Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas to all readers & visitors of this blog. Lets hope 2012 is a more profitable year as there is some cracking events in store and a big challenge on for the World Number One Title. Will Tiger win a Major in 2012 ? I think he will you know.
It should be a great year for Rory McIlroy also and I'm hoping that Padraig Harrington plays more events and finally starts winning again. It could also be a year to watch Shane Lowry at good odds especially.

It all kicks off again in 2 weeks and I'll have selections up for South Africa.

Dubai World Championship 2011

Last event of the year, the Dubai World Championship where Luke Donald is sure to capture the R2D title to go along with the PGA Money List in the same year. Rory has to win and hope Luke finishes outside the top 20, possible but doubtful! I like the looks of former winner Lee Westwood who won the Nedbank last week following a superb 62 in round 3 and will be confident. With Tiger Woods also winning the weekend along with Rory in Hong Kong, already 2012 is shaping up be a battle for World Number 1. The one player that I do expect big things this year and the contender to the 3 mentioned above is Martin Kaymer. Class act who can deliver on the big stage and is a definite bet at 14/1 with Paddypower this week. I also fancy Alex Noren to go well at 60/1 with Betpack
to finish a great season for him and South African, Charl Schwartzel will be suited by the course and conditions and should go very well at 25/1 also with Paddypower
. Short preview this week, new job is dictating my time at the moment but lets hope we can end the season on high, and make way for a better 2012.

South Africa Open 2011

Yet another new course on the tour this year, so little to go on,other than it's a Jack Nicklaus designed course, the Serengeti. Home based players will surely dominate the leaderboard from the off and I have invested in three of them this week. I sidestepped Thomas Aiken last week, ( thank God) but the offer of 33/1 with Betpack is too good to pass on this week. Much more consistent this year, a winner on the European Tour to boot, he could make his mark this week on a course that should suit him. A missed cut last week can easily be ignored as this is something that you can get with Aiken. His ability to bounce back the week after is normal and is good value this week.
My second pick is Jbe Kruger who led after 36 holes last week before a disappointing weekend. He did rally a bit on Sunday and his form has been good. He can challenge again here and the 28/1 on offer with Paddypower really has to be snapped up.
My final selection is Jean Hugo @ 80/1 with Bet365. I backed him last week and despite opening with a solid round, he struggled off the tee but still managed a T44th. His GIR stats suggest that this type of course will serve him better. In fact of his 3 wins in South Africa this year, one was on a Nicklaus course and the other was at nearby Pretoria. His form on the Sunshine Tour this year has been excellent and the price is well worth taking for a good e/w punt.

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w T.Aiken @ 33/1 Betpack

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w J.Kruger @ 28/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w J.Hugo @ 80/1 Bet365

Alfred Dunhill Championship 2011

Action switches to Leopard Creek in South Africa this week where the local lads are sure to go well! Let's just hope we get 72 holes in and no weather disruptions too but they call it The Sunshine Tour down there for a reason so here's hoping.The event is being played a bit earlier than normal to accommodate the finale in Dubai but should still be nice weather wise.

I want to back Thomas Aiken but at 14s I have to ask myself is that a price worth taking? He has got me some place money recently suggsting he aint playing too badly.I would chance a couple of win pts on him here but there is a bit of a whisper about Jean Hugo who seems to be playing very well in Sth Africa having won 3 times this year and his last 6 events have read 8,6,8,2,11,1, so its form that cannot be ignored that his lying 6th in their Order of Merit.. At 55/1 with Betpack I have to give him a shout. He won in July,August & Septemebr and if he continues that sequence then he should win in November !!
James Kingston is another who plays his best golf on home soil and at 33/1 with Paddypower he makes the staking plan having finished 10th last year and 17th in 2009. He currently lies 10th in the Order of Merit.
Of the non-locals the one player that I do give a real chance of surprising this week is Oliver Wilson. Ok he hasn't played as well as he has in 09 & 10 but recent efforts suggest he is settling down a bit and could very well produce the goods this week.He was 23rd in Andalucia, and although he missed the cut in Portugal, Castello & Singapore he had top 20 finishes at Madrid & The Dunhill Links. This is much weaker field and the better weather should help so I'll have a bit of the 40/1 with Paddypower also.

Pablo Martin goes in search of a hat-trick of wins here so its possible that a non-local can win here but I am expecting this to be a home dominated leaderboard all weekend. Lets hope that Aiken doesn't prevail for once !

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w J.Hugo @ 55/1 Betpack

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w J.Kingston @ 33/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w O.Wilson @ 40/1 Paddypower

Couple of Threeballs for Serapong

The tournament has been ruined by the weather but if the final 18 gets played there will be some players looking to post a good enough score to ask a few questions of the leaders and the more experienced should win their threeballs especially the likes of Justin Rose playing with Joost Luiten & Danny Lee and Y E Yang playing alonside Richie Ramsay & Frederik Andersson. Both Rose & Yang sit on -8, albeit 7 behind Castano but a 67/68 could put the cat amongst the pigeons so to speak and they will be patient enough to seek out a good score and I am taking them to each win their threeball and a "liitle interest" in the double.

Rose to win threeball @ 2.38
Yang to win threeball @ 2.38
Rose/Yang double @ 5.66

Singapore Open 2011

Graeme McDowell is the favourite this week to win the Singapore Open from a field of 204! yes he played well last week, has been in the top 5 here the past 2 years but he most certainly is not a good bet at 16/1 to win here! Nor is Phil Mickelson at 18/1. I want to stick with Simon Dyson who has had a great year and has great record in Asia and can be backed at 28/1 with Paddypower. His confidence is up and is sure to play well here.
Padraig Harrington can be backed at 40/1 and I think its worth taking a chance on following a clear remarked improvement in results lately and he says himself, "he is playing better than the scorecard is showing" and that means his confidence is building. A former winner here, he will be keen to go well before he defends his title in Malaysia next week. If Padraig can get his opening 2 rounds under his belt to be on the leaderboard I suspect he will challenge the weekend.
I'm putting up Tom Lewis as my third selection and despite Paddypower offering 6 places this week I will take the 90/1 on offer with Betpack(5 places)- 66s with Paddypower. Recent winner, has the potential to be anything at the moment and its a price not to pass on.

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w S.Dyson @ 28/1 Paddypower

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w P.Harrington @ 40/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w T.Lewis @ 90/1 Betpack

Andalucia Masters 2011

One of the toughest courses on the European Tour hosts the second Andalucia Masters this week where last week's winner, Sergi Garcia heads the betting. This is a tight course and will suit accurate players with a good short game and we won't see a -27 winning total as we did last week. I wanted to back Martin Kaymer this week, Valderrama is one of his favourite courses and such is the quality of the man he could very well click this week but I would have liked a bit more than 12/1. Instead, one of those accurate patient players that I do fancy is Peter Hanson. The Swede is due to win a big one soon, is very consistent and is a likely contender here. 22/1 is great value in my opinion and therefore cannot be passed on. My other two selections are big hitters and may not have the accuracy that is crucial for this course but both are playing well and are regular tips on this blog. Alex Noren is having his best season, he opened up last week with a great round but fell back on day 2. He is in form, there's no doubt there and he can compete here as he showed at the PGA this year. 25/1 is better than what I expected to get so it's a definite value bet for me.
My third pick this week is Belgian, Nicholas Colsaerts @ 45/1. The price offered more to do with the course not being ideal for his power off the tee but he has shown steady form since his return to competitive action a few weeks ago and I se no reason why he can't challenge the big boys this week either especially if he gets the putter hot.

