Here we are then. At the Twenty-Sixth golf tournament "Twenty-Six" has tipped on, and what a cracker.
The traditional warm up to THE Open, we are on the banks of the bonny Loch Lomond, one of the most picturesque courses in the world, and a real favourite of the pros.
Not only does it look good, the Loch crowd are "the most knowledgeable in golf" (to quote some of the players). Els rates this course as nice to play as Wentworth or Royal Melbourne, Mickleson adores it, and will be testing his sore wrist (fnar) again because he loves it so much, and Thomas Levet (winner in 2004) loves it too, as does Tom Lehman.
Most do, and you can see why. Their is a stunning view on evey single hole - a fantastic warm up to the main event at Scotland's hardest course next week!
Make no mistake though, each and every one of the 160 players this week would trade any victory here for a victory at Carnoustie next week. This is a big event, but NOTHING compared to the Open.
Loch Lomond has been very happy hunting ground for South Africans recently, with Els, Goosen and Clark all winning on the bonny banks, ('Seth Efrikans' have won here 4 times out of the last 7). Maybe that tradition will continue with a return to form of Ernie, who has had two weeks in Europe to get his head together, or maybe even Richard Sterne, the best all round golfer on the European Tour (score-wise) at the moment, but Tim Clark is warming up for the open at the John Deere, in the states.
This course, make no mistake, is posh and immaculate, very different from Carnoustie (although I've heard its more like Car-NICE-tie this year, with the rough cut back to encourage better scores, unlike 1999 and our last Major winner - Paul Lawrie overcoming the famous Van-de-Velde fiasco)!
Many pros treat this week a bit like a family holiday - big Phil certainly does.
The Loch is generous to errant drives with its wide fairways and although there is plenty of water around, there are many birdie opportunities for the brave.
Els heads the market, quite rightly so, for he has the best course form here by miles, though I'll leave him be this week. The Big Easy wants the big one MUCH more. Make no mistake there.
Luke Donald has great course form too, and although he's taken a month off, has been working hard on his game, and is up for this.
Mickleson will saunter around the course like a grinning farmer, but will not win here.
Goosen is having his worst season for years, so no go for the man who gave my Father free tickets to this event for years, after my Dad sold him a TVR once.
Cabrera blew the cobwebs away last week at the K Club, after his 150-1 US Open triumph. The generous fairways he likes, and if he holes some putts may well contend.
Garcia is not particularly liked in this part of the world, after throwing silly-girl temper tantrums in the past, and although his last effort here resulted in a top 10, I think he'll be eyeing the Open next week more than concentrating here.
Montgomerie is back to his best. He loves to win in his native Scotland, but do not believe the media when it is reported that the locals here would love Montgomerie to win. That is simple tripe. The romantics and tourists would like Montgomerie to win next week, but he, like Garcia is unliked at Loch Lomond, by those who know.
Poulter has god course form, Westwood mediocre, but Thomas Bjorn, who played some searing iron shots in France, and won the first Loch Lomond event, may well go better.
One outsider worth looking at is the old Tom Lehman. The man of God. (Kerreist!). He is playing some wonderful golf in the twilight of his regular tour career, has good course form here, and most certainly will take Loch Lomond seriously. He may well be worth an e/w punt, if the weather holds?
Another outsider worth considering is the very talented Andres Romero. His uncle (Eduardo - one of my favourite golfers of all time) won here in 2002, Andres is playing superbly at the moment, seems to come to life in July, and on his debut here last year, he finished 2nd. Add a wish to emulate his compatriot Cabrera, for his country, and I think he's under-rated by the bookmakers at 66-1.
Can "Twenty-Six" pull off a remarkable double by cleaning up on the twenty-sixth post, and also cleaning up on the twenty-sixth golf tournament?
The selections below will tell...
Balance: £421.21p
Selections:
Donald £1.50p e/w 16-1
Bjorn £1 e/w 40-1
Lehman £1 e/w 50-1
Cabrera £1 e/w 22-1
A.Romero 50p e/w 66-1
Stake: £10
Balance after stake: £411.21p
=======================================
Result:
Donald =4th
Bjorn =49th
Lehman m/c
Cabrera =19th
Romero 65th
Winnings: £3.75p
Profit/Loss: -£6.25p
Closing Balance: £414.96p
Comment:
Loch Lomond gave us a wonderful feast of champagne golf this week, and er, cough cough, I told you Phil Mickelson wouldn't win!
