At last, a proper European event, albeit staged at its eighth different venue in the last nine years so no course form to go on.
The Spanish Open should be a celebration of Spanish golf, but "Ollie" and "The Sulk" have by-passed this for U.S. golf. A real shame.
Swedes seem to do well in this tournament, Spaniards not so, the last 2 Spanish winners of the Spanish Open being (ironically enough), the sulky Garcia in 2002, and then the great Seve himself.
Swedes are having another great year, and Niclas Fasth is back to defend his title after a week off...
Selections-
McDowell £1.50p e/w 25-1
Alejandro Canizares £1 e/w 28-1
Schwartzel £1 e/w 20-1
Fasth £1 e/w 18-1
Kaymer 50p e/w 33-1
Balance before stake: £399.75p
Stake: £10
Balance after stake, before play : £389.75p
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Result-
McDowell- FINAL POS'N: =24th
Canizares- FINAL POS'N: m/c
Schwartzel- FINAL POS'N: WON!
Fasth- FINAL POS'N: =31st
Kaymer- FINAL POS'N: =14th
WINNINGS: £27
PROFIT / LOSS : +£17
FINAL BALANCE AFTER TOURNAMENT: £ 416.75p
Comment:
AT LAST, A WIN FOR "26"!!!!
ITS ONLY TAKEN 15 TOURNAMENTS AND (SPOOKILY ENOUGH) 26 POSTS!!!
Is it the start of a amazing recovery, or too little too late?
On to Italy next week, with our heads held a little higher now!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
BET OF THE WEEK (2) - GOLF
I keep forgetting I've got this extra Sports Bets Section, or Bets of The Week!
I would have let you know of some rugby bets that I regarded as VERY good bets in the main, but just bet on them in my online virtual betting game (OLBG), instead.
Anyway. I've got a good one here... and its GOLF again.
Today, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans kicks off in the U.S. of A., and I've got a great 3 ball to bet on. The first "10pointer" I've seen in the RP this year!
SCOTT O'HAIR TO WIN 1st ROUND 3 BALL @ 5/6.
Stake: £All profits so far, ie £100
(He's up against the no-hoper Craig Perks and Joe Durant- who hasn't been himself since a close relative died in December).
Opening Balance: £600
Stake: £100
Balance before result: £500
RESULT: O'Hair won by 7 strokes in the end. It ALWAYS WAS A GRRREAT BET!
BET WON! (2 out of 2 so far)
WINNINGS; £83.33p
NEW BALNCE= £683.33p
I would have let you know of some rugby bets that I regarded as VERY good bets in the main, but just bet on them in my online virtual betting game (OLBG), instead.
Anyway. I've got a good one here... and its GOLF again.
Today, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans kicks off in the U.S. of A., and I've got a great 3 ball to bet on. The first "10pointer" I've seen in the RP this year!
SCOTT O'HAIR TO WIN 1st ROUND 3 BALL @ 5/6.
Stake: £All profits so far, ie £100
(He's up against the no-hoper Craig Perks and Joe Durant- who hasn't been himself since a close relative died in December).
Opening Balance: £600
Stake: £100
Balance before result: £500
RESULT: O'Hair won by 7 strokes in the end. It ALWAYS WAS A GRRREAT BET!
BET WON! (2 out of 2 so far)
WINNINGS; £83.33p
NEW BALNCE= £683.33p
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
14. BMW ASIAN OPEN, PUDSONG GC 19-22 APR 07
Still in Asia I'm afraid. (When will it end?!), to a tournament that is invariably won by Europeans or Els. Goosen makes his debut here, the bookies have it as a 3 horse race between The Goose, The Big Easy and The Case-Meister...
Current balance: £409.75p
SELECTIONS:
ELS £4 to win 13-2
JIMENEZ £1.50p e/w 33-1
McDOWELL £1 e/w 40-1
O'MALLEY 50p e/w 50-1
Stake: £10
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £399.75p
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
RESULT:
ELS - FINAL POS’N: =5th
JIMENEZ - FINAL POS’N: =10th
McDOWELL - FINAL POS’N: 9th
O'MALLEY - FINAL POS’N: =15th
WINNINGS: £0
PROFIT/LOSS: -£10
BALANCE AFTER TOURNAMENT: £399.75
COMMENT: Christ! The best all round result "26" has had so far, with three of the four bets ending up in the top ten, and the fourth (O'Malley) only one stroke away from the top ten, AND STILL NO BLEEDIN RETURN!
