Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

A fantastic performance by Phil Mickelson resulted in a deserving addition to his major count. Throughout the final round the title really was Phil's to loose but he held his emotions together to make the shots when they really counted. In a funny way I feel this is as big a title for Phil as was The Masters last year as it will give him the confidence to win more and to believe that a resurgent Tiger Woods may not mean no more victories. I expect him to win a couple more Majors within the next five years.

The PGA of America must be congratulated for the challenge they set at Baltusrol. They were not afraid to allow good play to be rewarded with birdies and their mentality needs to be applauded. Take a feather from their caps USGA members.

The quality and depth of the US PGA field continues this week at the WGC-NEC Invitational tournament played at the Firestone Country Club in Ohio. It is hard to imagine the level of fatigue within the players after the last major of the year but if they are tired they may be in for a shock as this course has been toughened up since last year. At over 7,350 yards the par 70 Firestone course has been toughened up with many fairways being narrowed and the rough very penal. A premium on good iron play is required with the bentgrass greens being small and severely sloped. Ultimately the Firestone test will resemble the Baltusrol test from the week before.

Selections:

Jim Furyk: the key to his game is now the putter as he is consistently hitting more fairways and greens than most players on tour. However he does not get the most out of his game because of his putter. A good week on the greens should see Jim contend once again.

David Toms: like Jim Furyk the key to Tom's game is to find form on the greens. His driving this year has been fantastic but his short game is not complimenting his long game. If David can find the form to putt well this week then his game is ready to win again, and at large odds too.

Darren Clarke: a proven winner of WGC events, Clarke has been performing well for most of the season. He should have been a winner this year on the US PGA tour but a poor final nine at Hilton Head cost he dearly. One of the best ball strikers on tour I think the Ulsterman can go very well around the difficult Firestone track.

Others to mention: Tiger Woods, Stuart Appleby and Luke Donald.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!