Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

What bearing does confidence in your game have on your ability to finish a tournament off? Fairly obvious question I know but the answer must be a lot. I mean the finish to the WGC tournament over the weekend once again proved how important it is to have belief.

For example Tiger Woods is a guy who was born with belief and confidence is a mental thought that flows throughout his body. He is never questioning his ability or his mental toughness to get the job done. It is this unique ability that allows him to stay in tournaments when his game is off and to win tournaments when the tough questions are asked. He is simply the best at this. But the flip side is players like John Daly and Colin Montgomerie. Both are fantastic players in their own right but you get the feeling both did not know how to finish the tournament off. I mean Daly three putted twice from nowhere to loose and Monty just does not have the confidence on US soil to win. I mean his ball striking all week was better than anyone but his putting lacked the authority to challenge the hole and sink the critical putts. He is now 0-110 tournaments played in the US.

A mention this week must go out to Jay Haas who for the past three years has been raising eyebrows on the regular US PGA tour with his fine play in the autumn of his career, and took that form across to the Champions tour and won the Greater Hickory Championship. For such a fine player you forget it is his first victory in over ten years on any tour and perhaps is an insight to his playing schedule now. He may just like the feel of the Champions Tour and the winning buzz. I expect him to play more Champions now than US PGA tour events. If this is the case then he will be a welcome addition to an already strong player list.

The US tour moves this week to the bright lights of Las Vegas for the Michelin Championship. This tournament, like the Bob Hope is a pro-celebrity event played over four rounds and three courses. All three courses are resort style layouts so expect some low scores. Most players view this style of tournament as a putting contest as the ball-striking test is lowered with wide fairways and large greens assisting all.

Selections:

Shigeki Maruyama: playing well now after a form slump during the middle of the year. A solid all round game with a streaky putting stroke he is one player who does not mind shooting low. He has to be a contender this week.

Charles Howell III: not for the first time I have stated in these articles that CHIII is one-dimensional. Well I still believe that but this is one tournament were that will not matter. His putter will need to heat up though but if it does I can see him going close.

Ian Poulter: he has a great record in this style of event and is starting to show a return to form. He is not scared of winning and could go well this week at a big price.

Others to mention: Steve Flesch, Rory Sabbatini and Fred Couples. Please note I have not tipped Mickelson or Daly this week, as there are too many distractions for them away from the course!

The European tour this week moves to Madrid for the Open de Madrid. The course is tight with both heavy rough and overhanging trees lining most fairways. The greens are moderate in size but have large undulations and will prove difficult to putt on. Players must be hitting the ball well to score here.

Selections:

Colin Montgomerie: if he can handle the large amount of travelling he has had to endure over the past month and still stay fresh then he must be a big chance this week. A winner only two weeks ago and another fine performance last week he is very much on form. His putting must improve but this is not the US and he can win here to secure another order of merit title.

Maarten Lafeber: will find a number of fairways and greens but will require an improvement in his putting to contend. If he can find some putts then he must contend this week.

Darren Clarke: he has other things on his mind other than golf this week but if he can focus then he must be a live contender. He has the game but is he focussed enough?

Others to mention: Peter Hedblom, David Lynn and Brett Rumford.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!