I can't remember how many times I've put "virtual money" on Els to win, and he's finished in the places, the big dopey git.
Raphael Jaquelin, who has had an excellent month (shoul've seen it coming really) won this rain affected tournament, with Soren Kjeldsen coming second.
On to next week....
Current balance: £409.75p
SELECTIONS:
ELS £4 to win 13-2
JIMENEZ £1.50p e/w 33-1
McDOWELL £1 e/w 40-1
O'MALLEY 50p e/w 50-1
Stake: £10
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £399.75p
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
RESULT:
ELS - FINAL POS’N: =5th
JIMENEZ - FINAL POS’N: =10th
McDOWELL - FINAL POS’N: 9th
O'MALLEY - FINAL POS’N: =15th
WINNINGS: £0
PROFIT/LOSS: -£10
BALANCE AFTER TOURNAMENT: £399.75
COMMENT: Christ! The best all round result "26" has had so far, with three of the four bets ending up in the top ten, and the fourth (O'Malley) only one stroke away from the top ten, AND STILL NO BLEEDIN RETURN!
I can't remember how many times I've put "virtual money" on Els to win, and he's finished in the places, the big dopey git.
Raphael Jaquelin, who has had an excellent month (shoul've seen it coming really) won this rain affected tournament, with Soren Kjeldsen coming second.
On to next week....
Sunday, April 15, 2007
GRAND NATIONAL RESULT
I don't want to boast much here, but look at my shortlist again...
SILVER BIRCH (WON)
McELVEY (SECOND).
Apologies for the computer glitch in the shortlist regarding text size, what it DOES say is that Anna bet on Silver Birch, (and won £180)!
Lesson... If you want to back the National winner NEXT year, come to THIS site for your shortlist, and then ask Anna!
SILVER BIRCH (WON)
McELVEY (SECOND).
Apologies for the computer glitch in the shortlist regarding text size, what it DOES say is that Anna bet on Silver Birch, (and won £180)!
Lesson... If you want to back the National winner NEXT year, come to THIS site for your shortlist, and then ask Anna!
Friday, April 13, 2007
GRAND NATIONAL SHORTLIST
Ok.
I've done the stat crunching and trend-peering.
One of these horses WILL win the National tomorrow. Honest...
Kelami
Silver Birch
Point Barrow
McElvey
Bothar Na
Longshanks
Bewleys Berry
Liberthine.
Yes, yes. I know thats STILL a list of eight. But it's better than the starting line up of 40 tomorrow, and like I said, ONE of the above WILL WIN!
FYI, I've been to the bookies today and put a little e/w bet on BOTHAR NA and LIBERTHINE for me, and SILVER BIRCH and NUMBERSIXVALVERDE for Anna.
I've also tipped KELAMI on my online betting competition.
Good luck all!
I've done the stat crunching and trend-peering.
One of these horses WILL win the National tomorrow. Honest...
Kelami
Silver Birch
Point Barrow
McElvey
Bothar Na
Longshanks
Bewleys Berry
Liberthine.
Yes, yes. I know thats STILL a list of eight. But it's better than the starting line up of 40 tomorrow, and like I said, ONE of the above WILL WIN!
FYI, I've been to the bookies today and put a little e/w bet on BOTHAR NA and LIBERTHINE for me, and SILVER BIRCH and NUMBERSIXVALVERDE for Anna.
I've also tipped KELAMI on my online betting competition.
Good luck all!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
GRAND NATIONAL ON SATURDAY...
Just looked at the card for the big race on saturday, as I'm working in the morning,so Anna and I will have to choose our horse before then.
I see NIL DESPERANDUM has dropped out of the race, and I saw IDLE TALK have a SHOCKER at the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, so I'll keep KELAMI and LIBERTHINE (though he had a shocker too recently) and replace Nil with BOTHAR NA!
Watch this space...
I see NIL DESPERANDUM has dropped out of the race, and I saw IDLE TALK have a SHOCKER at the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, so I'll keep KELAMI and LIBERTHINE (though he had a shocker too recently) and replace Nil with BOTHAR NA!
Watch this space...
13. CHINA OPEN, SHANGHAI. 12-15 APRIL 07
FIELD 120
Not a lot to say here. Its always the way after a major.
