have a punt on Charl Schwartzel, the defending champion who seems to always go well in this part of the world. Also does Peter Lawrie and at 90/1 he has to be selected. Fabrizio Zanotti is given the nod as one of the ones chosen to "keep the faith" with because at 125/1 he is the type of player who can produce and those odds are just the ones to be on when he does


Bank Balance after Dunhill Links (YTD) +145.93

Madrid Masters Selections:

2 units e/w C.Schwartzel @ 20/1
2 units e/w P. Lawrie @ 90/1
1 unit e/w F.Zanotti @ 125/1

Dunhill Links

This week sees the action return to Scotland for the Dunhill Links where the pros play alongside the celebrities. Whilst Padraig Harrington has done well in this event over the years and he is seeking his 7th top 10 in a row, he cannot be backed at 9/1 this week considering the field he faces. The Bookies too, fear quite a few of the big boys as the marker is a bit tight at the top with McIlroy, Westwood, Fisher, Hansen & McDowell all to challenge. Of the big boys I do like the shape of "The Big Easy" this week- he has shown a return to form lately and plays this event well, so a win bet at 16s is taken. Peter Hedblom has had a great season and will be going into this week with confidence and an eye on some Ryder Cup points and with odds of 100/1 on offer he has to be taken simply for value reasons. Thomas Aiken is also taken this week at 125/1, only because he has had a better season than his results show and he is the type who can perform and his performance at this years Open suggests he can play this type of course.

Bank Balance after Tour Championship (YTD) + 165.93

Dunhill Links selections:

4 units win E.Els @ 16/1
2 units e/w P.Hedblom @ 100/1
1 unit e/w T.Aiken @ 125/1

PGA TOUR Championship

With no event this week in Europe, attention is focused on the US and the final FedEx tournament. Tiger Woods will be all out to secure the Playoff title and its still very hard seeing him not winning here. Accuracy off the tee could be his downfall but I doubt it. I would like to have a punt on Padraig Harrington who is chasing his 6th top 10 in a row but his odds are a little skinny despite the field being reduced to just 30. Zach Johnson has posted 6 scores in the 60s in his last 8 rounds at East Lake so with odds of 12/1 without Tiger he is tempting, he is 20/1 with Tiger in the market. Hunter Mahan is a player who could click this week and he too has shown good form here and Dustin Johnson's length off the tee may see him make the frame, having secured two top 15 finishes in three of the playoffs so far. He is 45s with Tiger but the option of 25s w/out Tiger is taken. With my bad run ended last week with a place collect on Oosthuizen, perhaps the switch to the US can result in a much needed win.

Tour Championship Selections:

2 units e/w Zach Johnson w/out Tiger @ 12/1
1.5 units e/w Hunter Mahan w/out Tiger @ 20/1
1.5 units e/w Dustin Johnson w/out Tiger @ 25/1

Austrian Open

A frustrating run lately can only end some time and what a weekend to try and stop the rot with a difficult tournament in Austria where Soren Hansen starts as favourite, but at 15/2 he can't really be invested in.(though surely he is the form player in the field) So a few outsiders are considered with previous selections this season taken into consideration, namely Andrew Coltart at 125/1. He has been playing fairly well without really securing a top 5 finish so hopefully he can do this week. I also like the odds on offer for Louis Oosthuizen at 50/1, who has been in good form during the summer. David Howell a former World top 10 player is showing signs of form since his injuries and odds of 60/1 maybe the best that may be offer for awhile. Ross McGowan is hoping to make Dubai and his recent showing in Switzerland gives me hope he can repeat in the neighbouring country at odds of 60/1.


Austrian Open Selections:

1.5 units e/w L.oosthuizen @ 50/1
1.5 units e/w D.Howell @ 60/1
1 unit e/w R.McGowan @ 60/1
1 unit e/w A.Coltart @ 125/1

Mercedes Championship

A hard lesson learned last week, when inexplicably I dropped my men Alexander Noren & Thomas Aiken for the European Masters. Both played very well, with Noren going onto win at 80/1 !! As I have said throughout the year, both players would do the honours this year so first reaction is to include the South African this week. Hopefully Noren will kick on now and rise through the Order of Merit but I will give him a break this week from his efforts of last week. That means to apply the "keep the faith" principle I will again back Alvaro Quiros, Thomas Aiken and a small wager on Michael Campbell who had 3 decent rounds last week and is back on a course that he loves this week, 150/1 is too tempting to pass up on.