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w P.Hanson @ 22/1 Bet365

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w A.Noren @ 22/1 Bet365

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w N.Colsaerts @ 45/1 Paddypower

Castello Masters 2011

Sergio Garcia, the local boy goes off as favourite this week but despite a good effort during the summer hasn't quite looked like a winner. The course is very tight and will suit those who ar accurate off the tee and can go close to the pins. I have picked 3 this week that should go well.(Apologies about short preview this week, I am very tight for time these days and may have to consider putting tips up on Twitter going forward)

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w Joost Luiten @ 18/1 with Bet365

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w Thomas Aiken @ 25/1 with Bet365

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w Shane Lowry @ 80/1 with Betpack

Lowry to beat Bello at Oceanico

Shane Lowry may be feeling under the weather this week but he is fine form and is sure to go well the weekend.Rafael Cabrera Bello is his playing partner on Saturday in round 3 and he can beat him over 18 holes now that he is in good position with plenty of fellow Irishman around the weekend too to egg him on and the 2.20 with Paddypower is just too good to pass up on.

Portugal Masters 2011

Good field assembled for the Portugal Masters this week at the Oceanico Course. Martin Kaymer heads the betting ahead of Franceso Molinari. Whilst the Italian can make a strong case for success this week I have to side with the German. Didn't go well in Holland & Scotland recently but he will be well prepared for this week's event as he attempts to finish the season off in good style. The 10/1 on offer is about right and I will take a 2 pts bet with Paddypower

Padraig Harrington is making a rare appearance in Portugal or indeed on a regular European Tour event and his recent good showing in Scotland following his well documented switch to Pete Cowen in the coaching department and this is an ideal week to have a wee interest especially at 22/1 with Paddypower also. The Dubliner showed his frustration in Killarney with the state of his game (something I was delighted to see) and he prompty parted company with Bob Torrance, teamed up with Cowen and the return to basics seems to be working. If he gets the ball on the fairway, Padraig can challenge and is well worth an e/w bet this week.

My third choice is a toss up between "Gonzo" Castano & Nicolas Colsaerts who I backed last week. the former gets the nod- he is returning from injury recently (as is Colsaerts) and went very well last week despite hosting the event, so at better odds and less pressure this week I expect him to excel in better weather conditions. best price is 35/1 with Bet365

TIP 1: 2 pts WIN Martin Kaymer @ 10/1 Paddypower

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w P.Harrington @ 22/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: 1pt e/w G.F. Castano @ 35/1 Bet365

Luke to Donald to move on Saturday

Defending champion Luke Donald lies just 5 shots behind halfway leader Lee Slattery following an average round of 70 on Friday. He will fancy his chances the weekend if he can post a good score in rd.3 and is playing so well at the moment that the 1.80 on offer with Victor Chandler Golf just cannot be passed up on as he should account for his playing partners,Oscar Floren & Steve Webster.

I will also be having the same stake on Peter Hanson to outscore Cesar Monasterio & Jason Knutson @ 1.80 on offer with Victor Chandler Golf. 7 times out of 10 I would expect him to go lower than his partners at the weekend, the business end of things and his experience and ranking should prove that to be so also.

Madrid Masters 2011

Luke Donald defends at the Madrid Masters this week where he probably will win. The field assembled is quite weak and there is every possibility that Donald will prevail such has been his form this year. A good weekend in Scotland last week saw him finish high up once again without winning. Whilst I believe he will win this week there is no sense in backing him at 5/1 so I have picked two who just might be a challenge.
The first of these is Nicolas Colsaerts who finished in top 5 last week also. Great form shown since his return from injury and the 20/1 on offer is too big for a player in this kind of form. He will be keen to finish the season well and make a good run at the R2D. The big hitting Belgian is sure to be on the leaderboard throughout and simply cannot be ignored.

My 2nd tip is Thomas Aiken @ 55/1. Warmer climate should suit him this week and has shown good course form in this event in the past. The kind of player who can produce top quality golf at any given time and is a real e/w chance for this in such a field. Whilst not overly consistent, the South African will have been glad to have had 4 good days in Scotland and can build on it and produce the goods to challenge for his 2nd European Title.

TIP 1: 1.5 pts e/w N.Colsaerts @ 20/1 Paddypower

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w T.Aiken @ 55/1 Paddypower

The Fry’s Open sees Tiger Woods return in the US and I may put up a selection on Twitter for this also. Please click on the Follow us on Twitter Button on the right to receive this selection or just click here

Alfred Dunhill Links 2011

The popular pro-am format takes place this week over the 3 courses, St Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns. This blog backed last years winner, Martin Kaymer and recent results for the blog have produced this years winners for successful events last year. Let's hope that trend continues so. Three rounds will be played before the cut and the weather forecast is good, it's fantastic here at the moment and set to continue so I am relying on very good scoring this week which will help Rory McIlroy. But I won't be backing him at 10/1, even more so as "Wozzilroy" hits twitter world.....just can't take to these celeb couples touting themselves in a different light....so I've gone off our own lad for the time being, not that this is the reason not to back him...the odds are not great value in such a big field of this format. There is value down the field and first up is my old faithful, Ross Fisher. Excellent tournament form, plays well in these conditions and is the sort that can handle the format and the 6 hours each of the 3 days. Recent outings suggest Ross is getting back into form, will feel much better that his daughter is well again after a scare when in Ireland and will be nice & fresh. Real big chance this week at 40/1 with Paddypower

Second up is a player that I won't normally put up due to his inconsistency but Pablo Larrazabal has shown good form during the summer and he may relish the conditions this week. He tweeted during the week that he couldn't wait to play and he is a good e/w value at 6 places on offer with Boylesports. The Spaniard can challenge if he gets a decent start despite playing the hardest course tomorrow in Carnoustie. If he gets decent round under his belt he can build on that for rest of the week.

My final selection is Charl Schwartzel who plays alongside fellow compatriot Louis Oosthuizen at Kingbarns in rd 1. The All South African affair will create a decent 4ball and should act as a catalyst to an opening score on which to establish his intentions. Very generous odds of 28/1 with Paddypower who are also paying 6 places cannot be ignored.

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w R.Fisher @ 40/1

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w P.Larrazabal @ 110/1

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w C.Schwartzel @ 28/1

Luiten to make amends on Sunday

A level par round on Saturday for Joost Luiten meant our threeball bet failed as Thomas Norret bettered his score by 2 shots. On Sunday, the Dutchman will start the final round just 2 back from Norret and alongside Robert Coles again and Victor Dubuisson. Both Coles & Dubuisson have been playing well the past couple of months but so too has Luiten and without appearing to be chasing the loss on Saturday's bet, I firmly believe that Luiten can win the tournament and that means outscoring his playing partners to do so. Goods odds again @ 2.20 with Paddypower

Luiten Joost the Job for Saturday

Joost Luiten is playing really well! He should outscore Norret & Coles today and is taken at 1.80 with Paddypower to do so.

Tour Championship 2011

The Fedex Cup concludes this week at East Lake where any number of players can still win the Fedex Cup. The leading 5 though can clinch the win and $11M over the 4 days and that could bring some added pressure to the 5 involved. Jim Furyk won the Cup last year entering this event lying in 11th place so its possible again this year that someone could come through. And this is a scenario that I think could unfold in the shape of Nick Watney! Well in contention at the Deutsche Bank until a horror 11 on the 2nd hole in his final round, he bounced back last week with a 22nd placing. He loves playing Atlanta courses and can shine here this week and take another title for the season. With just 30 players in the field this week the best odds of 16/1 with Paddypower is a super price.