He really should have done though, being number 3 in the world, and being 2 shots clear mid way through the final round, but its fair to say that during the final round, he simply didn't play well enough to win - his drives are still very erratic! But, I admit, it did NOT look like he was treating the Loch Lomond week as a family holiday, as I (perhaps unfairly) stated in my preview.
I had high hopes after two rounds, with one of my outsiders, Andres Romero, sitting pretty at 8 under, after two majestic 67s, and lying very nicely in 2nd place. Then Saturday happened, Andres scored 2 TREBLE BOGIES and a host of other bogies to score an eventual 80! Bleedin twat!
Cabrera and Donald only played well in the final round, Donald especially so, at least giving "TwentySix" a small return (but unfortunately no profit from the 26th tournament).
Lehman DID seem to treat the bonnie banks as a family holiday, and Bjorn never got going.
Gregory Havret won in the end, after a thrilling playoff with Big Phil. It was very nice to see both Raphael Jacquelin and Thomas Levet hang around the eighteenth, and run on after Havret sank the winning putt, grinning like the French lunatics they are (or Levet is, anyway), to spray Havret with Bolly!
That is by far Havret's biggest win - a cool half a miwwwion paaands, and like so many other pros in the last few years, his recent success and consistency has been attributed to a change to a belly putter. Maybe I started a trend with my Rathmore Belly Putter!!! (ahem!)
One very strong critic of the belly putter, Ernie Els, played scintillating golf on sunday, is "The Big Easy" (after a poor season so far) timing his great golf for the big one at Carnoustie next week?
If you're an Els fan and want to have a little flutter on him, best you get your money on tonight (sunday) - because in the morning he'll be half the price. Mark my words.
Next week, the Big One.
Until then, grapple fans...
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
25. THE EUROPEAN OPEN. THE K CLUB, (SOUTH COURSE) Co.KILDARE, 5-8 JULY '07
Ok. After last weeks (predicted) farce, we move to the Emerald Isle, and the European Open at the K Club, although still being held temporarily on the less famous South course, rather than the usual North, which may affect punters who like to follow course form.
This course is long and tough, especially if the wind gets up. What with the weather forecast at the moment, it would be a surprise if anybody gets to double-figures under par, although the weekend forecast (until sunday) does look a little better than of late.
Well bunkered, bentgrass greens and water on 13 of the holes - this is a real test for the 156 players.
The favourite this week is Pod. BUT even though his last victory came at the recent Irish open, his course form is distinctly average, and his play in America hasn't exactly set the grass on fire recently.
I prefer the 3 below him in the market - Cabrera (brimming with confidence after his first major victory at the US Open), and nicely rested since. I hope he can cope with not being able to smoke in the clubhouse though, although saying that, Ireland have had the ban for some time now); Fasth (like I said recently - quietly having a VERY good season - the bookies have finally caught on) and Dredge - good course and current form).
Others to consider for the staking plan are Simon Khan (would have won in France by a mile, if he'd just holed a putt or two, and decent course form here), and Peter Hanson (second in Mondays Open Qualifying at Sunningdale - which I didn't manage to get to see this year - shame as firstly its free, secondly there are no spectator ropes, aw well).
Balance before tournament: £419.38p
Selections:
Cabrera £1.50p e/w 14-1
Dredge £1 e/w 20-1
Khan £1 e/w 40-1
Fasth £1.50p e/w 18-1
Hanson 50p e/w 40-1
Stake: £11
Balance after stake: £408.38p
--------------------------------------------------------------
Result:
CABRERA =60th
DREDGE m/c
KHAN =11th
FASTH 2nd
HANSON =3rd
Winnings: £12.83p
Profit/Loss: £1.83p
Closing balance after tournament: £421.21p
COMMENT:
Well. Not a huge profit, granted, but a profit nonetheless - a good week for "Twenty-Six", with 2 of the selections in the top 3. (A shame Peter Hanson not only finished joint 3rd, but also joint 4th, 5th and 6th also, which limited the winnings, and also a shame that only 50p each way was staked on him as a suggestion).
Colon Montgomerie won this won, his first win on tour since 2005 - is he peaking just at the right time for the big one at "Carnasty" in two weeks time? He stated that he hasn't played better for 8 years after his third round at the K Club, and held on (just) to win, on Sunday, after play was held up twice for Fasth et al after Montgomerie had started tucking into the pastries in the clubhouse after finishing his final round earlier in the day.
I wasn't too far away with my prediction of the winning score either. Montgomerie won with eleven under - I suggested that double-figures under par would be a very very good score this week.
I still don't think the fat boy from Troon has a major in him though. I guess we'll see in two weeks time, but next week, we travel up to Loch Lomond, for the traditional Open warm-up at the Scottish Open, one of Ernie Els' favourite courses...