A poor(ish) field competes at Shanghai, when oh when will the tour hit (AND STAY) in Europe...?!
I'll just give you the selections...
Current balance: £418.75p
SELECTIONS:
Bjorn £2 e/w 18-1
Jacquelin £1 e/w 33-1
Dyson £1 e/w 14-1
Jaidee 50p e/w 20-1
Stake £9
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £409.75p
========================================
RESULT:
Bjorn - FINAL POS’N: =44th
Jacquelin - FINAL POS’N: =6th
Dyson - FINAL POS’N: retired after 7 holes of round 1
Jaidee - FINAL POS'N: =44th
WINNINGS: £0
PROFIT/LOSS: -£9
BALANCE AFTER TOURNAMENT: £409.75p
COMMENT: To be honest, what with a trip to see Anna's folks, my birthday, the National etc... I haven't been taking too much interest in the golf recently. I can't, therefore really comment on the tournament, other than to say...
1) Strange to have Dyson retire after 7 holes!
2) Shame Jacquelin didn't get one place higher and bag "26" some money...
3) On to the BMW Asian Open next week...!
Ps (Marcus Brier won this won - another big odds winner - the bookies are having it good this year!)
Not a lot to say here. Its always the way after a major.
A poor(ish) field competes at Shanghai, when oh when will the tour hit (AND STAY) in Europe...?!
I'll just give you the selections...
Current balance: £418.75p
SELECTIONS:
Bjorn £2 e/w 18-1
Jacquelin £1 e/w 33-1
Dyson £1 e/w 14-1
Jaidee 50p e/w 20-1
Stake £9
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £409.75p
========================================
RESULT:
Bjorn - FINAL POS’N: =44th
Jacquelin - FINAL POS’N: =6th
Dyson - FINAL POS’N: retired after 7 holes of round 1
Jaidee - FINAL POS'N: =44th
WINNINGS: £0
PROFIT/LOSS: -£9
BALANCE AFTER TOURNAMENT: £409.75p
COMMENT: To be honest, what with a trip to see Anna's folks, my birthday, the National etc... I haven't been taking too much interest in the golf recently. I can't, therefore really comment on the tournament, other than to say...
1) Strange to have Dyson retire after 7 holes!
2) Shame Jacquelin didn't get one place higher and bag "26" some money...
3) On to the BMW Asian Open next week...!
Ps (Marcus Brier won this won - another big odds winner - the bookies are having it good this year!)
Thursday, April 05, 2007
12. U.S.MASTERS AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, 5-8 APRIL '07
To one of my favourite golfing, nay sporting events of the year, the first Major of the year - the US MASTERS, always held in early spring at Augusta in Georgia.
Augusta has been lengthened in recent years to almost 7500yards - its a monster. It is massively beneficial to your game here if you can carry the ball 290yards+ of the tee - to make use of (or negate) the big undulations in the fairways (the television pictures don't do these justice) and lead yourself short iron approaches rather than long iron/short wood second shots.
Another "skill" needed here is a diamond touch around the greens and nerves of steel with your flat stick, once you are on the most slippery greens in golf.
The year Mike Weir won (not the longest hitter on tour), he won by playing a faultless short game and holing every putt it seemed!
Another overlooked skill needed for Augusta is the ability to hit very high, soft approaches - a la Tiger Woods or Paul Casey. Colin Montgomerie cannot play these types of shots and always struggles here.
The final skill needed for Augusta is EXPERIENCE. Phil Mickleson has said it took him TEN YEARS of playing at Aususta to learn its intricate details!
This is often why The Masters seems to throw up a similar leaderboard with the same names on it, year after year - think Woods, Mickleson, Els, Singh, Di Marco, Goosen et al. Its possibly the most "Horses for Courses" course all year and with a small (invited) field of only 97 (this year), is certainly well worth a punt...?!
A brief synopsis of the main contenders chances...
Woods - If he turns up with his A game, he will win. Comfortably. That said, he has said repeatedly this year, that he's never putted worse, and his odds are very skinny at 8-5, considering there are plenty of others who can now match his length,..
Mickleson- Last years winner, very consistent at Augusta and a much tastier price.
Els - running out of time. 37 now, and ultra consistent at The Masters. Will he go down as the best player never to have donned a green jacket? Having a very solid season so far - nothing spectacular, but a string of top tens. Has recently changed to Callaway irons, but sprays some of his approaches recently. Augusta does owe Ernie though...