Mercedes Championship Selections:

2 units e/w A.Quiros @ 50/1
2 units e/w T. Aiken @ 100/1
1 unit e/w M. Campbell @ 150/1

European Masters

Lee Westwood is the favourite this week and is tipped to end his winless streak. The course and layout is to his liking and even though he is just 10/1 a win bet is a must this week.Alvaro Quiros has found some confidence over the summer and the long layout will again suit him and I will opt for the Spaniard over Rory McIlroy simply because Westwood is backed at 10s, whilst the Ulsterman is only 11s.

Bank Balance after Johnnie Walker Championship (YTD) + 175.68

European Masters Selections:

6 units win Lee Westwood @ 10/1
2 units e/w Alvaro Quiros @ 33/1

Johnnie Walker Championship

Another top 20 finish for Zanotti last week and again another Sunday where he played par golf when I was looking forward to a move into the top 5! The bookies have him at 66/1 this week, although tempting, I am also tempted to go back to a couple of players that I have backed throughout the year who I hope will have a good week this week. Alexander Noren had a good week in Holland so I will opt for the Swede this week and hopefully he can claim his maiden title. Thomas Aiken I said would win this year, he has been up & down but at 50/1 this week, I can't ignore him. My old favourite, Michael Campbell tees it up in his ancestral home, he does play well on this course and despite having an awful time of it this year, odds of 225/1 are not to be dismissed so its a small investment on Cambo this week - he is persevering and is very confident within himself on clicking one of these weeks, hope he does, and I may as well be on him at 225/1 and not 33/1 when he hits form again.

Bank Balance after KLM Open (YTD) + 185.69

Johnnie Walker Championship Selections:

2 units e/w A.Noren @ 40/1
2 units e/w T. Aiken @ 45/1
1 unit e/w M. Campbell @ 225/1

KLM Open

Lee Westwood again went close last week and ensured a small profit for me on the PGA Championship (+2.75 units) although he never quite got to within a challenging position for the title. Zach Johnson eventually finished T10th despite a bad opening day so just outside the 6th place required for a return.
This week, a weakened field in comparison to what squared up at Hezeltine, assembles at the Kennemer Links course in Holland. The Dutch Open does have an impressive roll of honour, but this years event is shaping up to be a wide open affair. Of the favourites I would be interested in Gareth Maybin but his odds of just 28/1 are too small for an open event and a man seeking his maiden win. So this week I am looking to invest my 10 units on outsiders. Noren at 50/1 is tempting but as he has yet to have a decent event this year following his return from injury, I will overlook him again and opt once again for Fabrizio Zanotti, a player that has impressed me this season and at 80/1 cannot be overlooked. Callum Macauley is a player that can get in a zone and deliver as his early season form showed, and this being a links course, just might be to his liking, odds of 125/1 have to be considered. I will add a third this week in the shape of recently turned Dutch pro, Reinier Saxton, who has played a lot of continental links courses in his amateur days so a little investment at 200/1 is the choice for the third selection.

Bank Balance after PGA Championship (YTD) +195.68

KLM Open Selections:

2.5 units e/w F.Zanotti @ 80/1
1.5 units e/w C.Macauley @ 125/1
1 unit e/w R.Saxton @ 200/1

PGA Championship

Almost a great win last week when Padraig Harrington went so close @ 66/1. A mistake on my part so for not backing him without Tiger ! Nonetheless, it was a good bet that nearly came off. Padraig unbelievably is now 2nd favourite to defend his title at Hezeltine this week so at odds of just 16 & 18/1 on offer I have to look elsewhere. I am sticking with Lee Westwood, he is in good form and shot a superb 65 last Sunday at Firestone and at 30/1 the odds are good for a player who hits his driver straight, a must for the PGA course this week. Hunter Mahan is in great form at present and has a great attitude, would have considered betting w/out Tiger but I'll chance the 35/1 odds this week. Zach Johnson has also been very steady lately and despite not having the length off the tee , he could go close. His namesake, Dustin, has had a good season although a bit quiet lately but his odds of 175/1 cannot be ignored especially with 6 places on offer. Its with regret I leave out Harrington, Fisher, Quiros, the odds dictating the selections. (i do expect Tiger to challenge in the last major this year)

Bank Balance after WGC Bridgestone (YTD) + 192..93

PGA Championship Selections:

