Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

I think the phrase 'like Father like son' was never more appropriate for Kevin Stadler who, like his Father, swaggered to a victory on the European Tour (Johnny Walker Classic) in a fashion so similar to Dad that is was scary. He not only has the large Stadler girth but the mannerisms are identical to Craig. Similar is Kevin's ability to play great golf when required as was evident with his second shot to the last hole yesterday. Needing a birdie to beat Nick O'Hern, Stadler produced the shot of the week to guide his four-iron to four inches from the hole for the easiest of eagles. Beware the Walrus again as the young pup has just grown up!

Pebble Beach turned on the weather to produce one of the great backdrops in golf. Aaron Oberholser found the inspiration required to capture his first PGA tour win from a faltering Mike Weir. Rory Sabbatini continued his good start to the year with another top five placing and his ext win cannot be too far away. As for our winner I expect him to go on from this win, as his game is solid, if not spectacular. As for Mike Weir, without a win since 2004 his poor performance on Sunday will be a major worry for him, as he never looked like contending.

The US tour stays in California with the Nissan Open being played at the historic Riviera Country Club. This tournament is famous on the US tour as it is the only tournament that Tiger plays regularly but has never won. Perhaps a reason why this has occurred is found in the lack of par fives (only two), the requirement to shape shots of the tee and overall need for finesse and not power. The greens are average in size with a sloping bent-grass surface providing both nap and grain. Riviera is a course with few surprises but a lot of character.

Selections:

Robert Allenby: a past winner of this event and was nicely positioned going last year before the tournament was abandoned after two rounds. His form in Australia has been first-class and on a course that suits his game I expect a good showing this week.

Adam Scott: last year's winner (36 hole event) and with signs that his game is starting to click this is an obvious opportunity for him to contend again. His driving has improved this year and his putting is beginning to show signs of consistency. If he bring s his 'A game' this week he is a major contender.

Shigeki Maruyama: has performed well in this tournament before and the course seems to suit his game, especially the requirement to shape tee shots. He has not won for a few years but his past history at this event is hard to ignore. A good each way chance at very big odds.

Others to mention: K.J Choi, Henrik Stenson & Chad Campbell.

Once again the European tour heads East with the Malaysian Open played at the Kaula Lumpur Golf & Country club. The course is typical of many Asian courses with sloping fairways, horrendous rough and very grainy greens. Add to this the local humidity and it is not surprising that local (Asian) players have won the event for the past three years.

Selections:

Thaworn Wiratchant: last years Asian tour Order of Merit winner this self taught professional may not look stylish but he sure can play. With a short game as good as anyone he has the ability to 'score ugly'. He will of course be familiar with both the course and the conditions so I expect him to go very close.

Shiv Kapur: one of the brightest prospects to come out of Asia in many years. This sweet swinging Indian has the game and the temperament to become very good indeed. Another good performance last week at the Johnny Walker means he comes here in good form. Expect him to contend.

Miguel Angel Jimenez: the Spaniard has good form in Asia and he has begun the season in fine style. His experience will assist him this week and his overall game is looking solid and he should contend again.

Others to mention: Thongchai Jaidee, Stephen Dodd & Emanuele Canonica.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!