Justin Rose hit form last week and seemed to be hanging on in the final round but that said once he hits a bit of form he seems to hold it for a few weeks and the bookies have acted on this theory also. However, he can win the Fedex if he wins here and the 20/1 with Boylesports on offer to win this event is really good value. He does represent really good each way value and is taken to follow up on last weeks excellent return to form and challenge again.

My third selection is yet another golfer who seems to play his best in Atlanta and almost took the PGA Championship this year. Jason Dufner is a player to watch out for in 2012 and a good bet for the Ryder Cup team and he can produce the goods this week to cap a really good 2011 campaign. Best odds of 50/1 with Bet365 are taken for each way.

TIP 1: 2 pts WIN N.Watney @ 16/1

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w J.Rose @ 20/1

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w J.Dufner @ 50/1

BMW Championship

After a weeks break the Fedex Playoffs continue at Cog Hill, Chicago this week where the final 30 will be decided for next weeks Tour Championship. Luke Donald heads the betting which is great news! It means we get decent value on players that are more likely to win than the World's Number 1. I like Luke Donald, he is very consistent but not very consistent at winning. Some players have caught my eye in recent weeks by showing a return to form and this is the right time of year to do so with big prize money at stake. Phil Mickelson is one that will thrive this week having shown good form last week. 25/1 is a price not to be ignored and I fully expect Lefty to challenge this week so that he can finish the season in good style. He is available at those odds with Paddypower Brandt Snedeker produced some fine golf yet again last time out and is probably one of the in-form golfers on tour at the moment. He can produce the goods this week too, drives the ball well and is accurate, the putting has been excellent and is sure to be up there again. 28/1 also available with Paddypower Third selection is Hunter Mahan who has done well in the playoffs every year since it began. Not having the best form during the summer, he does appear to peaking just about now and is a fantastic price at 40/1 with Paddypower which simply cannot be ignored.

TIP 1 1 pt e/w P.Mickelson @ 25/1 Paddypower

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w B.Snedeker @ 28/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w H.Mahan @ 40/1 Paddypower

KLM Open 2011

After a fantastic result for this blog last week when Martin Kaymer placed in Switzerland and Webb Simpson won in Boston, the bank balance is starting to turn around for the year with a busy 3 months still to run. Last year at the KLM, the blog put up a very confident 4pt win bet on Martin Kaymer @ 12/1 to win, which he duly obliged by 4 shots. He should go well again this year. In fact he could and should have won last week only for that tiddler of a birdie putt on 14 missing, which seemed to affect the birdie putt on 15, he would have got so far ahead that I don't think Bjorn would have reeled in under pressure to do so. But that's the way it goes and I suppose we were fortunate enough that Simpson got into the playoff after Reavie had bogeyed the last. With Westwood & McIlroy joining Kaymer in Holland this week, it makes picking the winner difficult but I have selected three who can go well and could surprise.

Ross Fisher has like kaymer, not had his best year but has shown signs that his best is not far away and the 33/1 with Betpack is a must for me. Can stay patient which is paramount this week as the weather is mixing rain with a lot of wind.

Local hope, Joost Luiten has a very successful year so far and finished well last week. He will be keen to go well this week and is sure to do so and is well worth taking @ 40/1 with Paddypower

Nicolas Colsaerts makes a welcome return to the Tour following his withdrawal at The Open in July due to a freak injury whilst skateboarding. He has taken his time to recover and by all accounts has been back to full strength the past 4 weeks and will be eager to test his competitive ability in Holland only a stone's throw from his native Belgium. Good odds this week, possibly due to the long lay off and the chance that he may be rusty, but the value is there at 55/1 also with Paddypower

TIP 1: 1pt e/w R.Fisher @ 30/1 Betpack

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w J.Luiten @ 40/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: 1pt e/w N.Colsaerts @ 55/1 Paddypower

Dyson to cleanup on day 2 threeball

Simon Dyson is in great form. He shot a 66 on day 1 at Crans Sur Sierre to lie just 3 off the lead. No bogeys on the card too. He plays alongside Monty & Jeev Milka Singh again tomorrow who shot 76 & 67, the latter only one shot off the Englishman and obviously the only challenge to Dyson tomorrow (sorry Monty). With an offer of 2.00 with Bodog Sportsbook it has to be taken as he is in great form. The Indian is also in good form lately and is not being taken for granted but the value & odds lie with the recent Irish Open winner and our 1 pt investment lies with him despite being tempted to back Martin Kaymer @ 2.10 with Boylesports to see of Thomas Bjorn & Louis Oosthuizen. As The Dyson matches tees off at 7:10 we should know the result of it before the Kaymer match starts at 12:20, and therefore the Kaymer bet will be placed only if Dyson prevails.

Deutsche Bank Championship 2011

2nd Fedex Cup Playoff takes place at TPC Boston where birdies will be required to win! (well they always are but this week scoring will be low and those that feature high on birdie count should feature). Dustin Johnson won last week in the reduced 54 hole Barclays, and with all due respect to DJ, its hard to know how it would have panned out over 72 holes in normal cicumstances. I put up Sergio Garcia last week and was nicely placed after the first round, but late tee off in rd 2 went against him as it had been announced before he set off that the event would be decided over 54 holes at which time Kuchar & Johnson were 11 shots clear. I do believe "El Nino" is getting back to his near best and will stick with him again this week, particularly at 45/1 with Victor Chandler Golf

Second selection is Webb Simpson who won recently at the Wyndham. With that first win in the bag I am hoping his Sunday nerves are better controlled for this weekend (and the fact that the final round is on Monday!). Shoots a lot of birdies and is in fantastic form. Again best price is 30/1 with Victor Chandler Golf



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Omega European Masters 2011

This week we have two fascinating events both sides of the Atlantic. In Europe a strong field is assembling for the European Masters in Switzerland where market leaders are McIlroy, Westwood, Mannessero & Kaymer. In Boston, USA, the 2nd Fedex Playoff event is staged for the Deutsche Bank Championship. Both events are sure to be birdie fests too. Undecided yesterday which event to invest in, today I have decided to invest in both. Remember folks, the Deutsche does not start til Friday this week so for now its all focus on Crans sur Sierre. The course will suit McIlroy & Westwood and either can be backed at 9s.But at 20s and seemingly dismissed by a few out there, is Martin Kaymer. Great odds for a player of his talent despite not having a good year.....so far! I don't think he has been playing too badly in fact I reckon he is not far away from clicking over four rounds and this could be his week to return to form. He tees it up on Thursday morning at 08:20 on the 10th tee alongside Louis Oosthuizen & last week's winner, Thomas Bjorn. Class act is the Dusseldorf native that he is, the 20/1 offer with Bet365 cannot go untouched and he is my first of two selections for this event this week.
My second selection was a toss up between one of my favourite's, Alex Noren & Seung You Noh. The former has won twice this year to add to his previous win on tour which came here in 2009. He is a generous 30/1 to repeat that feat again but I just cannot ignore the Korean's chances this week as he has been showing steady form the past 3/4 events which is surely to end in a victory on European soil soon. The 35/1 with Bet365 also is just about good value for the youngster and is sure to give us a run for our money in the Alps. He tees it up in the group behind Kaymer's, alongside Rory McIlroy & Miguel Angel Jiminez on the Thursday so should be carried along with some good scoring.