1.5 units e/w L.Westwood @ 30/1
1.5 units e/w H.Mahan @ 35/1
1 unit e/w Z. Johnson @ 66/1
1 unit e/w D.Johnson @ 175/1

WGC Bridgestone Invitational

No luck last week in the Czech Republic, the weekend did look promising with Fabrizio Zanotti just off the pace but he just could not get on a birdie roll to challenge and eventually settled for tied 17th.
This week sees the action return to the US with the 3rd World Championship of the year, the Bridgestone Invitational, a tournament practically owned by Tiger Woods at this stage. The course suits the bigger hitters and the more accurate the hitter the better! That means I must opt once again for the two men that I have shown great faith in time & time again this year- Lee Westwood and Ross Fisher. Rory McIlroy is also tempting at 50/1 whilst Padraig Harrington can be got at 66/1 with Ladbrokes, I firmly believe he will click soon and why not this week, a week ahead of defending his PGA Championship.

Bank balance after the Moravia Open (YTD) + 194.18

WGC Bridgestone Selects:

2 units e/w L.Westwood @ 28/1
1.5 units e/w R.Fisher @ 50/1
1 unit e/w R.McIlroy @ 50/1
.5 units e/w P.Harrington @ 66/1

Moravia Open

A bad week last week with two of the three selections missing the cut despite Alaxander Noren was nicely placed after round 1! This week sees a weakend field assemble in the Czech Republic for the first time in quite a number of years and the fact the course is tight but not long has me looking at some long shots that I have considered in the past. Fabrizio Zanotti is a lovely golfer who can be very tidy on a course, exactly what's needed this week and at 80/1 he cannot and will not be overlooked this week. David Horsey has had a good season and so he too is selected at 100/1. I did look and consider Alejandro Canizares (80s), Broadhurst (100s) and even Shane lowry (125s) but have opted for Christian Cevaer at 125/1 despite his slow play he can crop from time to time and this is kind of the tournament that he does. Noren is bypassed this week very reluctantly as i await a good showing before opting to punt again.

Moravia Selects

2 units e/w F.Zanotti @ 80/1
2 units e/w D.Horsey @ 100/1
1 unit e/w C. Cevaer @ 125/1

SAS Masters

After yet another near miss last week with two of my selections just missing out on the Claret Jug (Westwood & Goosen), the action returns to Sweden this week. The field is not great this week although home favourite Stenson tees it up as 8/1 favourite, and whilst there is an abundance of Swedish players heading the market,and they usually do go well at home, I can't ignore Alexander Noren at 50s. Having returned from injury a couple of months ago, Noren hasn't really challenged yet this season but playing in Sweden just might help ignite his season. I have said all season Thomas Aiken will win this season and this type of field represents a great chance and having had a top ten finish at the Open the weekend, he goes into this with confidence. Looking for value this week I am tempted by Zanotti (80s), Canizares (80s)and Coltart (150s) and will opt for the affable Scot as he has had a good season to date and can show that by going very well here this week.

Bank Balance after British Open (YTD) + 214.18

SAS Selections:

2 units e/w T.Aiken @ 35/1
2 units e/w A.Noren @ 50/1
1 unit e/w A. Coltart @ 150/1

British Open

No Joy last week at Loch Lomond altough both selections were well placed at the halfway stage. Good win for Kaymer again it has to be said and Westwood gave it a good shot again- surely gotta win soon ?
This week its the 3rd Major of the year at Turnberry. Interesting statistic for this is that 2 weeks prior to the Masters this year, Tiger Woods won, 2 weeks prior to the US open, Tiger Woods won and 2 weeks prior to the British Open, Tiger again won. He did not win either Masters or the US Open! That said, the last two Opens at Turnberry were won by the then World #1 golfers, Nick Price & Greg Norman. I firmly believe Tiger was still rusty at Augusta and he got the real bad draw weather wise at Bethpage. The weather forecast is not great this weekend again but I think he will be prepared well and will win. Its hard to see who has the good form coming into this with this type of course in mind and as always the Open does throw up some surprises. I will be taking the market without Tiger for selections in the shape of Retief Goosen and Lee Westwood. Both are in form and if they find their putting game will be very close. I would like to have a flutter on Ross Fisher whose tee to green game is excellent at present but its his putting form at the moment that has been outstanding. I won't back purely because his mind will be on pending arrival of his first child due on Monday.As a good value bet, Soren Kjeldsens short game is excellent at the moment and must be Mr Consistent on the European Tour this year and at 80/1 (w/o Tiger) he has to be backed although tempted to back at 100/1 with Boylesports at 100/1 as they are paying 8 places !!(think thats what I'll do)