I should point out here also, that the first TRUELY GREAT result from "Twenty-Six" came after twenty six posts.
The Scottish Open will be the twenty-sixth golf tournament that I've tipped on this year.
A good omen, or have I peaked too soon with a second and third this week (the twenty-fifth tournament)?
You'll just have to log on and find out this week...
This course is long and tough, especially if the wind gets up. What with the weather forecast at the moment, it would be a surprise if anybody gets to double-figures under par, although the weekend forecast (until sunday) does look a little better than of late.
Well bunkered, bentgrass greens and water on 13 of the holes - this is a real test for the 156 players.
The favourite this week is Pod. BUT even though his last victory came at the recent Irish open, his course form is distinctly average, and his play in America hasn't exactly set the grass on fire recently.
I prefer the 3 below him in the market - Cabrera (brimming with confidence after his first major victory at the US Open), and nicely rested since. I hope he can cope with not being able to smoke in the clubhouse though, although saying that, Ireland have had the ban for some time now); Fasth (like I said recently - quietly having a VERY good season - the bookies have finally caught on) and Dredge - good course and current form).
Others to consider for the staking plan are Simon Khan (would have won in France by a mile, if he'd just holed a putt or two, and decent course form here), and Peter Hanson (second in Mondays Open Qualifying at Sunningdale - which I didn't manage to get to see this year - shame as firstly its free, secondly there are no spectator ropes, aw well).
Balance before tournament: £419.38p
Selections:
Cabrera £1.50p e/w 14-1
Dredge £1 e/w 20-1
Khan £1 e/w 40-1
Fasth £1.50p e/w 18-1
Hanson 50p e/w 40-1
Stake: £11
Balance after stake: £408.38p
--------------------------------------------------------------
Result:
CABRERA =60th
DREDGE m/c
KHAN =11th
FASTH 2nd
HANSON =3rd
Winnings: £12.83p
Profit/Loss: £1.83p
Closing balance after tournament: £421.21p
COMMENT:
Well. Not a huge profit, granted, but a profit nonetheless - a good week for "Twenty-Six", with 2 of the selections in the top 3. (A shame Peter Hanson not only finished joint 3rd, but also joint 4th, 5th and 6th also, which limited the winnings, and also a shame that only 50p each way was staked on him as a suggestion).
Colon Montgomerie won this won, his first win on tour since 2005 - is he peaking just at the right time for the big one at "Carnasty" in two weeks time? He stated that he hasn't played better for 8 years after his third round at the K Club, and held on (just) to win, on Sunday, after play was held up twice for Fasth et al after Montgomerie had started tucking into the pastries in the clubhouse after finishing his final round earlier in the day.
I wasn't too far away with my prediction of the winning score either. Montgomerie won with eleven under - I suggested that double-figures under par would be a very very good score this week.
I still don't think the fat boy from Troon has a major in him though. I guess we'll see in two weeks time, but next week, we travel up to Loch Lomond, for the traditional Open warm-up at the Scottish Open, one of Ernie Els' favourite courses...
I should point out here also, that the first TRUELY GREAT result from "Twenty-Six" came after twenty six posts.
The Scottish Open will be the twenty-sixth golf tournament that I've tipped on this year.
A good omen, or have I peaked too soon with a second and third this week (the twenty-fifth tournament)?
You'll just have to log on and find out this week...
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
24. FRENCH OPEN. LE GOLF NATIONAL (PARIS) 28JUNE-1JULY '07
Difficult this one.
Despite a big purse, big names are pulling out of the French Open this year, Fasth and Ollie, the latest to withdraw.
Combine that with a bad weather forecast all week AND a history of this tournament producing shock three-figured odds winners, and maybe all this week will be for "26" is a speculative shot in the dark?
Le Golf National is a stadium course on the outskirts of Paris and has staged the French Open since 1991 (with 2 exceptions). Bentgrass greens, many bunkers and water hazards will test the field of 156 this week, and we should concentrate on accuracy rather than power I think...
Opening Balance: £427.38p
Selections:
A.Hansen £1 e/w 20-1
Green £1 e/w 18-1(f)
Dredge £1 e/w 20-1
Remesy 50p e/w 66-1
Dougherty 50p e/w 33-1
Stake: £8
Balance after stake: £419.38p
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Result:
Hansen m/c
Green m/c
Dredge =10th
Remesy m/c
Dougherty =25th
Winnings: £0
Profit/Loss: -£8
Closing Balance: £419.38p
Comment: The worst week so far for "Twenty-Six". Only Dredge who finished equal tenth and Dougherty spared our blushes and he only finished 25th. Green et al missed the cut by miles! (This was a bit of a shot in the dark though, as suggested at the staking plan).
