FIELD 156
The tour hits mainland Europe for the first time this year, and thats the reason why I'm choosing to tip on this tourney, rather than across the pond at the HOUSTON OPEN, the US MASTERS warm up this year.
One hell of a lot of golfers have chosen to sit out both tournaments, and fine tune their game for Augusta elsewhere.
Paul Broadhurst has won this tournament for the past two years - only Tiger Woods has successfully defended a title twice. Broadhurst is no Woods, so is overlooked this week.
Oitavo is a hilly (mountainous) course, buffeted by strong Atlantic winds and inclement weather at this time of year, so we need golfers who don't mind a bit of that!
First up is Charl Schwartzel, a maturing golfer, coming of age, hasn't missed a cut all year so far, and has good course form from when he was an amateur.
Second is Dougherty. Not much to beat this week Nick. Come on now...
Third is the elder Molinari - Francesco. A faultless swing, and a good finish last week after a dreadful start, combined with a magic putter sometimes and a good year so far.
Broadhurst WILL be third - if only because he'll regard himself as three up on the first tee after the last two years, and lastly I'll "plump" for "Dumpy Doddy", the Welshman Stephen Dodd. He finished 6th here two years ago, after suffering from the worst gales of the week, and won the World Cup here with Bradley Dredge of Wales, 16 months ago, in a sodden Portugal. He's not playing great so far this year, but hasn't missed a cut so far, so maybe Portugal will bring out the best in him again...?!
Twenty Six needs it...!
Current balance: £424.50p
SELECTIONS:
Schwartzel £1.50p e/w 20-1
Dougherty £1 e/w 20-1
F.Molinari £1 e/w 40-1
Broadhurst 50p e/w 25-1
Dodd 50p e/w 50-1
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £415.50p
RESULT:
Schwartzel - FINAL POS’N: =3rd
Dougherty - FINAL POS’N: =21st
F.Molinari - FINAL POS’N: =46th
Broadhurst - FINAL POS’N: =54th
Dodd - FINAL POS'N: m/c
WINNINGS: £6.75p
PROFIT/LOSS: -£2.25p
BALANCE AFTER TOURNAMENT: £422.25p
COMMENT:A wind blown Portugal threw up an Amateur winner for the first time in the European Tours history (although 2nd place Jacquelin walked away with the first prize winnings of 140,000 euros!)
A poor tournament for "26", although Charl Schwartzel was leading midway through the final round, then bogeyed 3 holes on the trot. Sound familiar?!
Masters next week - surely "26" will make some money then...?!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
10. WGC CA CAMPIONSHIP. DORAL (FL) 22-25 MAR 07
WGC CA CHAMPIONSHIP (DORAL (FL))
FIELD 74
A guest tournament this week, this years 2nd WGC Championship, held at The Doral GC in Florida, nicknamed "The Blue Monster" for all the water on the course.
The European PGA tour event this week is the Madeira Open, but has a pretty poor field, as all the top golfers in the world are playing in Florida....
David Howell last year said this was a long hitters paradise, and is a pretty straightforward course. If it wasn't for the water on 12 of the holes, you could argue it is pretty dull.
Woods is obviously the favourite, having won this tournament or its equivalent 5 times, but a collapse at Bay Hill last week, when he was joint leader after the first round means odds of 5-2 offer no appeal.
Veejay Singh seems to be coming right back to form, after last weeks win, and has decent Doral form, so we'll select the Fijian this week, at reasonable odds.
Els keeps talking a good game after switching to new Callaway irons, but although having a solid season so far, has yet to deliver - no bet for us.
Mickleson is not the greatest on Florida Bermuda grass, and has only really played this tournament in the past when it was called The Ford, to appease his sponsors.
David Toms, although not a big hitter, does have excellent Doral form though, ( 2 5ths and a 2nd), and fairway/green men HAVE won at Doral, Parry and Furyk being two that spring to mind. A great 2007 stroke av. so far (in the top ten) means we'll select this very "un-stellar" dark horse.