British Open Selections

2 units e/w R.Goosen @ 30/1 (w/o Tiger)
2 units e/w L.Westwood @ 22/1 (w/o Tiger)
1 unit e/w S.Kjeldsen @ 100/1

Scottish Open

Yet more heartache last Sunday when my select, Lee Westwood who shot joint best of the day, 65, only to lose the play-off with another favourite of mine Martin Kaymer. Still though, a small profit on the week keeps the bank balance in order and restores confidence in the selection process for the weeks ahead.(sounding like Padraig Harrington taking the positive out of something!)
This week the best field of the year to date assembles at Loch Lomond, a week before the British Open taking place just an hour down the road. There are some serious candidates to ponder for this week.Rory McIlroy is in great form whilst his compatriots, Graeme McDowell is defending champion, and Darren Clarke who boasts great form at this venue and had a good outing last week which has tempted me but due to the quality of the field have decided to steer clear of Darren for this week at least. Westwood likes this course, and the course should also favour my favourites Fisher & Kaymer,but I do fancy the chances of Tim Clark & Soren Hansen, the latter getting the nod purely on price (33/1) and the fact Paddy Power are paying 6 places and the fact that he has 3 top 10 finishes in his last 5 starts(Clark available at 25s). My second selection this week is Francesco Molinari who will have no problem hitting fairways which is key on this course and with the weather forecast showing rain (again!) this weekend I have opted for him at 50/1 ahead of the likes Fisher, Kaymer & Westwood (about 18s in the betting). Thomas Bjorn is a past winner here and but for the weather forecast I may have had some small interest at 100/1.

Bank Balance after Open de France (YTD) +215.51

Scottish Open Selections

2.5 units e/w S.Hansen @ 33/1 (6 places)
2.5 units e/w F.Molinari @ 50/1 (6 places)

Open de France

Nothing much to say about last week's effort, easily the worst tournament for me this year with both men not only missing the cut but finishing practically in the bottom 20. So roll on this week ! This could be anyones this week although there is quite a good field and the difficulty in picking the winner is reflected in the bookies prices in that they seem unable to separate the real contenders. I am confident that Lee Westwood can return to a challenging position this week and even at odds of just 18/1 I have to have an interest. Lee had a reasonably good US Open and maybe pumped up for this.
The value bets this week I am opting for are Fabrizio Zanotti, reason being quite simply at 100/1, he is an exceptional player who can give me a run for my money and win.Gonazalo Castano had an exceptional March/April this year and at 66/1 he may just return to challenging form this week also. Padraig Harrington returns this week and although I have a sneaky feeling Padraig might just have a good week, his odds of 25/1 may normally be good value but his latest form doesn't inspire the confidence over the hunch.

Bank Balance after BMW International (YTD) +212.01

Open de France Selects:

3 units e/w L.Westwood @ 18/1
1 unit e/w F.Zanotti @ 100/1
1 unit e/w G.Fdez Castano @ 66/1

BMW International

Hopefully the European summer is finally upon us and we can have a tournament without the rain & wind playing havoc to the outcome. No joy at the US Open last week but again another tournament ruined by the weather. Some of the fancied golfers to win in Germany this week may and I hope, be feeling the effects of their efforts at Bethpage last weekend so its a punt on two of my previous tips this year who I believe will win this season. Alvaro Quiros will like the course this week and although only 25/1 I fancy him to produce a good showing this week. Thomas Aiken has been playing better than just good this season and at 66/1 I cannot ignore him. He will be refreshed too coming into this and if he has good opening round I expect him to challenge come Sunday. Others I fancied are Fasth (good German soil record) but I think the bookies have got it right this week at 40/1 which is a bit skinny for a player who is only starting to show solid form and Fabrizio Zanotti, who is quite tempting at 100/1. I have decided to stick with the two picks in good faith they will deliver soon. (Ross Fisher considered last week but omitted and finished 5th)