TIP 1: 1 pt e/w M.Kaymer @ 20/1

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w S.Y-Noh @ 35/1

I will have two selections on the blog tomorrow for the Deutsche Bank Championship to complete the staking plan for this week

Final Day Twoball could go Morrison's way

With The Barclays limited to 54 holes, where Dustin Johnson prevailed in time to beat Hurrican Irene, Sunday's action turns to Gleneagles in Scotland where Mark Foster & Ignacio Garrido lead the field by 3 shots. There is a good chance of a surge from the pack and that suggests that Larrazabal, Lawrie, Bjorn, Gallacher, Dyson, Warren & Morrison along with the inform Gagli are not without chances. Its the latter two whose twoball catches my eye. As mentioned, Gagli has been in fine form and looks good for yet another top 10 finish but James Morrison has been hitting some form lately too and is taken to outscore the Italian @ 2.60 with Bet365

Harrington Value in opening day threeball

Padraig Harrington hasn't had a great season and his frustration finally showed when playing in Killarney last month. He has ditched good friend and long time coach Bob Torrance in a bid to regain his form that saw him land 3 Majors.He has some good rounds this season and most have them have happened in the opening round too. He should see off Will McGirt & Arjun Atwal tomorrow and at odds of 2.25 with Betpack, there is real value to be had. Padriag will be out to salvage a poor season and that starts tomorrow !

The Barclays - Fedex Play Off Week 1

Having studied the market for the Johnnie Walker at Gleneagles this week I have concluded that this is yet another week where the winner could come from just about anywhere. So attention will be focussed on the Barclays this week over in the US, where the playoff commences for the Fedex Cup. A new venue this year, so it will be hard to pick on course form but some interesting reaction from the European contigent about the sloping greens would suggest that they may have a big say this week. I, however, will be sticking to the recent form as an idicator as to where the winner may be and I have to start with Zach Johnson. Playing ever so consistently this season without landing a title, the course this week is suggesting that it may benefit him here and if he putts the way he has been, it could be just his week and he is my first choice @ 40/1 with Paddypower

Second up is Jim Furyk, the reigning Fedex Cup winner.Widely available at 45/1 he has been hitting form lately and again this course suggests it will suit his game and he is sure to put up a good defence of the title. He is taken to do so with Bet365


Third choice is a player that I seldom back. A player that I never really liked until this year. This year I have been amazed at his attitude in clawing his way back into form and in particular to his off course demeanour. His split with girlfriend seemed to have had an effect on him and now that the dust has settled, Sergio Garcia seems to getting back to his very best and will be a challenger this week at 40/1 with Boylesports. As I begin to like "El Nino" perhaps he can really grow on me with a win this week. Let's hope so!



TIP 1: 1 pt e/w Z.Johnson @ 40/1 Paddypower

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w J.Furyk @ 45/1 Bet365

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w S.Garcia @ 40/1 Boylesports

Value in O'Hara's 2ball today

Last pairing out todays sees Steven O'Hara and Oliver Fisher vying for their maiden tour win. I actually think they will be so nervous that the eventual winner will come from the pack (Lara/McGrane,Boyd) but purely on experience alone,I feel O'Hara will do better than Fisher this afternoon and the 2.38 odds with Victor Chandler Golf are taken to hopefully get the balance moving back in the right direction.

Czech Open 2011

Back to the bread & butter stuff on the Europeantour this week and a fairly weak field it must be said teeing it up at The Prosper Golf Resort in Celadná. Course designer Miguel Angel Jiminez leads the betting but there is some value within the field to take him on. Shane Lowry is one of those. He had a good June before a quiet July & August but he is well rested and comes into this with a clear goal to finish the season strong. He lies 58th in the R2D rankings so will be anxious to improve his position over the next 3 months. This is his third visit to the Czech Open so will know the course and his 64 in round 2 last year is a sign he can go low here. He is value at 50/1 with Paddypower
James Morrison has potential and this type of tournament always presents the Englishman with an opportunity to win. He is out early on Thursday which is a plus and plays alongside Tano Goya who has great course form so could be a big help to get into position.66/1 with Paddypower is a value bet for me this week.
My third selection this week is Thorborn Olesen at 35/1 with Bet365. Showing great form the past couple of months, the Dane is sure to come in one of the weeks and is a very confident player and if he can get up the leaderboard early enough this could be the week he "prospers"

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w S.Lowry @ 50/1 Paddypower

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w J.Morrison @ 66/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w T.Olesen @ 35/1 Bet365

Davis Love to continue good form today in Round 3

Couldn't pass up on Davis Love beating Scott Piercy in today's 3ball. The veteran has been playing really well lately and if he can hole a few more putts today, he could find himself at the business end of the leaderboard for Sunday. He is taken to edge Piercy on a Major Saturday @ 1.8 with Paddypower

PGA Championship 2011

Jason Day didn't get going last Sunday and eventually had to settle for a tie for 4th behind winner, Adam Scott, meaning we missed out narrowly on a hat-trick of wins. This week sees the final Major being played at Atlanta Athletic Club in Georgia, where defending champion, Martin Kaymer did the business for us last year @ 55/1. Not so sure he can defend this year as he just hasn't quite got into his best form lately.I am sticking with Jason Day again this week. He has magnificent form in all the big ones this year and last weeks top 5 yet again, despite a mediocre final round gives me hope that he can get the job done this week. The course will suit the Aussie and he is sure to challenge and is well backing @ 28/1 with Boylesports.
Last weeks winner, also an Aussie, Adam Scott must be very confident this week and with Steve Williams on the bag too. What a result last week at Firestone winning in Tigers comeback tournament! They will be bullish this week too and I really do think its time for Scott to add to the Players Title and the recent WGC title with a Major. Its hard to win back to back weeks, but you can't beat taking form into a big one like this and the odds of 22/1 with either Boylesports or Paddypower represent good value.
I also like the chances of Zach Johnson. He has been so consistent this year without winning that you have to feel that the elusive win could come soon and indeed this week. Winner a number of times in the state of Georgia, the signs are good that this could be his week. Brilliant putter too and a putting stat that seems to back form of 10 years ago when the PGA was last played here (won by Toms), he is sure to have another good week. I only hope he gets a good first round under his belt as he seems to be getting out of the blocks a bit slowly lately. Best odds on Zach winning are 50/1 with Paddypower (remember also that they and Boyles are paying 6 places at 1/4 odds- if you need to open an account with either of them click on the link under preferred bookie)
My 4th selection for the final Major of the year is Lee Westwood!16/1 with Paddypower, I have great faith in Lee getting that first Major. He has been so close the past few years that some suggest he is a bottler but he has shown to be patient(maybe just a bit too patient) but his driver will be key this week and could finally do it. Nick Watney is another to watch and perhaps Dustin Johnson but I'll stick with my staking plan as per below.

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w J.Day @ 28/1 Boylesports

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w A.Scott @ 22/1 Boylesports or Paddypower

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w Z.Johnson @ 50/1 Paddypower

TIP 4: 1 pt e/w L.Westwood @ 16/1 Paddypower

Watney to nick it on Saturday

Nick Watney is a standout price 1.95 with Bet365 today to outscore partners Hennie Otto and Ryo Ishikawa. The American is lurking behind the leaders and will use "moving day" to get into position to challenge tomorrow for the title. Otto has exceeded expectations here, has shown some sort of form in Europe but is not consistent and I see only the young Japanese star being a threat to Nick. But the experience of Watney indicates he should edge him and there is value in taking the 1.95 on offer.