Singh - bang on form - has won 2 events already this year - the same as Woods. Singh has reverted back to his belly putter (which Els et al think should be banned), and if the rains come, to soften the treacherous greens (they are forecast), he's in with a BIG shout...
Goosen - the forgotten man. Again, consistent at Augusta, and we know he can handle ridiculous greens - remember the US Open at Shinnecock? A large price for a double US Open champion.
Garcia - the favourite in the market of the Europeans. But he hasn't won anything for almost two years, and is still less than convincing on the greens. Probably too petulent for Augusta, but he is owed a win.... any win!
Scott - last weeks winner, the Aussie has returned to form at exactly the right time. Augusta SHOULD suit Scott, but he hasn't got the best record here (or at any Major, incidentally).
Ogilvy - Geoff has all the credentials, bar one. Experience. Maybe in a year or so.
Stenson - As above.
Furyk - possibly not long enough, and coming back off a wrist injury. He'll win again this year I'm sure, but not this week.
Harrington - he may win the par 3 contest again, and therefore be jinxed out of the main event. NB. I've just heard that O'Meara has won the warm-up par 3 contest, so maybe this year Pod actually has a chance?!
Casey - represents his best chance of winning a major, and in form this year. It looks like the yanks have forgiven Paul for his flippant comments regarding Americans 2 years ago. I think Casey represents Europe's best chance this year...
Howell III - A young gun who displays all that is needed to win at Augusta, like Casey. Another really in form player this year. Expect a big show at a bigger than expected price.
Rose - likes The Masters, has led after 2 days before. Back in form after a debilitating back injury - another European chance?
Stricker - a live outsider.In the top seven at two majors last year, a top ten at Augusta previously and playing nicely at the moment.
Langer - yes I know he's 400 years old, but he's a past champion, a real course specialist, and he's playing really well in the USA this year. Huge odds.
Olazabal - The same credentials as Langer, and Augusta IS his favourite course. But, he's looking a bit dodgy this year so far. I think I've always fancied Olly at Augusta, he came third last year, but this year is the first that I can remember that I don't really rate his chances that highly.
Dimarco - A steady start to the season, and like Els, Augusta REALLY owes DiMarco!
Make no mistake, if Tiger "turns up", he'll win.
Opening balance £422.25p
Selections-
Mickleson £2 e/w 8-1
Singh £1.50p e/w 16-1
Rose 50p e/w 100-1
Casey 50p e/w 50-1
Stricker 50p e/w 150-1
Total stake £10
Balance after stake £412.25p
============================================
RESULT:
Mickleson =24th
VJ SIngh =13th
Rose =5th
Casey =10th
Stricker m/c
Winnings: £ 6.50p
Profit/loss: -£3.50p
Balance after tournament: £418.75p
COMMENT: Well well well. Zach Johnson, with God on his side coped the best with a ferocious Augusta - metallic greens and a strong cold wind, to win his first major.
Woods wasn't really on song, but still managed to finish tied second, Els unbelievably missed his first cut for ten years, Singh briefly threatened but never really challenged, Goosen also, Rose got the closest, but double-bogeyed the penultimate hole.
This was the story of the 2007 Masters, when the winning score was the highest ever at 1 over!
Mickleson had a terrible start and never really got back into it, Stricker missed the cut and Casey finished poorly to miss out on a place.
At least "26" made a lttle money with Justin Rose, although the double bogeyed 17th cost us a weekly profit...!
Onwards and surely upwards???
Augusta has been lengthened in recent years to almost 7500yards - its a monster. It is massively beneficial to your game here if you can carry the ball 290yards+ of the tee - to make use of (or negate) the big undulations in the fairways (the television pictures don't do these justice) and lead yourself short iron approaches rather than long iron/short wood second shots.
Another "skill" needed here is a diamond touch around the greens and nerves of steel with your flat stick, once you are on the most slippery greens in golf.
The year Mike Weir won (not the longest hitter on tour), he won by playing a faultless short game and holing every putt it seemed!
Another overlooked skill needed for Augusta is the ability to hit very high, soft approaches - a la Tiger Woods or Paul Casey. Colin Montgomerie cannot play these types of shots and always struggles here.
The final skill needed for Augusta is EXPERIENCE. Phil Mickleson has said it took him TEN YEARS of playing at Aususta to learn its intricate details!