Bank balance after US Open (YTD) + 222.01

BMW International Selects

2.5 units e/w A.Quiros @ 25/1
2.5 units e/w T. Aiken @ 66/1

US Open

A great result last week with Brian Gay winning by 5 shots and bolstering the bank to all most the +240 mark. Once I exceed +240 units I up my ante to 20 units each week until it dips back under, when I revert back to 10 units.(over +360 the weekly units increase to 30 and so on). So, with the US Open on this week perhaps its best the bank is just under the 240 (always a difficult event to get the right result) and so with great discipline I will remain with just 10 units this week again.
Its difficult to assess who is coming into the 2nd major of the year in true form, and the probable winner is taking shape in Tiger Woods who won on this course in 2002 to beat Mickelson by 3. Tigers performance on the final day at the Memorial has me convinced that Tiger has the fight back, and the know-how to win this. Its 20 years though since Curtis Strange was the last man to win back to back US Opens, but Tiger likes to create and equal records giving me another reason he will prevail come Fathers Day. So my approach for this years Open is to take the betting w/o Tiger Woods market and opt for players who have shown decent form lately and who just might put in a good show. Steve Stricker has always given a good account of himself in the majors and is well worth a punt at 22/1. Whilst Bethpage is more suited to the longer hitters, David Toms form this year has been excellent, has won a major before, and can go close. Two of the consistent performers on the US tour this year without winning, and may be a great punt are Ben Crane & Dustin Johnson, the latter having had a number of top 10 finishes already this year.
I would not discount the chances of Paul Casey this time round and is in excellent form, but sometimes when you expect to do well it doesn't quite happen, and I feel although he may finish top 10, thats about the best he will do. Geoff Ogilvy's odds are too skinny but this course will suit him but at 16/1,it is not enticing enough. Of my regular fancies, I do think Ross Fisher & Alvaro Quiros will do well, both being big hitters, and was very tempted to have some small money on them but have opted for the Americans instead.

Bank Balance after last weeks event (YTD) +232.01

US Open Selects:
1.5 units e/w S.Stricker @ 22/1 (w/o Tiger Woods)
1.5 units e/w D.Toms @ 45/1 (w/o Tiger Woods)
1 unit e/w B.Crane @ 110/1 (w/o Tiger Woods)
1 unit e/w D.Johnson @ 80/1 (w/o Tiger Woods)

St Jude Classic

Yet another disappointing end to last weeks tournament with the weather once again playing havoc to the scores on moving day, Saturday. My select Ross Fisher was nicely placed after 2 rounds and lay just 3 off the lead going into the final rd but two doubles on the front nine put paid to his chances.
This week there is no event on the European Tour, so in order to get into the mood for next weeks 2nd Major of the year, two selections are chosen for the St Jude Classic. David Toms should go well at this event ( 2 wins and 6/7 top 10 finishes the past 9 years) but at 16/1 the odds are a little too skinny. My two selections have good form at this event especially "Freddie J" (Jacobsen) and at 66/1 he has to be considered this week. Brian Gay has the stats to suggest he will go well on this tight course and the odds of 35/1 are just about right to have a flutter.

Bank Balance after Wales Open (YTD) +127.63

St Jude Classic Selections

2.5 units e/w B.Gay @ 35/1
2.5 units e/w F.Jacobsen @ 66/1

Celtic Manor Wales Open

A poor field tees up in Wales this week,well not as strong as the past 3 weeks with the big guns eyeing up Bethpage next week. Ross Fisher leads the betting and rightly so, and even at 12/1 I am very tempted. Looking through the field its hard to see who is coming in with good form from last week, especially as the back nine at London GC seemed to play, or at least seem to appear by the scorecard, as a "crazy golf" course, with my man, Thomas Aiken certainly feeling the effects of the fourteenth and fifteenth on Saturday when lying just one off the lead, he ran up a triple & quadruple to miss the cut!Nonetheless some players are still continuing to show good form week by week.These are Stephen Dodd,Gary Orr, Chris Wood and Anthony Wall in particular. Of the four I would pick Wood (40/1) but I will sidestep him (costly last week sidestepping Quiros who placed and should have won!).Francesco Molinari has played very well last month and I will have to have interest in him this week.Shiv Kapur has also been playing quite well and at generous odds of 175/1 he too has to be considered. So this week its a few units on Fisher to win(think he by far bext player in field), Moinari & Kapur

Bank Balance after European Open (YTD) +137.63

Celtic Manor Wales Open Selects

3 units win Ross Fisher @ 12/1
2.5 units e/w F.Molinari @ 25/1
1 unit e/w S.Kapur @ 175/1