Goosen has reasonable course form, and has started the season solidly in Europe - another selection for us - we're STILL getting value on this double US Open winner!
The last selection will be Zach Johnson, limited but decent Doral form, and a "tryer" this year, with some good results so far - at great odds this week...!
Current balance: £434.50p
SELECTIONS:
Singh £2.50p e/w 14-1
Toms £1 e/w 33-1
Goosen £1 e/w 25-1
Johnson 50p e/w 100-1
Stake: £10
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £424.50p
RESULT:
Singh - FINAL POS’N: =11th (-3)
Toms - FINAL POS’N: =45th (+6)
Goosen - FINAL POS’N: =58th (+9)
Johnson - FINAL POS’N: =9th (-4)
WINNINGS: £0
PROFIT/LOSS: -£10
BALANCE AFTER TOURNAMENT: £424.50p
COMMENT: Another 'no result week' I'm afraid.
Tiger ran away with this and only needed a 73 in the final round to win by 2. (At least I won over a grand on the OLBG website!)
Zach Johnson nearly was a great success for "26". Equal 2nd mid-way through the final round, sitting at -7, that would have produced a very nice return for us. He found a way however, to bogey 3 holes in the final 9, dropping down to only equal 9th place at the end of proceedings. Actually, he bogied (or worse) the 18th hole EACH DAY! You cannot expect a golfer to grab a place if he does that. It might be worth remembering that - if a golfer has that bad memories of a hole, not to bet on him at Doral next year. The 18th is allegedly a very nervous-making tee shot - Tiger used a 3 iron there on all four days!
Singh mounted a semi serious challenge also, but never really competed.
As for Goosen and Toms - awful, seriously awful.
It was windy in Miami over the tournament, but if anything, this tournament may be remembered for Tiger showing his ongoing complete dominance, and a very poor showing from all the other 'stars' of golf.
It may also be remembered for an incident where Garcia spat into the 13th cup after 3 putting there. Absolutely terrible behaviour - is he back to his spoiled child antics again?
Anyway, still no return for "26" and the Masters looming...
FIELD 74
A guest tournament this week, this years 2nd WGC Championship, held at The Doral GC in Florida, nicknamed "The Blue Monster" for all the water on the course.
The European PGA tour event this week is the Madeira Open, but has a pretty poor field, as all the top golfers in the world are playing in Florida....
David Howell last year said this was a long hitters paradise, and is a pretty straightforward course. If it wasn't for the water on 12 of the holes, you could argue it is pretty dull.
Woods is obviously the favourite, having won this tournament or its equivalent 5 times, but a collapse at Bay Hill last week, when he was joint leader after the first round means odds of 5-2 offer no appeal.
Veejay Singh seems to be coming right back to form, after last weeks win, and has decent Doral form, so we'll select the Fijian this week, at reasonable odds.
Els keeps talking a good game after switching to new Callaway irons, but although having a solid season so far, has yet to deliver - no bet for us.
Mickleson is not the greatest on Florida Bermuda grass, and has only really played this tournament in the past when it was called The Ford, to appease his sponsors.
David Toms, although not a big hitter, does have excellent Doral form though, ( 2 5ths and a 2nd), and fairway/green men HAVE won at Doral, Parry and Furyk being two that spring to mind. A great 2007 stroke av. so far (in the top ten) means we'll select this very "un-stellar" dark horse.
Goosen has reasonable course form, and has started the season solidly in Europe - another selection for us - we're STILL getting value on this double US Open winner!
The last selection will be Zach Johnson, limited but decent Doral form, and a "tryer" this year, with some good results so far - at great odds this week...!
Current balance: £434.50p
SELECTIONS:
Singh £2.50p e/w 14-1
Toms £1 e/w 33-1
Goosen £1 e/w 25-1
Johnson 50p e/w 100-1
Stake: £10
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £424.50p
RESULT:
Singh - FINAL POS’N: =11th (-3)
Toms - FINAL POS’N: =45th (+6)
Goosen - FINAL POS’N: =58th (+9)
Johnson - FINAL POS’N: =9th (-4)
WINNINGS: £0
PROFIT/LOSS: -£10
BALANCE AFTER TOURNAMENT: £424.50p
COMMENT: Another 'no result week' I'm afraid.