WGC - Bridgestone Invitational 2011

The blog goes in search of a hat-trick of wins this week following Simon Dyson's win in Killarney on Sunday. A lot of side shows will play out at the Firestone course, Tiger Woods return to action, without Steve Williams as well, Rory McIlroy's first appearance since winning the US Open on American soil and this following his stupid Twitter rant last week against Jay Townsend, all which either adds to the excitement or distracts from the quality of the field assembled. I'm a fan of Rory's, but he has to learn he can't air his opinions in public the way he does- there is a time and place. These side shows wont be quite as good as the side show put on in Scotland recently here though!
It's hard to pick a winner in these fields such is the quality of the selected golfers. Therefore, form must be considered. Rory is better suited to these type of courses but media attention could cost him a few shots here.Lee Westwood must be feeling the pressure to deliver, as Chubby Chandler's stable continues to spit out winners.I am going to opt for American Dustin Johnson this week. A huge driver of the ball and has the putting skills required to go low here. Is in in great form and is due a big title having contended so many lately. Best price 20/1 with Victor Chandler Golf
I like the looks of Jason Day too. Natural talent and one who is playing great at the moment. Can hit a ball and get close and I expect him to be there or thereabouts this weekend. Has done really well in the big ones this year- T2nd at Augusta, 2nd at Sandwich, T6th at Byron Nelson and 5th at The Players.40/1 with Boylesports
MY third pick was a toss up between Gary Woodland, who had a great tournament last week, and the Masters champ, Charl Schwartzel. The South African getting the nod coming into this fresh, will relish the driving aspect of the course and sure to give value at 35/1 with William Hill He partners Luke Donald for the opening round, and has shown a real liking for the big ones this year too - Winner of The Masters,9th at the US Open, 16th at The Open and will be ready for this one and the PGA next week.

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w D.Johnson @ 20/1 Victor Chandler Golf

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w J.day @ 40/1 Boylesports

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w C.Scwartzel @ 35/1 William Hill

Ollie Wilson to get his season going on Sunday

It was awful weather for quite a few today in Killarney and it didn't suit Ollie Wilson today as he struggled for a 74. On Sunday he partners Robert Jan-Derksen at 10:25 tee time and this should provide them with the best of the weather before the rain comes in the afternoon. (yeah I'm a weather expert too ya know, but thats the forecast anyway). The Englishman is slowly but surely getting back to his best and he may just put today's round behind him on a course he likes tomorrow. He has been in good form within himself this week off the course, will be relaxed, and can just about edge out the Dutchman @ 2.25 with Bet365

Lawrie to lead Irish charge on Day 3

The Irish are lurking in their home Open and Dubliner Peter Lawrie could be the one to make the big move on Saturday. Rory McIlroy is not that far back, neither is Damien McGrane and Lawrie will have the incentive to be leading Irishman this week as all eyes were on the "big 4". Peter tees it up with Niklas Lemke and should outscore him handily enough as moving day may prove to be a hard one to cope with for Lemke and its a 1.83 bet with William Hill

Rory to bounce back on day 2

Rory McIlroy threw away a few shots on his back 9 on Thursday but he should make up for it tomorrow. With the way the leaderboard is after the opening day, Rory will quietly fancy his chances now and I expect him to start making his move Friday.Defending champion, Ross Fisher opened up with a nice -4, and David Horsey with -3 so there is incentive there to overturn his partners. Great value in the 2.10 on offer with Paddypower and he is the select to eliminate the mistakes and progress.

Joost Luiten to win Threeball on Thursday in Killarney

Joost Luiten can win his "three"ball tomorrow against Stephen Dodd and Rafael Cabrera-Bello. The Dutchman is in fine form this season and the Kileen course should be ideal for his game which emphasises his accuracy. Early start tomorrow may help also and the 2.25 with Betpack is well worth taking.

Very unlucky with C.Nilsson last Sunday when he lead Jaco Van Zyl by 3 shots at the 17th tee but a horrendous 9 on the island green par 3 penultimate hole meant he lost out. No consolation in that the 9 was not the worse recorded score on the hole that day but the bet was good despite the outcome

Irish Open 2011

Its a great shame that the Irish Open tees off on the Kileen course at Killarney this week without a major sponsor following telecom oparator, 3 pulling their sponsorship in favour of Irish football. Its more of a pity as "three" recent Major winners from Ireland tee it up tomorrow along with Padraig Harrington, winner of "three" Majors as well.Its their loss but the show does go on thanks to support from the European Tour and local sponsors Liebherr, Waterford Crystal, Irish Examiner and main sponsor Discover Ireland. And what a show for what Colin Montgomerie calls "the most knowledgeable and appreciative spectators on the European Tour". They will be that again this week and very vociferous too as they cheer on Rory and Darren following their success at the last two Majors. 4 Irishmen in the field who are winners of Majors !!! Incredible stuff.
Rory goes off the 5/1 favourite. Cannot be backed at that price but he could just do it you know. Of the other "three",(and that enough of the puns and free advertising for a company that shouldn't be getting a plug here) I really do think Padraig will be up for this. Ok he is not at his best this year but he is playing better than he did in 2010 and he gave Ross Fisher a fright on Sunday here 12 months ago closing with a 64. If Padraig gets a good opening round under him the Irish crowds will inspire him and he could be the one to beat. 18/1 with Boylesports (who are paying 6 places along with Paddypower) is great value and has to be taken.
Alex Noren won for us last week, rewarding the "keep the faith" strategy so that would mean I would keep the faith with Ross Fisher this week, defending champ and course record holder. But I wont be on Ross this week although I think he is about to click but reason being for not backing him here is that the defending champion is very hard to back winning again.Hopefully Ross keeps that elusive win for the WGC or USPGA! Instead I really do fancy the chances of his compatriot, Simon Dyson @ 22/1 with Paddypower (25's with others but the extra place is worth taking). His confidence is soaring after some solid weeks lately, especially at Sandwich and Kileen will suit him. I expect him to be challenging again this week.
Third selection is Chris Wood, despite an indifferent spell the past few months. He was top 5 finisher here last year and will have fond memories of that which could be the spur to kick on for the remainder of the season. 40/1 is just about right with Paddypower.
My final selection has to be Peter Whiteford who I have been very impressed with over the past 5/6 weeks. Beautiful swing, very composed and is due a real good showing soon and his game will suit this week. 50/1 with Paddypower also.

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w P.Harrington @ 18/1 Boylesports

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w S.Dyson @ 22/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w C.Wood @ 40/1 Paddypower

TIP 4: 1 pt e/w P.Whiteford @ 50/1 Paddypower

The final round tomorrow in Stockholm should be a "victory lap" for our tip, Alex Noren as he takes an incredible 11 shot lead into Sunday. No one has ever come from more than 10 behind to win on tour so lets hope that doesn't change then. One 2ball that could add to the celebrations tomorrow sees Noren's compatriot, Christian Nilsson out with Jaco Van Zyl. Nilsson, who has two top-ten finishes to his name this season, has been solid all week and was six under par for the final ten holes on Saturday. Zyl opened with a 67 on day 1 but has kinda just hung in there the last two days and the local player is tipped to outscore him @ 2.00 with Paddypower

Two Opening day threeball bets offering value

James Kingston is a player that seems to like teeing off early on Thursdays. Tomorrow he tees off at 08:20 on the 10th tee with playing partners, John Parry & Todd Hamilton. The American is struggling these days and Parry is trying to gain the form he showed last year. This is an ideal 3ball for the South African to return the best scorecard and at 2.90 with Betpack

A second match that I want to play is the match with Seng-Yul Noh and as mentioned in the main post for outright e/w betting, the Korean is good value this week following good form recently. He has formidable players alongside him tomorrow in Jamie Donaldson & Richard S Johnson but the 3.00 on offer has to be taken with Boylesports