Graeme Storm did enough to win a high scoring event in poor weather, with two Danes - Soren Hansen (I only went and selected the wrong Hansen then eh?) and Thomas Bjorn both making a welcome? return to form - as, I suppose, did Colon Montgomerie.
On to next week methinks... and the less said about this week the better.
Despite a big purse, big names are pulling out of the French Open this year, Fasth and Ollie, the latest to withdraw.
Combine that with a bad weather forecast all week AND a history of this tournament producing shock three-figured odds winners, and maybe all this week will be for "26" is a speculative shot in the dark?
Le Golf National is a stadium course on the outskirts of Paris and has staged the French Open since 1991 (with 2 exceptions). Bentgrass greens, many bunkers and water hazards will test the field of 156 this week, and we should concentrate on accuracy rather than power I think...
Opening Balance: £427.38p
Selections:
A.Hansen £1 e/w 20-1
Green £1 e/w 18-1(f)
Dredge £1 e/w 20-1
Remesy 50p e/w 66-1
Dougherty 50p e/w 33-1
Stake: £8
Balance after stake: £419.38p
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Result:
Hansen m/c
Green m/c
Dredge =10th
Remesy m/c
Dougherty =25th
Winnings: £0
Profit/Loss: -£8
Closing Balance: £419.38p
Comment: The worst week so far for "Twenty-Six". Only Dredge who finished equal tenth and Dougherty spared our blushes and he only finished 25th. Green et al missed the cut by miles! (This was a bit of a shot in the dark though, as suggested at the staking plan).
Graeme Storm did enough to win a high scoring event in poor weather, with two Danes - Soren Hansen (I only went and selected the wrong Hansen then eh?) and Thomas Bjorn both making a welcome? return to form - as, I suppose, did Colon Montgomerie.
On to next week methinks... and the less said about this week the better.
Monday, June 25, 2007
OUTSIDE PUNT AT WIMBELDON?
End of June.
That means rain then.
And Glastonbury.
And more rain.
And Wimbledon.
This year at leafy SW19, I don't suppose you should really look further than Johan Edfors, sorry, Roger Federer to claim yet another Mens singles title. Boring it may be, but watching him play on grass is like watching a ballet dancer at work - grace at its highest (unbobtainable for most mortals) level.
That said, he hasn't had a great build up, and I suppose is as vulnerable as he's been for a few years, I don't THINK he's played a competitive match on grass since last year's final, and he was injured for the warm-up tournaments this week.
Our hero, Andy "the gob" Murray has (like I suggested on another blog, some time ago) pulled out with his wrist injury (uh huh Andy... how dya get that then), so that leaves Roddick (the Queens winner this year- beaten by Murray at last years "Wimbers"), Nadal and Hewitt as Federer's main rivals?
Or does it?
I've always supported the "Vitches" of Vimbledon - Slobodan Zivojiinivic, Goran Ivanisovic (who won the greatest final ever in my opinion (even better than Borg Vs Mcenroe) - that Monday epic versus Pat Rafter, remember?) and now Ivan Karlovic - the 7' freaky monster-alien-stick-insect-she-woman-cat-type-thing from Croatia.
Karlovic, just "down" to his height really, has one mother-fucking bitch of an advantage at Wimbledon, as do the goofy-footers (left handers).
He has already beaten Hewitt at Wimbledon a few years ago - remember those brilliant photos at the net, as their game finished, with Karlovic literally standing almost TWO FEET taller than the little Hewitt!!!
Well.... if the matches all run to form (seedings-wise), I think Karlovic is due to meet Hewitt again in the fourth round. (I think). Then, should he sneak that one, his next problem may well be the Argentine David Nalbandyrandyandypandyian, a finalist in his own right some years ago.
These two are class players, no bones about it, but I'd like the "Croatian Freak show" to whup their asses reeeeall goood.
At 50-1, I don't suppose you'll get better value for money during the fortnight.
By the way. Anyone know what's happened to "Arse Willy-poo-piss" (Mark Phillipousis)?
Guess he must have retired some time ago, the lumbering greek (aussie) get.
What is a certainty however, is that (looking at the weather forecast), rain will mean endless delays (the roof on centre court cannot come quickly enough in my opinion), and we may even have another "people's monday"?!!