Tiger ran away with this and only needed a 73 in the final round to win by 2. (At least I won over a grand on the OLBG website!)
Zach Johnson nearly was a great success for "26". Equal 2nd mid-way through the final round, sitting at -7, that would have produced a very nice return for us. He found a way however, to bogey 3 holes in the final 9, dropping down to only equal 9th place at the end of proceedings. Actually, he bogied (or worse) the 18th hole EACH DAY! You cannot expect a golfer to grab a place if he does that. It might be worth remembering that - if a golfer has that bad memories of a hole, not to bet on him at Doral next year. The 18th is allegedly a very nervous-making tee shot - Tiger used a 3 iron there on all four days!
Singh mounted a semi serious challenge also, but never really competed.
As for Goosen and Toms - awful, seriously awful.
It was windy in Miami over the tournament, but if anything, this tournament may be remembered for Tiger showing his ongoing complete dominance, and a very poor showing from all the other 'stars' of golf.
It may also be remembered for an incident where Garcia spat into the 13th cup after 3 putting there. Absolutely terrible behaviour - is he back to his spoiled child antics again?
Anyway, still no return for "26" and the Masters looming...
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
9. TCL CLASSIC. YALONG BAY. CHINA. 15-18 Mar 07
To China and the third TCL "Classic".
Classic it most certainly is NOT, with a field of 156 players, most APGA journeymen.
Three names head the list, Dougherty (no comment), Westwood and McGinley.
All three have a chance, although (believe it or not) Dougherty may have the best chance even after last weeks shenanigans!
He says (gulp) he is playing the best golf of his career at the moment, to quote him- "playing like Tiger does". Time for him to back up those words with actions - so we'll give him another go... (hmmmm).
McGinley has very strong course form ( he was only just beaten in a playoff in 2005 by Casey holing a monster putt), and after two weeks rest, may go close again. This is a poor field remember...
Terry Pilkidaris is playing very nice golf at the moment (on effectively his home tour). The "nappy factor" in year 1 of your 1st child's birth is often underrated and this may help him. There's no value in him, but there doesn't seem to be value in anyone this week. Pilkidaris is a course winner though, so we'll have him in the plan.
Almost last (and least) is veteran Taiwanese golfer Keng-Chi Lin. 40 years old, and nicknamed "Lin The Pin" because of his accurate iron play, this Asian golfer has the course form to go close also.
Finally we look to Guarav Ghei, sixth in The Johnnie Walker Classic two weeks ago, is our last selection after last years TCL 5th place. He's a better golfer this year, and should challenge?
Opening balance before bet: £442.50p
Selections-
Dougherty: £2 to win 12-1
McGinley: £1 e/w 16-1
K-C Lin: £1 e/w 33-1
Pilkidaris: 50p e/w 25-1
Ghei: 50p e/w 50-1
Stake: £8
Balance after stake: £334.50p
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
RESULT:
DOUGHERTY- =13th
McGINLEY- =34th
LIN- m/c
PILKIDARIS- m/c
GHEI- =25th
Winnings: £0
Profit/Loss: -£10
Closing balance after tournament: £434.50p
COMMENT- Not a great week I'm afraid, once more.
Dougherty had another solid week, but never threatened the top of the leaderboard, McGinley just doesn't seem to be playing particularly well this year so far, KC Lin and Pilkadaris both missed the cut, Pilkidaris by some way and Ghei has yet to prove himself.
The run away winner in China this year was Chapchai Nirat who opened up with a -11 score in round 1 and never looked back!
There was a welcome return to form of Prayed MarkSaeng, in one of his favourite countries, and WC Liang also continued his hot streak after last weeks win, with a nice solid 6th place here.