Nordea Masters 2011

This week sees action in Sweden where Americans, Dustin Johnson & Bubba Watson head the markets. I was quite keen on DJ winning here but a bit disappointed at the 8/1 on offer. He was a bit ill last week but put a great show at The Open. Only 27 yrs old, I'm really impressed with him and dont believe he's a bottler despite not closing out 3 Majors. Not a great field this week and it should suit him to prevail. He may be on great appearance money but as this is the 2nd year to be invited, that fee must be lucrative and a good effort this week would ensure another invite next year. He can win this but its just not worth backing him at 8's. Bubba is not worth backing at 18s either - he has openly admitted to being homesick away from the States so I see that being an obstacle this week too.
I wasn't going to mention Alex Noren this week but having studied the form and the field have decided he is worth taking this week even at 25/1 with Paddypower. Winner recently at Celtic Manor, Alex has been in good form and can really challenge this week for his home title.
My second selection was a toss up between Seung-Yul Noh and James Morrison. The Korean has had a good couple of weeks on the links (30th in The Open) and could be full of confidence this week but I am opting for the Englishman instead. His form has been slighly better than Noh's and he is rested having not played at Sandwich, went close in Paris and put a great showing in Inverness. He is a streaky player just like Aiken, and could be about to hit top form. 5 par 5's this week will suit him and he can get very hot with the putter. Despite wanting better odds I will take the 50/1 on offer with Betpack.
Third selection is another Swede, Rickard Karlberg. Not a great 2011 so far but has shown glimpses of getting it all together over 4 days and being on home soil may be the spur to do just that. Worth a small interest at 100/1 with Paddypower
Michael Campbell is trying real hard to get back up the leaderboards, has an early start on Thursday and will click one of these weeks. So for that belief and reason I have to have a little on Cambo to surprise everyone.

TIP 1: 1.5 pts e/w A.Noren @ 25/1 Paddypower

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w J.Morrison @ 50/1 Betpack

TIP 3: .5 pts e/w R.Karlberg @ 100/1 Paddypower

TIP 4: .5 pts e/w M.Campbell @ 200/1 Boylesports

Zach Johnson could surprise today too!

Zach Johnson has been playing awfully well lately suggesting a win is not too far away. A former US Masters champion he may have the measure of the greens today too and can go better than former PGA Champion, Y E Yang @ 2.10 also with Paddypower

Clarke to keep his cool Saturday

Very frustrating day yesterday with the 2 bets. Pablo Larrazabal beat Richard Green by a shot again, producing a fine opening 36 hole score to really give him a chance in this championship. A bit surprising but fair play to him. A friend of mine suggested I may have been "chasing" this bet, I said I wasn't but perhaps I was? Convinced Green could outscore him either day, and probably thought "well he didn't day one but he'll get him on day 2!" No doubt, Green will return a better score today so! In the second grouping, Stephen Gallagher somehow lost to Bill Haas! The Scot was -3 for his round at one stage and 3 clear of the American, but he either tired or just got his club selection wrong coming in to return a 71 when it should have been a 69. Really frustrating this result but in review the 2 bets were good ones but with all betting, its not possible to get them all in.
But it's difficult to see value in today's twoballs with the weather the way it is but I have to take Darren Clarke to outscore Lucas Glover @ 2.00 with Paddypower. The Dungannon man will be at home in the wind & rain today not to say that the former US Open champion wont cope either, but Darren is up for this today, and will be patient enough if he keeps his eye on the leaderboards. (It could be a great day for Martin Kaymer, I fully expect him to set himself up nicely for tomorrow)

Friday Threeballs for The Open

2 out of 3 successful on day 1 and a bit unlucky with Richard Green losing out to Pablo Larrazabal who shot a fine 68. Tomorrow they are out early and again I feel the Aussie can outscore the Spaniard as well as Steve Marino. They should get the best of the weather in the morning as rain and wind speed forecasted to pick up in the afternoon. The experience of Green should see him play steady enough and I am not afraid to back him again @ 2.88 with Victor Chandler Golf

In the early afternoon, Scot, Stephen Gallagher will set off in the company of American Bill Haas and Japan's Hiroyuke Fujita having opened with a level par 70. This means he carries a 2 shot lead over Haas and 5 over Fujita. In the wind & rain, Gallagher should prove more able than his partners who need a decent score tomorrow and is great value at 2.63 with Betpack to see out this threeball.

Opening Day Threeball at The Open

First threeball out sees Danny Willett teeing it up alongside Nathan Green & Jerrry Kelly and surprisingly, the Englishman can be had @ 2.40 to outscore his partners who I feel will struggle on this course. The Englishman is improving all the time and the early start may help get over Open nerves and is taken @ 2.40 to prevail with Betpack

Paul Casey may not be having the best year so far but has played a lot of golf on this course despite missing cut in 2003. His playing partners should be taken care of in the morning in the shape of 2003 winner, Ben Curtis & Aaron Baddeley. Again 2.40 with Betpack

Richard Green can be backed at 3.00 with Boylesports to beat Steve Marino and Pablo Larrazabal. I believe he will. Good driver of the ball and a prolific putter will see the left-hander around Sandwich whilst the Spaniard may get too excited leaving the American wishing he had more experience.

The 3 bets above are for 1 pt each

The Open 2011

Very hard to see any American winning this week with perhaps the exception of ultra consistent, Matt Kuchar. With so many American winners over the past 20 years of the Claret Jug, surely they should be considered but recent Majors have gone elsewhere and form suggests that trend is likely to continue. Royal St.George's may not throw up a big as a challenge as was hoped with dry fairways and greens and reasonable good weather forecasted with slight rain and wind the weekend supposedly on the cards. The fact the rough hasn't grown the way the R&A wanted means scoring could be slightly better than anticipated although the par of the course is now just 70 with only 2 par 5's. Emphasis will be on putting the ball on the fairway off the tee and making as many pars as possible, taking birdies when they come. Therefore, this week it should help those who are long and straight and in good form and thats the only way to approach the staking plan. Of course, The Open does throw up outsiders regularly on the leaderboards (who would have predicted the walk in the park by Louis Oosthuizen last year?).The 3 market leaders are obvious choices and Luke Donald should really be starting out as favourite. He is in the best form of anybody but the mind games could be a factor and I am just not comfortable with Luke Donald being a Major winner for some reason. I would love to see Rory win it and he is worth backing at 10/1 this morning with William Hill. I also like to chances of Lee Westwood, I don't believe he can go without winning one and his driving should be an advantage here, if he can just hole his share of putts. He had a decent outing last week in Inverness and his major form is uncomparable to anyone else in this field in recent years. Padriag Harrington, of course chases a 3rd Claret Jug and despite a dip in form he too is a major challenger this week. I do also like Martin Kaymer's chances, he is gradually getting back to top form and had chances last year, has won the Dunhill Links and will be at ease on this course and is great value at 25/1 with Paddypower who are paying 7 places.
I have to back Ross Fisher! I have said many times he is a Major Winner in waiting. Not in great form this year but like Kaymer has been gradually improving over recent tournaments and he is a must bet for me at 80/1 with Paddypower. Ross has good major form and he will have been disappointed to have missed out on the US Open last month, an incentive to do well here this week.
My outside bet this week is in the shape of Nicolas Colsaerts at 150/1 Paddypower. The Belgian hits it a mile and is gaining consistency week in week out. Has the game to challenge for a top 7 placing here.
Retief Goosen has excellent Open form without winning it but 8 top 20 finishes in the past 10 years is an incredible effort and I can see him going well again this week so I will have small investement of him at 50/1 with Paddypower also.