European Open

Ross Fisher defends his title at The London Club this week, and will be feeling very confident after his gallant effort on Sunday at Wentworth.It was an unlucky bid, his eagle putt on 18 looked in and I felt if he got it he would have won the playoff, but to be fair Paul Casey is a class act and despite yet another 2nd place for me the balance was slightly increased so not a bad result, despite Quiros having a disapointing weekend finishing T 16th, when, after the luck on his 36th hole, it looked as if he might challenge. At 40/1 this week, which has me tempted but he needs to find his putting game so I will relunctantly sidestep Alvaro this week. Ross Fisher is too short at 12/1 so I will opt for Martin Kaymer at 28/1, the German had up and down rounds (2nd & 3rd) before posting a good effort on Sunday and I think he can win this week.Thomas Aiken will win on tour this year and is in decent form so he is kept on again this week. Reducing the numbers to select each week, I will also have a small interest in Raphael Jacquelin, who is in very good form and having qualified for the US Open at Walton Heath I'm sure he will bring that confidence into this week.

Bank Balance after BMW Championship (YTD) +147.63

European Open Selects
2.5 units e/w M.Kaymer @ 28/1
1.5 units e/w T.Aiken @ 50/1
1 unit e/w R. Jacquelin @ 100/1

BMW Championship

So another Irish Open passes without a collect, in fact a fairly dismal effort it has to be said with all four selects missing the cut. That meant I hadno shout the weekend,but thanks to Shane Lowry who provided great interest from an Irishman's point of view the weekend as he completed the fairytale success at Baltray. It provides some consolation in that no-one would have tipped him to win his national Open. However, the bank remains healthy (+143.75)and its back into the saddle for this weeks event which sees the strongest line-up in Europe this season. With the top 3 in the betting market having all won in The US last month (Stenson, Casey & Cabrera)it makes this weeks event very competitive. Whilst Cabrera should go well, again I like to look for the value bets and despite a bad weekend at Baltray, Lee Westwood showed great form the first 2 days last week and I have to have an interest at 25/1 as the course will suit his driving. Others to have an interest in this weekend are Ross Fisher at 33/1,Alvaro Quiros at 66/1 (just cannot pass up these odds for this quality of player) and a small punt also has to be had on a player in excellent form at present in Thongchai Jaidee at 80/1. lets hope the weather improves and our luck returns !


Bank Balance after Irish Open for year to date (YTD) = + 143.75

BMW Championship Selects

2 units e/w Lee Westwood @ 25/1
1.5 units e/w Ross Fisher @ 33/1
1 unit e/w Alvaro Quiros @ 66/1
.5 units e/w Thongchai Jaidee @ 80/1

Irish Open

A very disappointing effort both in Italy & Sawgrass last week, very little to shout come Sunday, Martin Kaymer lying 17th heading into Sundays round but he had a disaster to finish 55th! This week sees one of the strongest line ups for the 3 Irish Open at Baltray, Co. Louth in a long time and a tournament that I have not much success on the betting front for a few years, perhaps that could change this weekend. There are quite a few in the shakeup, McIlroy loves links golf, his caddy knows the place inside out, not to mention Rory has been a visitor many times. At 14/1, though its tempting, but with the bank doing quite well (despite no return last week) I think the value is to be sought again as Paddy Power offer 6 places for e/w betting. I was tempted to make it a total South African invasion this week in the shape of Schwartzel,Oosthuizen, Sterne and Aiken but its the latter two that I will take a punt on.Richard Sterne is a very consistent performer and has the short game to do well in Co. Louth and Thomas Aiken is becoming a golfer to be reckoned with in every tournament as his top 5 finish in Italy proves. Both are at 50/1 which is good value for these consistent performers. A little interest has to be had in Mark Brown, the kiwi originally from Wellington who will be quite used to weather conditions and the links format and at 125/1 cannot be left out of my permutations. Alejandro Canizares had dipped last year and for awhile earlier this season but his 14th finish last week after 24th in Spain the week before suggests the spaniard is moving back in the right direction.

