Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

The real sign of a champion is not only their ability to close out a tournament but also to keep their confidence up when things go wrong. Take Sergio Garcia as an example. A couple of weeks ago he let a six stroke lead go at the Wachovia Championship in the final round when his game fell apart coming down the final nine holes. That type of performance would have left a lot of players questioning their toughness and heart, but not Sergio. He has used the experience to galvanise himself and quickly responded with a win in the Booze Allan Classic. With a superb six under par final round Sergio was able to fend off the charge of Adam Scott and restore momentum going into the US Open.

Of course the final round of the Booze Allan had everyone talking about Rory Sabbatini and his lack of etiquette towards Ben Crane. Although Crane is notorious as a slow player Rory took it a little over board by racing ahead of his player partner on the back nine. This of course received the crowd's disapproval and for the first time in my memory a player was heckled and booed walking onto the final green. I hope Rory realises what he has done and can calm down a bit because Golf was the looser out of this sad affair.

But that is now in the past and all eyes are focussed on the US Open this week being played at Pinehurst Country Club. The Pinehurst No2 course will always remain in the memory because of the victory in 1999 by Payne Stewart. His epic battle with Phil Mickelson will be remembered fondly for many years to come, and of course it has added emotional strength following Payne's death. Many players will remember Payne this week and pay their respects to their lost friend and competitor.

The Donald Ross course will be set up like all US Open courses with tight fairways, thick rough and fast greens. After the debacle of Shinnecock Hills a year ago I hope that USGA will have the course playable and not potentially farcical.

Initial reports from the course indicate that it is playable with thick rough and fast, holding greens. Of course the real defence to Pinehurst is the 'turtle back' greens, which provide a severe putting and chipping test and the tight tree lined fairways. It is possible for players to look very foolish indeed around Pinehurst, especially if their short game is not with them. If any bad weather is forecast then Par will be a very good score indeed.

Selections:

It seems obvious that the ingredients required to play around Pinehurst are straight driving and a good short game. Based on this assumption I think the following players can do well this week:

Tiger Woods: an obvious choice I know but I think he can win if he does one thing – leave the driver in his bag! Do not, unless on a par five get the driver out Tiger! For all other holes hit the low stinger two iron or a three wood. Get the ball in play Tiger and the rest of your game will take care of this tournament. Of course if he reaches for the driver too often he may be in trouble because at times this year he has been very wild indeed. But if we assume he can get the ball in play then his ability to hold key putts will see him win.

Scott Verplank: perhaps a surprise selection but he does have the ability to hit a lot of fairways and can putt very well. Although he may not have the mental strength to win a Major tournament I feel he certainly can contend around a course that does play to his strengths. A good each way bet at very nice odds.

Kenny Perry: leads the overall rankings on the US PGA tour and in particular the GIR category. Perhaps a streaky putter however he has won twice this year already and can roll it as well as anyone when in form. In good overall form and with the years slipping away this may be his best chance to add a Major to his resume.

Luke Donald: the impressive Englishman has no real weakness to his game and will find the US Open test suiting his game indeed. Perhaps he is not experience enough to win a Major just yet but his form and game is too good to pass up. Look for him to contend this week.

Others to mention: as with every Major there is an enormous array of betting product to place wagers on. One of my favourites is the Top Nationality products. I think there are some stand out bets in these products and look for Nick O'Hern to be top Australasian player and Vijah Singh to be top ROW player.

Who ever you back this week enjoy your US Open experience.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!