TIP 1: 2 pts win Rory McIlroy @ 10/1 William Hill

TIP2: 1 pt e/w Martin Kaymer @ 25/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: .5 pts e/w Nicolas Clsaerts @ 150/1 Paddypower

TIP 4: .75 pts e/w R.Fisher @ 80/1 Paddypower

TIP 5: .75 pts e/w R.Goosen @ 50/1 Paddypower

TIP 6: .5 pts e/w P.Harrington @ 40/1 Betpack (taken over Lee Westwood due to better odds and Rory selected at 10's)

Lowry to relish afternoon conditions in Inverness

A bogey at the last for Gmac yesterday denied us a good threeball bet winning but a small profit made with the dead heat with Justin Rose nonetheless. Today, his compatriot, Shane Lowry tees off this afternoon at 13:50 on -3 and he can outscore his partners, Garrido & Derksen. Well used to links and the weather conditions, he should be more comfortable on the course than the Spaniard & the Dutchman and is value at 2.2 with Paddypower

GMAC to start well at Castle Stuart Thursday

An afternoon tee-time at Castle Stuart tomorrow sees Graeme McDowell tee it up with playing partners, Justin Rose & Angel Cabrera. Rose has lost a bit form recently and will be out to tweak his game before the Open next week and he may start off with some caution on the unknown course. Cabrera, whilst an assured putter, is long but not as accurate off the tee and despite wide fairways being offered this week the rough might come into play for the big hitting Argentine. The Irishman on the other hand should be well used to links and wind and the Portrush man is great value at 2.5 with Boylesports to outscore his partners.

Note: Boylesports are paying 8 places next week for the British Open...open your account here at Boylesports

Scottish Open 2011 - Castle Stuart Links

This years Scottish Open moves to the Scottish Highlands and the fantastic looking Castle Stuart Course. A new venue for the tournament and a links course to get the players in the mood for the Open the following week. Had a quick look at the betting for The Open today and am struggling to see any value in it but have decided there is some value to be had this week in a star studded lineup. Remeber only some bookmakers are paying 6 places this week, one of which is Paddy Power and should you need to open an account with them you can do so by clicking on this link for Paddypower

I am siding with twice Open champion, Padraig Harrington this week who will be hoping to time his run perfectly for a hat-trick at Sandwich next week and he can go a long way to warming up with a win here.He hasn't been playing that badly lately, ok, he cannot put 4 good rounds together but when he does.....he could be a winner and his time is coming. Well suited to this type of course where control and accuracy, not to mention an A short game is vital. 35/1 with Paddypower
I am going Irish again in the shape of Darren Clarke. Darren loves links golf and is quietly going about his business this year, relishes this time of year and is well worth backing at 80/1 with Paddypower.

My third pick this week is Thomas Aiken @ 60/1 with Boylesports who are also paying 6 places. The South African has the first win under his belt and has done well on links courses in the past and could come in under the radar this week. Is an exceptional talent, has an early start on Thursay off the 10th tee which may help him establish a position early.

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w P.Harrington @ 35/1 Paddypower

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w D.Clarke @ 80/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: 1pt e/w T.Aiken @ 60/1 Boylesports

Whiteford to make up for untidy finish in Rd 2

Peter Whiteford is in fantastic form of late, and although he missed the cut last week, he posted 3 top 10s in the previous 3 events (Italy,Wales & BMW PGA). He is tied 14th at present on -2 BUT should be better having dropped a shot at his 17th before double bogeying the last. The 3 dropped shots have cost him a tied 4th position going into the weekend but it does highlight how well he is playing despite the errors there and I am confident he can post a sub par round tomorrow good enough to eclipse the efforts of Hennie Otto. The South African hasn't missed a cut for awhile but mediocre scoring the weekends this season has meant he has not done as well as he should have and the Scot is a value better to outscore him at 1.83 with

Kaymer to step it up on day 2 at Golf de National

I fully expect Martin Kaymer to produce a good round today to put himself into contention for the weekend. He is just 6 back off the lead and will feel this is an opportunity to regain the world No 3 spot on Sunday. Pablo Larrazabal is playing well but is erractic and you can never tell when he will maintain form whilst Gregory Bourdy is steady making this threeball very interesting. That said, Kaymer is the class act and the offer of 2.25 with William Hill cannot be ignored.


1 pt M.Kaymer to win day 2 threeball @ 2.25 William Hill

Open de France 2011

Despite being one of the best tournaments, prizemoney & prestige wise on the tour, this week's Open de France at the recently appointed Ryder Cup venue, Golf de National, lacks the quality field that one would normally associate with it. Thats because of the Scottish Open taking place on a links course which most Open contenders will now use to tone their game for St. Georges. The World Number 4, Martin Kaymer does play though and the 2009 winner here has already expressed a likeness for this course this week. At 10/1, he may be a bit short but I cant get away from the Dusseldorf man this week. Some tipsters are putting up Peter Hanson, and whilst I do rate Hanson's chances this week, I believe there is better value in the 10/1 on Kaymer than there is on 14/1 about Hanson. Kaymer led going into final round last year (won by Jiminez), won the year before so clearly he likes the course. Ok, this season hasn't gone according to plan but we are entering the best few weeks of the tour so far. Last week, Kaymer battled back from +2 at one stage in the opening round to finish -2 after those 18 hloes, put 2 good rounds together in rds 2 & 3, before returning a mediocre par rd on Sunday. That type of golf suggests that he is about to click and will be my top tip this week with Victor Chandler Golf (who are still paying out as winner should your outright bet pre-tournament score a hole-in-one throughout the tournament.

Joost Luiten finished 3rd last week, and 5th at the Italian Open before that.He has 5 other top 20s to his credit in 2011 from 11 starts so has shown steady progress this year. He is playing well and this weeks course will suit him. He is a winner in waiting and can deliver this week should Kaymer slip up. Again 33/1 with Victor Chandler Golf

My third selection is for Alex Noren @ 50/1 with Victor Chandler Golf also. Has been playing well, has won recently, did better than expected at Congressional and will be in confident mood following the past 2/3 months work. Has the game to suit here as length wont be as much a factor, but accuracy will be which Noren possesses.

I will have one eye on Romain Wattel this week so see how he fares but no investment as the youngster gets to grip with the tour.


TIP 1: 2 pts Martin Kaymer to win @ 10/1 Victor Chandler Golf

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w J.Luiten @ 33/1 Victor Chandler Golf

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w Alex Noren @ 50/1 Victor Chandler Golf

Day 1 Threeball at Open de France- Luiten to score

Joost Luiten is playing awfully well lately, suggesting he is not far from a maiden win. He goes out tomorrow with Alex Cejka & Matthew Zions and is a real value bet to outscore his partners. Good opening round is key this week, the afternoon start will help him also. Need to be accurate on this course and not necessarily long but Luiten is making low scores and should do well here.

1 pt @ 1.91 with Bodog Sportsbook

Stenson to finish well Sunday - 2Ball Betting

I madelight of Henrik Stenson's form when going in to the US Open but the Swede has suddenly found form and despite slipping back yesterday he did show that old grit by making birdies at the end of the round to keep pace. He can outscore local hope Marcel Siem today too.