Irish Open Selections
1.5 units e/w R.Sterne @ 50/1
1.5 units e/w T.Aiken @ 50/1
1 unit e/w M.Brown @ 125/1
1 unit e/w A. Canizares @ 100/1

Italian Open & Players Championship

Another profitable weekend last week with Peter Lawrie finishing tied 3rd in Spain, means I will look at spreading my weekly 10 units for the time being across both the European Tour & PGA as the latter heads for Sawgrass which is always a fascinating tournament to watch. Whilst it is considered the "5th major" its worth remembering that past winners do reflect the elite of the tour, despite Tiger only winning once at Sawgrass. The only notable outsider in recent years being Craig Perks. This year however may suggest the winner may come from "the pack", and for that reason Zach Johnson who has shown good form this season already is selected to do well at 55/1. European challengers should come from Garcia, Stenson, Harrington,Donald & Casey but I will have some interest in Martin Kaymer at 8/1 to finish in the top ten.

Players Selections:
1.5 units e/w Z.Johnson @ 55/1
1 unit M. Kaymer to finish in top ten @ 8/1

The Italian Open, sees the favourites lining up in the shape of Molinari, Schwartzel and Soren Hansen. I always like Soren but at odds @ 16/1 its an event to look for better value. Alvaro Quiros was tipped last week and he had two great rounds (68 & 67) sandwich either side of 75 & 76. A sign of a winner by posting the 67 on Sunday when not in contention ensures I keep the faith and at odds of 22/1 he has to be taken. Alexander Noren at 20/1 maybe a bit short in the betting but this is an ideal tournament for the Swede who should have won by now and as he is fresh I am finding it hard to ignore him. With some punts being placed on Sawgrass, I have to have an interest in Noren despite Hennie Otto being on offer @ 90/1.

Italian Open Selections

1.5 units A.Quiros @ 22/1
1.5 units A. Noren @ 20/1

Open de Espana

No return from last week's Ballantyne, despite Mark Brown topping the leaderboard on day 1 and being in the mix after 36 holes, the weather conditions, particularly Saturday paid havoc to the scores and made the weekend a bit disappointing with luck playing a big part.That said, all credit to Jaidee for showing the composure required to prevail. With scattered showers forecasted for the first 3 days this week in Spain and windy conditions promised for Sunday, it may be wise to sidestep the favourites this week. Whilst Castano has now finished 2nd in 3 events lately,odds of 16/1 are not much to get excited about so compatriot, Alvaro Quiros is number one selection this week at odds of 25/1.
Dubliner, Peter Lawrie is defending champion and whilst not a fan of backing players to defend successfully, Lawrie has good form in Spain and will be quietly confident of doing well again this week. Another who just might relish the weather conditions having shown steady form this season is Andrew Coltart and at 80/1 is worth a punt, especially as he came so close at 175/1 a few weeks back.

2.5 units e/w Alvaro Quiros @ 25/1
2 units e/w Andrew Coltart @ 80/1
1 unit e/w Peter Lawrie @ 66/1

Ballantyne Championship

After the great success last week with the tip Scott Strange winning the China Open, this week sees the tour move on to South Korea. Henrik Stenson starts off as favourite and whilst the Swede is due a win and I fully expect him to be very close this week, odds of 10/1 are too skinny in an event that can quite easily produce a winner from anywhere. Lee Westwood needs to win soon, having had a very solid 2008 and, but for a bad back 9 at Augusta last time out would suggest that form is still good but impatience may be creeping into Lee's game so at offers of 16/1 he too his overlooked this week. Graeme McDowell is defending champion having won by 7 from compatriot, Paul McGinley last year, and whilst McDowell is on offer at 20s to defend, its normally a tall order to defend successfuly which tempts me to look at Mr. McGinley more closely. Two excellent rounds last week in China, with a best of the day in rd 2, and with course knowledge and good past form under his belt ,Paul McGinley is the tip for this week at 40/1.

Some others in the mix for consideration would once again be Simon Dyson, Richard Green, Jyoti Randhawa but my 2nd select this week is 50/1 tip Mark Brown. The kiwi has excellent form in this region of the world and has shown some good promise the past couple of events.

Ballantyne Championship Selects:

2.5 units e/w Paul McGinley @ 40/1
2.5 units e/w Mark Brown @ 50/1

China Open

After a disappointing US Masters from a betting point of view, although the excitement on Sunday generated by Phil Mickelson & Tiger Woods charging up the leaderboard was breathtaking, its another week of golf where the winner could come from anywhere at the China Open. With this part of the world being a favourite for the likes of Simon Dyson & Richard Finch in particular, I will opt for better value in the betting in the shape of Scott Strange & Hennie Otto. Strange can keep it together over 4 days and if he gets off to a good start will be there or thereabouts. Otto showed solid enough form last year and at 90/1 with Paddy Power he is worth a punt this week.
Eyes will also be on Nick Dougherty(50s) who surely has to get back into some decent form soon having had a couple of tournaments under his belt but for this week I will just "observe".

