Golf Betting Column: What The Golfinggods Say….

Sometimes when it is your time to win nothing will stop you. That was the case for Lucas Glover last week with his victory in the Funai Classic in Florida. Some six strokes back with a round to go and with more than fifteen players ahead of him the chances of victory seemed remote indeed. But a seven under par final round of sixty-five finished off by a holed putt off the seventeenth and then a miraculous bunker shot on eighteen was the stuff dreams are made of.

In Europe class once again proved that it is permanent and only form is temporary when Jose Maria Olazabal won his first tournament since 2002. His five-stroke victory in Mallorca was a victory based around good position of the tee, which is not one of his stronger points. His obvious talents with his short game resulted in a player who was always going to be tough to beat. Do not be surprised if he wins again very soon.

The US tour stays in Florida this week with the Chrysler Championship being played at the Copperhead course. This tournament will have much significance for many players, for many reasons. It is the last full field event of the year, which for many players means it is the last opportunity to secure a tour card for 2006. For the players who have secured their player privileges for 2006 they will also have an agenda this week to secure the highest spot possible on the money list in order to open the door to the majors next year. Expect a number of chewed fingernails this week.

The Copperhead is defended by its tricky greens which are hard to find and even harder to putt on. The key this week will not be hitting miles but hitting it to the right part of the fairways and greens.

Selections:

Ben Crane: one of the most improved players on tour this year and has the accuracy and the putting stroke to contend this week. His overall style of play will be perfect for this course and I expect him to go close to his second victory of the year.

David Toms: another player who can perform well on a 'second shot' golf course. His accuracy of the tee should have him hitting into the tricky greens from the right angles and his solid short game should see him convert his share of birdies. I expect a big week from Toms!

Tim Herron: 'Lumpy' has not won for some time on tour but his form over the past three months is hard to fault. A very solid iron player and only needs the putter to work to be in contention.

Others to mention: Justin Rose, John Daly and Brandt Jobe.

The European tour heads to mainland Spain for the season ending jackpot that is the Volvo Masters Andalucia, which is open to the top sixty places on the European Tour Order of Merit. There is no half way cut so a healthy cheque is assured for all.

Played around the tough Valderrama course where each player will be tested fully. A tight tree lined course that requires both accuracy and sound positional play to find the right side of the fairways to approach the large bent grass greens. The winds, especially in the afternoon are a factor around this course and the notorious par five seventeenth will test the nerve of every player. Just ask Tiger!

Selections:

Sergio Garcia: great record around this course and he will feel the tournament owes him one after losing last year. His overall form is good and it is his putter that has held him back from more victories this year. I expect him to contend again this week.

Jose Maria Olazabal: another Spaniard with a very good record around this course. If he can continue to drive the ball like he did last week then he must be a big contender again this week.

Luke Donald: another player who will find many fairways and greens but is being held back by his putter. A solid display this week on the greens will see this classy player go very close.

Others to mention: Paul Casey, Michael Campbell and Henrik Stenson.

Until next week – May The Golfinggods Be With You!