1 pt @ 1.80 Boylesports

BMW International Day 1 Threeball Value

One threeball that I like that has some great value is the 8:00 (10th Tee) match involving home player Alex Cejka, England's Simon Khan & Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen. Alex is past his best although has gone well before in this tournament but I dont fancy him at all this week, which same can be said for Simon Khan who has only made 3 cuts from 10 starts this year.That leaves the Dane, and he has shown recently that he is getting back into form and this course will be very welcome to him this week as he has finished in top 20 the past 3 years. He is taken to win this tomorrow @ 2.38 with William Hill

BMW International 2011

First of all,congratulations to Rory McIlroy, the 5th Major won by an Irishman in recent years and in some style too.Just sorry I didn't back him! He is taking a well deserved break now before reappearing at Sandwich where he could go in again quite easily so exciting couple of months coming up, which is welcome here as the blog strives to get some profits coming in.Martin Kaymer will be happy to be back in the Motherland for this week's event and whilst I am a great fan of the World No. 3,I am struggling to see him win this week although his form is not that bad as some suggest and it wouldn't surprise me that he does click this week but 10/1 is too short to invest in him.
I've been looking over my selections the past few months and have concluded that, yes, I've put up some outsiders that were really longshots but I've also put up selects that have won only a few weeks later when I abandoned them, not to mention missing out on Alex Noren AND Thomas Aiken whom I have put up many times. I did abandon them due to the poor run(mine) so this week I have decided that I have to stick with Ross Fisher. He missed out on playing at Congressional having fallen out of the top 50, but he is not far off finding the form that I still believe will see him win a major.He missed the cut in Wales last time out and I didn't see him going well that week at the time but I do see a fresh Ross Fisher being all fired up for the coming months and if the putter does get going he will be a regular on the summer leaderboards. He finished 2nd here last year to a fast finishing David Horsey so has course form and I will take the 30/1 with Boylesports.
Rory's Major success on Sunday may just be the spur for good friend Shane Lowry to go well this week. The Offaly man has produced some good results lately and would have been disappointed to have missed the cut in Maryland,but the course in Munich should suit his driving and he too is not far away from winning soon. Best odds with Betpack
I am tempted to have a small interest in Niclas Fasth,a former winner here,who has lost form the past couple of seasons but did show some fine play in Italy (finishing 6th) last time out. But as stated at the top of this post, I have refocussed on trying to find the tournament winner as opposed to throwing in a good "outsider" and have a dilemma now in choosing between Danny Willet, 66/1 Boylesports and another Irishman, Peter Lawrie at 100/1 with William Hill. Both are consistent performers and are much better than their odds suggest. I will split my stakes to include both. Niclas hasn't done enough for me to have confidence in another good outing for this week

TIP 1:1 pt e/w Ross Fisher @ 30/1 Boylesports.

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w Shane Lowry @ 50/1 Betpack

TIP 3: .5pts e/w Danny Willet @ 66/1Boylesports.

TIP 4: .5 pts e/w Peter Lawrie @ 100/1 William Hill

The "Master" has the 'Noh"how to win his match tonight

Very tempted to back Zach Johnson tonight in his pairing against Brandt Snedeker @ 2.10 Victor Chandler Golf but Snedeker has shown great major form in the past, has also won recently on the PGA Tour and therefore is quite capable of performing on "moving day". Johnson, a former Masters Champion and probably the best putter on tour could be McIlroy's biggest threat the weekend alongside our tip, Matt Kuchar and is probably a value bet @ 2.10. However, I do fancy Charl Swchartzel to see of Seung-Yul Noh @ 1.62 with Betpack, puerly because of experience, not doubting the Korean's potential but with tricky pin placements, the expierenced Master Champ should play slightly better.

Good Luck

Bank : €106.77
Bet : € 5.34

US Open Day 2 Threeball

Rory McIlroy produced one of the great US Open rounds yesterday and all eyes will be on him to see if he can go on now having lead 3 of the last 4 Majors before succumbing with horrific scores (80 in rd at British Open and 80 on Sunday at The Masters). Rory has prepared well for this week and I believe he will have the bottle for another good round today and can account for Mickelson & Dustin Johnson again.
1pt McIlroy to win Day 2 Threeball @ 6/4 Betpack

US Open Day 1 Threeball Betting

The "draw" for the opening 2 rounds of this year's US Open is interesting with some amazing threeballs. The World's top 3, Westwood, Donald & Kaymer will accompany each other, there is an All Italian 3ball(Molinaris & Mannesero), an All Spanish 3ball(Jiminez, Garcia & Quiros) and all Swedish 3ball in Stenson,Edfors & Jacobson. Would love to have seen 3 Irishmen go out togther, Rory, GMac & Lowry but sure thats the way it goes.

The Swedish 3ball though represents value for me, as,off the bat, Stenson wont be doing much on Thursday bar swearing! No form at all and gets into this by the fact he won the Players in 2009. Edfors has been playing well in Europe but this is different setup this week and is too inconsistent for my liking leaving Freddie J @ 2.38 to take the spoils tomorrow. Has been playing well lately (top 10 last week) and will relish this course and he will be well up for the Swedish match!

TIP: 1 pt (5% of bank= €5.23) on Freddie Jacobson @ 2.38 Betpack

US Open 2011

The second major of the year gets underway on Thursday just outside Washington DC, where the US Open was last hosted in 1997 at Congressional GC, won by Ernie Els. The US Open this week though surely is the most open Major in many a year, made not just by the absence of Tiger Woods but perhaps the fact the winner could come from anywhere which Martin Kaymer spoke of the other day. I dont agree exactly that the winner could come from any of 30 - 40 though, but it would be surprising if the winner triumphs having shown no form coming into this week. As usual for the Majors, I am taking 8pts in my staking plan. I really hope that Lee Westwood does it this week. The course is ideal for him, but the greens could be his downfall. That said he has been ultra consistent in Majors the past few seasons and should have won in New York 2 years ago. I think he can prevail this week and he is chosen as first pick to finally capture that elusive Major.
There are 2 Americans that alot of punters will be including in their staking plans and I'm no different. Simply because they have been consistent lately and the win always follows form. Hunter Mahan thrives in the big events and has the game & patience to capture the title on Sunday. His putting has been excellent this season and if he can get into contention come Sunday will relish the challenge.
Matt Kuchar is coming back into the form that he showed towards the end of 2010, drives the ball great which is paramount this week, but its his bogey stats that impress me suggesting he can be patient to stick it out with pars and be there come back nine Fathers day.
Retief Goosen has been off the radar for quite awhile but a top 10 last week at the St Jude will have the two-time US Open Champion in confident mood for this week, has a great record on fast greens with the flatstcik and with the greens set for a reading of 14 on the stimpmeter, no one is better for putting stats than "The Goose".
My outside bet is Webb Simpson! Not always a good move to be backing debutants in a Major as severe a test as this one but Simpson has been producing some solid displays this year, drives the ball well. Can get a bit nervy when in contention but you never know, he may just surprise those who feel he lacks experience


TIP 1: 2 pts WIN Lee Westwood @ 12/1 bet here with bWin

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w Hunter Mahan @ 22/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w M.Kuchar @ 25/1 Paddypower

TIP 4 : .5 pts e/w Retief Goosen @ 60/1 Paddypower

TIP 5: .5 pts e/w Webb Simpson @ 100/1 Paddypower

Note: Paddypower paying 6 places as are Boylesports Victor Chandler Golf

Threeball & Twoball Betting

I have decided to commence threeball betting as mentioned before. I have decided to use a sepeate bank for this as I see these bets being valued in a different light than than each way betting on tournament outcomes. therefore the starting bank will be just €100 and ALL bets will be 5% of the bank. (this is 1pt)

To kick off I have a strong bet on Peter Whiteford to beat Victor Dubuissson in todays twoball at 12:05 @ 1.91 Betpack