This week we find ourselves in Dubai, for the much-anticipated first duel of 2007 between Tiger Woods and Ernie Els. The 'American style" Emirates Golf Club is a much-liked pit-stop for the 120 strong field, especially Tiger, who will receive more than the ENTIRE prize fund as an appearance fee alone!
There doesn't appear to be any great value in selecting Woods as a tip this week, as he is only around the 11-8 against mark, pretty poor considering Dubai hosts a world-class field this week, unlike Tiger's win at the Buick last week. Tiger does have a good record here, and IS the current champion, but 11-8 just doesn't appeal.
The 5-1 quote for big Ernie though, DOES appeal. One of his favourite courses, alongside Royal Melbourne and Wentworth's West (obviously - he re-designed it), he is a three times champion here and shook off a wee bit of winter rust at Dohar last week.
There is also a persuasive argument to plump for Henrik Stenson again, but he has complained of fatigue over the last two weekends, and missed many birdie chances last weekend - maybe he is best left alone (at 14-1 3rd favourite) for a week or two. (Famous last words?)
Two to definitely consider though are Miguel Angel Jimenez and David Howell. Jimenez always seems to start every season like a bleedin greyhound, (a weird-looking, ginger-permed, cigar-smoking, clown greyhound, I grant you), and the Howler, after more injury concerns at the tail-end of last season will want to start pushing for the order of merit already; a title which the very amiable Swindon man, apart from his injury bad luck, probably would have won at a canter last year. These two, because the bookies cannot see past Tiger and Ernie, are available at very generous odds each way.
Two others for the shortlist might be Graeme McDowell who seems to be bang on form at this time, and Nick Dougherty again.
The 'fun' long-odds bet of the week though, again lies across the pond. It's superbowl weekend time and the FBR Open in Arizona is ready for a brash weekend of boozing and roaring crowds. This course seems designed for golfers who hit the ball MILES in ANY direction - no rough to speak of - every par 4 or 5 is looked at as a birdie chance. So....
how about a little each-way punt on BUBBA WATSON at 80-1 against? This bloke is the longest-hitter on the US tour at the moment at around 335yds per drive, on average! It must be noted here also that a certain Mr.Phil Mickelson has added 20yds to his driving last week, now hitting on average 315yds, by unveiling his new Callaway square-headed monster, so I suppose his class can't be ruled out. But at only 9-1 against, I'll stick with Watson.
Feel the love, Bubba!
(NB. This selection will not count again to this balance).
Current balance: £480
SELECTIONS:
Els £3 e/w 5-1
McDowell £1 e/w 80-1
Howell 50p e/w 50-1
Jimenez 50p e/w 33-1
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £470
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RESULT:
Because I am without the internet for a week or two, (as posted before), I will only give basic results and comments for the next few tournaments as described, after the 18th february.
Watch this space...
Ok. It's 19th Feb now, and we're back online!
The result of the Dubai Desert Classic, was an each-way return on Ernie Els only. After a great start by McDowell, Jimenez and a good fightback from Els, at the close of the final round, only Els made "Twenty-Six" any profit at all, by coming 2nd at 5-1. Jimenez came a creditable eighth on Sunday afternoon.
[NB.Unfortunately also, after LEADING for a time, during the 2nd round, and giving followers of 26 a great run for their money, Bubba Watson slipped down the leaderboard on the final day at the FBR open in Arizona, to finish JUST out of the money in eighth place. Aw Shucks....! So close...!]
WINNINGS: £4.25
PROFIT/LOSS: -£5.75
BALANCE AFTER TOURNAMENT: £474.25
COMMENT: See above.
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