China Opens Selects:
2.5 units e/w Scott Strange @ 50/1- Paddy Power
2.5 units e/w Hennie Otto @ 90/1 - Paddy Power

US Masters

Another very unlucky weekend, with my man Gonzalo Fernandez Castano beaten in a play-off ! He very nearly won it at the 2nd play-off hole but as always in sport if you don't take your chance when it comes you inevitably miss out. Still the e/w bet produced a profit and it could have been more if Alastair Forsyth had managed just one shot less !

(Profit to date showing +1 units)

So to the first major of the year and my favourite one of them all, The Masters.

To me it looks like a fairly small group of real contenders. Tiger is back and has timed his prepartion very well and he should go very close, the intense four days though will test his mental game having only had 3 competitive outings since June last year. So if the jacket is going elsewhere it must surely go to either 3-in-a-row seeking Padraig Harrington, in form Geoff Ogilvy, Phil Mickelson, or Retief Goosen who has great form at Magnolia Lane. Outside of these I also like Lee Westwood who had a very good year last year without much success, great consistency and especially in the Majors. For a good showing again and a top ten possibility is Tim Clark whose short games is ideal for Augusta.

My selects therefore for this years Masters are:

4 units win Geoff Ogilvy @ 20/1 - Paddy Power
1.5 units e/w Retief Goosen @ 28/1- Victor Chandler
1 unit e/w Lee Westwood @ 55/1 - Paddy Power
1 unit TOP TEN FINISH Tim Clark @ 13/2

An unlucky weekend last week at the Andalucia Open when 175/1 shot, Andrew Coltart, finished tied 6th preventing the each way bet boosting the bank. Not to be deterred, as the last two events are historically events that produces first time winners although Soren Kjeldsen prevailed last week, a cautious approach to the new season will continue this week as the Master looms for the elite leaving the field at Estoril quite open.

One of my tips last week was not that far off the pace and he is tipped again this week to feature. Fernando Gonzalo Castano is available @ 22/1 - 2.5 units e/w

Alastair Forsyth was 5th last week and has a good record round the Oitavos Dunes course so at odds of 22/1 also,I expect a strong showing again this week - 2.5 units e/w.

Open de Andulcia Selects

An opportune week for some of Europes more established golfers to make their mark in the current campaign with Soren Hansen starting favourite @ 20/1. Whilst Soren will go well, the value can be got watching some of Spains home talent and in particular, Alejandro Canizares. After a stint in the US, the young Spaniard will be looking to a return to form and this could be an ideal week for him to register.

Selection : 2 units e/w Alejandro Canizares @ 100/1 (Ladbrokes)

Fernando Gonzalo Castano is a consistent sort and is ceratinly worth a punt @ 40/1

Selection: 2 units e/w Fernando Gonzalo Castano @ 40/1


Andrew Coltart is on the way back to some half decent form so its our select to keep an interest this week and the generous odds of 175/1 (Boylesports)

Selection: .5 units e/w Andrew Coltart @ 175/1

Following his amazing 6 birdies on the trot last week a small wager on Callum Macauley is suggested for interest purposes.

Selection: .5 units e/w Callum Macauley @ 80/1 (Paddy Power)

Madeira Open Selections

Always a hard tournament to pick a winner with a history of first time winners prevailing in these regions.

But with tournamentt favourites Bradley Dredge & Anthony Wall hardly inspiring me to wager a few bob, the selections this week must be of value. therefore a split of the weekly 10 units for "value betting" is the first decision.

Damien McGrane has been playing very well the past 12 months and he might fancy winning his 2nd tournament this weekend despite his recent travels, Best price is 33/1 with Ladbrokes so 2 units e/w is the select.

Andrew Coltart has been a long time out of the picture but some recent form suggests that the affable Scot could go well one of the weeks and this is probabaly an ideal windy week for him to do well, Selection 2 units e/w @ 50/1 with Victor Chandler

Simon Wakefield has shown promise even the past couple of seasons, but lets himself down the weekends but at 100/1 he could surprise, so the remaining 1 unit e/w is suggested.

Good luck