Interesting to note that Lee Westwood, although not threatening to win here, possibly has started some sort of a return to form, finishing above Dougherty on Sunday.
Whilst all that is happening, "26" still waits for our first winner... will it ever come?!
Classic it most certainly is NOT, with a field of 156 players, most APGA journeymen.
Three names head the list, Dougherty (no comment), Westwood and McGinley.
All three have a chance, although (believe it or not) Dougherty may have the best chance even after last weeks shenanigans!
He says (gulp) he is playing the best golf of his career at the moment, to quote him- "playing like Tiger does". Time for him to back up those words with actions - so we'll give him another go... (hmmmm).
McGinley has very strong course form ( he was only just beaten in a playoff in 2005 by Casey holing a monster putt), and after two weeks rest, may go close again. This is a poor field remember...
Terry Pilkidaris is playing very nice golf at the moment (on effectively his home tour). The "nappy factor" in year 1 of your 1st child's birth is often underrated and this may help him. There's no value in him, but there doesn't seem to be value in anyone this week. Pilkidaris is a course winner though, so we'll have him in the plan.
Almost last (and least) is veteran Taiwanese golfer Keng-Chi Lin. 40 years old, and nicknamed "Lin The Pin" because of his accurate iron play, this Asian golfer has the course form to go close also.
Finally we look to Guarav Ghei, sixth in The Johnnie Walker Classic two weeks ago, is our last selection after last years TCL 5th place. He's a better golfer this year, and should challenge?
Opening balance before bet: £442.50p
Selections-
Dougherty: £2 to win 12-1
McGinley: £1 e/w 16-1
K-C Lin: £1 e/w 33-1
Pilkidaris: 50p e/w 25-1
Ghei: 50p e/w 50-1
Stake: £8
Balance after stake: £334.50p
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
RESULT:
DOUGHERTY- =13th
McGINLEY- =34th
LIN- m/c
PILKIDARIS- m/c
GHEI- =25th
Winnings: £0
Profit/Loss: -£10
Closing balance after tournament: £434.50p
COMMENT- Not a great week I'm afraid, once more.
Dougherty had another solid week, but never threatened the top of the leaderboard, McGinley just doesn't seem to be playing particularly well this year so far, KC Lin and Pilkadaris both missed the cut, Pilkidaris by some way and Ghei has yet to prove himself.
The run away winner in China this year was Chapchai Nirat who opened up with a -11 score in round 1 and never looked back!
There was a welcome return to form of Prayed MarkSaeng, in one of his favourite countries, and WC Liang also continued his hot streak after last weeks win, with a nice solid 6th place here.
Interesting to note that Lee Westwood, although not threatening to win here, possibly has started some sort of a return to form, finishing above Dougherty on Sunday.
Whilst all that is happening, "26" still waits for our first winner... will it ever come?!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Sports bet of the week 1 - GOLF
Sports bet of the week (1):
Opening Balance: £500
GOLF.
NICK DOUGHERTY [Top Ten Finish] 10-1
Singapore Masters.
Laguna G&CC
March 8-11 2007.
£10 win stake.
Balance after stake: £490
Result: DOUGHERTY FINISHES TIED FOR 4th (with 3 others)
BET WON!
Winnings: £110 (£100+£10stake return)
Profit/Loss: +£100
Closing balance: £600
Comment: See Singapore Masters post under "Golf" label.
Opening Balance: £500
GOLF.
NICK DOUGHERTY [Top Ten Finish] 10-1
Singapore Masters.
Laguna G&CC
March 8-11 2007.
£10 win stake.
Balance after stake: £490
Result: DOUGHERTY FINISHES TIED FOR 4th (with 3 others)
BET WON!
Winnings: £110 (£100+£10stake return)
Profit/Loss: +£100
Closing balance: £600
Comment: See Singapore Masters post under "Golf" label.
8. SINGAPORE MASTERS. LAGUNA G&CC. 8-11 March 2007
Off to Singapore this week, to a course (unlike last week) that has staged this event for the past six years, at least on the Masters course. This year the HUGE field of 204 (easily the biggest line-up this year so far) will be playing on TWO courses - The Masters course an The (much easier) Classic.
