Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….
What do you get when you combine a man's 'piggy tail', bizarre facial hair , a love of fine wine and a passion for long cigars? Well it has to be one of the most entertaining golfers on the planet – Miguel Angel Jimenez, that's who.
With an attitude so laid back he may be asleep and with a constant eye on the finer things in life Miguel lives a life we all can only dream about. But it is not all sweetness and light because this guy can play golf as well. In fact he plays it so well that he has one eight tournaments around the world in the past two years, including the Welsh Open played last week. When all others were loosing the mental strength to close out the deal Miguel simply played the last nine holes in five under to win by four strokes. With the US Open only two weeks away and Pinehurst a straight hitters course this likeable Spaniard could sneak under everyone's radar and contend.
A special mention must also be made to Brad Bryant for winning the Memorial tournament and holding off a rejuvenated Fred Couples. It seems that Brad always had the talent to play well on tour but did not have the belief required to show that talent consistently. A new approach last week certainly helped him and even with a ball in the water at the 72nd hole he composed himself well to get the job done.
A special mention must go to Jack Nicklaus who may have played his last professional PGA tournament this week. There is nothing that you can say about the man that has not already been said and with The Open his last professional tournament next month it is going to be emotional.
And so to this week….
The US PGA tour moves to the Congressional golf course in Maryland for the Booz Allen Classic, which was site of the 1997 US Open. The Congressional layout is predominantly tree lined with generous landing areas and large subtle sloping greens. This tournament is usually won on the greens with putting and scrambling the keys to victories in the past.
Selections:
Jim Furyk: been playing well tee to green for some time now and only needs the putter to heat up to win this week. Traditionally Jim has been a solid putter so a change in fortune must not be too far away. Must go close this week.
Fred Couples: a fantastic performance last week to finish second after four weeks away from the game. Lead the Memorial in greens hit and if he can do the same this week he must contend again.
Bo Van Pelt: has the potential to be a real force on tour but is yet to make that mental step from promise to results. Has the all round game to play well at Congressional and could surprise a lot of players this week at good odds.
Others to mention: Jerry Kelly, Fredrik Jacobsen and Geoff Ogilvy.
The European tour moves to the Netherlands for the KLM Open, played around the Hilversum golf course. This course is a throw back to the old course style with tight tree lined fairways with undulating fairways and small greens. The course is situated close to the coast and is affected by 'links weather', which usually hit the course in the early afternoon. A good ball striker will do well this week.
Selections:
Soren Hanson: has been one of the best ball strikers on the European tour for some time and is only let down by a cool putter. With putting a less of a priority than iron play this week I expect him to contend.
Bradley Dredge: the highest ranked player this week who has the overall game to contend. His short game is one of the best on tour and if he can hit enough greens then he must go close.
Paul Broadhurst: a winner earlier this year who continues to play consistent golf. No real weakness in his game should see him go close this week.
Others to mention: Anders Hanson, Alistair Forsyth and Marcus Fraser.
Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!