This is often why The Masters seems to throw up a similar leaderboard with the same names on it, year after year - think Woods, Mickleson, Els, Singh, Di Marco, Goosen et al. Its possibly the most "Horses for Courses" course all year and with a small (invited) field of only 97 (this year), is certainly well worth a punt...?!
A brief synopsis of the main contenders chances...
Woods - If he turns up with his A game, he will win. Comfortably. That said, he has said repeatedly this year, that he's never putted worse, and his odds are very skinny at 8-5, considering there are plenty of others who can now match his length,..
Mickleson- Last years winner, very consistent at Augusta and a much tastier price.
Els - running out of time. 37 now, and ultra consistent at The Masters. Will he go down as the best player never to have donned a green jacket? Having a very solid season so far - nothing spectacular, but a string of top tens. Has recently changed to Callaway irons, but sprays some of his approaches recently. Augusta does owe Ernie though...
Singh - bang on form - has won 2 events already this year - the same as Woods. Singh has reverted back to his belly putter (which Els et al think should be banned), and if the rains come, to soften the treacherous greens (they are forecast), he's in with a BIG shout...
Goosen - the forgotten man. Again, consistent at Augusta, and we know he can handle ridiculous greens - remember the US Open at Shinnecock? A large price for a double US Open champion.
Garcia - the favourite in the market of the Europeans. But he hasn't won anything for almost two years, and is still less than convincing on the greens. Probably too petulent for Augusta, but he is owed a win.... any win!
Scott - last weeks winner, the Aussie has returned to form at exactly the right time. Augusta SHOULD suit Scott, but he hasn't got the best record here (or at any Major, incidentally).
Ogilvy - Geoff has all the credentials, bar one. Experience. Maybe in a year or so.
Stenson - As above.
Furyk - possibly not long enough, and coming back off a wrist injury. He'll win again this year I'm sure, but not this week.
Harrington - he may win the par 3 contest again, and therefore be jinxed out of the main event. NB. I've just heard that O'Meara has won the warm-up par 3 contest, so maybe this year Pod actually has a chance?!
Casey - represents his best chance of winning a major, and in form this year. It looks like the yanks have forgiven Paul for his flippant comments regarding Americans 2 years ago. I think Casey represents Europe's best chance this year...
Howell III - A young gun who displays all that is needed to win at Augusta, like Casey. Another really in form player this year. Expect a big show at a bigger than expected price.
Rose - likes The Masters, has led after 2 days before. Back in form after a debilitating back injury - another European chance?
Stricker - a live outsider.In the top seven at two majors last year, a top ten at Augusta previously and playing nicely at the moment.
Langer - yes I know he's 400 years old, but he's a past champion, a real course specialist, and he's playing really well in the USA this year. Huge odds.
Olazabal - The same credentials as Langer, and Augusta IS his favourite course. But, he's looking a bit dodgy this year so far. I think I've always fancied Olly at Augusta, he came third last year, but this year is the first that I can remember that I don't really rate his chances that highly.
Dimarco - A steady start to the season, and like Els, Augusta REALLY owes DiMarco!
Make no mistake, if Tiger "turns up", he'll win.
Opening balance £422.25p
Selections-
Mickleson £2 e/w 8-1
Singh £1.50p e/w 16-1
Rose 50p e/w 100-1
Casey 50p e/w 50-1
Stricker 50p e/w 150-1
Total stake £10
Balance after stake £412.25p
============================================
RESULT:
Mickleson =24th
VJ SIngh =13th
Rose =5th
Casey =10th
Stricker m/c
Winnings: £ 6.50p
Profit/loss: -£3.50p
Balance after tournament: £418.75p
COMMENT: Well well well. Zach Johnson, with God on his side coped the best with a ferocious Augusta - metallic greens and a strong cold wind, to win his first major.
Woods wasn't really on song, but still managed to finish tied second, Els unbelievably missed his first cut for ten years, Singh briefly threatened but never really challenged, Goosen also, Rose got the closest, but double-bogeyed the penultimate hole.
This was the story of the 2007 Masters, when the winning score was the highest ever at 1 over!
Mickleson had a terrible start and never really got back into it, Stricker missed the cut and Casey finished poorly to miss out on a place.
At least "26" made a lttle money with Justin Rose, although the double bogeyed 17th cost us a weekly profit...!
Onwards and surely upwards???
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