I haven't much time to go into details anymore, so I'll just leave it at that and give you the selections.... (No jokes about "Fisher Price" from me you'll see...
As for the round by round results - no time for that anymore either - just a final finishing position from now on, and more dteailed comments afterwards, obviously!
Current balance: £446.50p
SELECTIONS:
R.Fisher £1 e/w 50-1
Westwood £1 e/w 16-1
Dougherty £1 e/w 28-1
O.Fisher 50p e/w 66-1
P.Price 50p e/w 150-1
Stake: £8
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £438.50p
RESULT:
R.Fisher - =46th
Westwood - m/c
Dougherty - =4th
O.Fisher - m/c
Price - 71st
WINNINGS: £4
PROFIT/LOSS: -£4
BALANCE AFTER TOURNAMENT: £442.50p
COMMENT: Ladies and gentlemen, I feel used and dirty after this tournament. Nick Dougherty was LEADING by one with 3 holes left. Those three holes produced a DOUBLE BOGEY followed by a DOUBLE BOGEY followed by a par. Dougherty completely collapsed in the last three holes and I don't know why. If I find out, I'll post it later. The GOOD NEWS re Dougherty is at least he still finished in a tie for 4th place, with 3 others, so "26" does make a tiny return on him. He therefore DID finish in the top ten also, which makes my "bet of the week" (filed under "sports bets") a healthy £100 profit in its first week. Which is good. I suppose.
The same thing happened to Phillip Price, who was lying in 12th place after 3 rounds, and then went out and scored 85 in his final round. EIGHTY-FIVE! That's my type of score when I play! Hell is going on?!
Westwood never got going, nor did Oliver Fisher.
Finally, the last player I crossed off my shortlist, WC LIANG, only went and won* the bloody thing, didn't he?!!! *In a playoff with Malaysia's Iain Steel.
Like I said, I feel soiled and used. Cheated. Just like Wales did against those cheating Italian bastard rugby team yesterday...
'Til next week folks... if I recover...!
I haven't much time to go into details anymore, so I'll just leave it at that and give you the selections.... (No jokes about "Fisher Price" from me you'll see...
As for the round by round results - no time for that anymore either - just a final finishing position from now on, and more dteailed comments afterwards, obviously!
Current balance: £446.50p
SELECTIONS:
R.Fisher £1 e/w 50-1
Westwood £1 e/w 16-1
Dougherty £1 e/w 28-1
O.Fisher 50p e/w 66-1
P.Price 50p e/w 150-1
Stake: £8
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £438.50p
RESULT:
R.Fisher - =46th
Westwood - m/c
Dougherty - =4th
O.Fisher - m/c
Price - 71st
WINNINGS: £4
PROFIT/LOSS: -£4
BALANCE AFTER TOURNAMENT: £442.50p
COMMENT: Ladies and gentlemen, I feel used and dirty after this tournament. Nick Dougherty was LEADING by one with 3 holes left. Those three holes produced a DOUBLE BOGEY followed by a DOUBLE BOGEY followed by a par. Dougherty completely collapsed in the last three holes and I don't know why. If I find out, I'll post it later. The GOOD NEWS re Dougherty is at least he still finished in a tie for 4th place, with 3 others, so "26" does make a tiny return on him. He therefore DID finish in the top ten also, which makes my "bet of the week" (filed under "sports bets") a healthy £100 profit in its first week. Which is good. I suppose.
The same thing happened to Phillip Price, who was lying in 12th place after 3 rounds, and then went out and scored 85 in his final round. EIGHTY-FIVE! That's my type of score when I play! Hell is going on?!
Westwood never got going, nor did Oliver Fisher.
Finally, the last player I crossed off my shortlist, WC LIANG, only went and won* the bloody thing, didn't he?!!! *In a playoff with Malaysia's Iain Steel.
Like I said, I feel soiled and used. Cheated. Just like Wales did against those cheating Italian bastard rugby team yesterday...
'Til next week folks... if I recover...!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
FAVOURITE NEVER WINS...
It's sad to see that one of my three, NIL DESPERANDUM, was about 20-1 or even 25-1 for The National.
Due to (I assume) a popular tipster (such as 'Pricewise'in th RP) bigging his chances up, he has now slipped to as low as 10-1 for the race, and is CLEAR FAVOURITE!
Well, if he stays like that, cross him orf your list, because as we all know - you NEVER bet on the National Favourite.
If he is favourite on race day, replace him with IDLE TALK.
You know it makes sense...
Due to (I assume) a popular tipster (such as 'Pricewise'in th RP) bigging his chances up, he has now slipped to as low as 10-1 for the race, and is CLEAR FAVOURITE!
Well, if he stays like that, cross him orf your list, because as we all know - you NEVER bet on the National Favourite.
If he is favourite on race day, replace him with IDLE TALK.
You know it makes sense...
Friday, March 02, 2007
A change to "26"...
Because I have actually predicted two sporting bets correctly recently (away from the normal "26" account), I have decided to change the way "26" is managed.
I will be continuing to make selections for the European Golf Tour on a weekly basis, with a £10 maximum stake as usual. These will be filed under the label "GOLF" from now on.
I will also (as and when), be filing different selections which I regard as very good bets, under the label "SPORTS BETS" now. These bets will be on any sport - possibly a 3 ball 18 hole golf (match) bet, possibly the outcome of The Grand National, possibly a rugby handicap bet and even possibly a tennis bet when Wimbledon arrives and I see some nice odds...? These selections will effectively take over from my "Bet of the week" section, which I've mentioned occasionally and kept to golf, so far.
The two "winning" selections I've made recently were:
1) Terry Pilkadaris to win his first round 3 ball in Phuket, at 2-1 (he won by 5 strokes)
2) Mauro Bergamasco First try scorer (unfortunately) in Sco/Ita game at 33-1! (Those were quite amazing odds for arguably Italy's best player and Bergamasco WAS the first try scorer in that game - after 18 seconds)!
In short, my "tips of the week" will be filed from now on, under "SPORTS BETS", to remove them from my continuing "26" accountand will have a "virtual bet "staked; may be on any sports (golf, rugby, racing and tennis being the obvious sports that I will probably tip on) and may or may not be added to every week - only when I have the time and see a nice bet!
In addition, I will run a separate account of "virtual money" for these SPORTS BETS, with an opening balance of £500 like the "26" account, to see how successful I am!
I will be continuing to make selections for the European Golf Tour on a weekly basis, with a £10 maximum stake as usual. These will be filed under the label "GOLF" from now on.
I will also (as and when), be filing different selections which I regard as very good bets, under the label "SPORTS BETS" now. These bets will be on any sport - possibly a 3 ball 18 hole golf (match) bet, possibly the outcome of The Grand National, possibly a rugby handicap bet and even possibly a tennis bet when Wimbledon arrives and I see some nice odds...? These selections will effectively take over from my "Bet of the week" section, which I've mentioned occasionally and kept to golf, so far.
The two "winning" selections I've made recently were:
1) Terry Pilkadaris to win his first round 3 ball in Phuket, at 2-1 (he won by 5 strokes)
2) Mauro Bergamasco First try scorer (unfortunately) in Sco/Ita game at 33-1! (Those were quite amazing odds for arguably Italy's best player and Bergamasco WAS the first try scorer in that game - after 18 seconds)!
In short, my "tips of the week" will be filed from now on, under "SPORTS BETS", to remove them from my continuing "26" accountand will have a "virtual bet "staked; may be on any sports (golf, rugby, racing and tennis being the obvious sports that I will probably tip on) and may or may not be added to every week - only when I have the time and see a nice bet!
In addition, I will run a separate account of "virtual money" for these SPORTS BETS, with an opening balance of £500 like the "26" account, to see how successful I am!
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