But - if the BBC decide to show Cliff having a sing-along with Cilla, during a rain-break on centre court again, I will ram two knitting needles in my ears and scoop my eyes out with a rusty spoon...
As for t' laydeez.
Who cares.
They're all virtually men anyway.
Gone are the days of the frilly underwear and soft yet urgent, pleading moaning.
Gone are Steffi's perfick legs, (yes, I know facially she looked like the love-child of Barry Manilow and "Digby", the biggest dog in the world- a paper bag would fix that), and gone are Gabriela Sabbatini's sweaty, dusky thighs.
I always fancied Gigi Fernandez mesel, until I looked closer, saw her sporting a very large handlebar-moustache and then found out she was another lesbian...! (Quelle surprise - I blame Billie Jean King and Martina Never-had-a-sofa).
I might watch the odd game, searching for another Hantuchova. (Then my hand might take over), but I'm not holding my breath (unlike Michael Hutchence), and I know its been said before, but what was the obsession with "Anna Horny-Leg-over"? She DID look like Boris Yeltsin, you know!
There was another fit-nar (Haagen good-arse) Swedish filly tennis player I remember drooling over in the past. Someone "Qvist". Can't remember her name now... aw well.
Now all we've got is hairy, muscular shrieking lady-boys. No thankyou.
Pat Cash was right. (for once).
Have a good fortnight watching that WANKER, the constanly blinking, pink-eyelashed Nazi Womble (Becker) and the two orange dwarfs (Sue Barker and John Inverdale) (though I can't be too hard on John - he's a Bristol Rugby fan) dissect the games on the highlights show..., though it still isn't the same without Dan Maskell doing the match commentary.
"Oh I say....! What a peach".
NB. 27/06/07 Two days later and I see my outside tip for Wimbledon, IVO KARLOVIC has fallen at the first hurdle!
Great big lanky get.
That means rain then.
And Glastonbury.
And more rain.
And Wimbledon.
This year at leafy SW19, I don't suppose you should really look further than Johan Edfors, sorry, Roger Federer to claim yet another Mens singles title. Boring it may be, but watching him play on grass is like watching a ballet dancer at work - grace at its highest (unbobtainable for most mortals) level.
That said, he hasn't had a great build up, and I suppose is as vulnerable as he's been for a few years, I don't THINK he's played a competitive match on grass since last year's final, and he was injured for the warm-up tournaments this week.
Our hero, Andy "the gob" Murray has (like I suggested on another blog, some time ago) pulled out with his wrist injury (uh huh Andy... how dya get that then), so that leaves Roddick (the Queens winner this year- beaten by Murray at last years "Wimbers"), Nadal and Hewitt as Federer's main rivals?
Or does it?
I've always supported the "Vitches" of Vimbledon - Slobodan Zivojiinivic, Goran Ivanisovic (who won the greatest final ever in my opinion (even better than Borg Vs Mcenroe) - that Monday epic versus Pat Rafter, remember?) and now Ivan Karlovic - the 7' freaky monster-alien-stick-insect-she-woman-cat-type-thing from Croatia.
Karlovic, just "down" to his height really, has one mother-fucking bitch of an advantage at Wimbledon, as do the goofy-footers (left handers).
He has already beaten Hewitt at Wimbledon a few years ago - remember those brilliant photos at the net, as their game finished, with Karlovic literally standing almost TWO FEET taller than the little Hewitt!!!
Well.... if the matches all run to form (seedings-wise), I think Karlovic is due to meet Hewitt again in the fourth round. (I think). Then, should he sneak that one, his next problem may well be the Argentine David Nalbandyrandyandypandyian, a finalist in his own right some years ago.
These two are class players, no bones about it, but I'd like the "Croatian Freak show" to whup their asses reeeeall goood.
At 50-1, I don't suppose you'll get better value for money during the fortnight.
By the way. Anyone know what's happened to "Arse Willy-poo-piss" (Mark Phillipousis)?
Guess he must have retired some time ago, the lumbering greek (aussie) get.
What is a certainty however, is that (looking at the weather forecast), rain will mean endless delays (the roof on centre court cannot come quickly enough in my opinion), and we may even have another "people's monday"?!!
But - if the BBC decide to show Cliff having a sing-along with Cilla, during a rain-break on centre court again, I will ram two knitting needles in my ears and scoop my eyes out with a rusty spoon...
As for t' laydeez.
Who cares.
They're all virtually men anyway.
Gone are the days of the frilly underwear and soft yet urgent, pleading moaning.
Gone are Steffi's perfick legs, (yes, I know facially she looked like the love-child of Barry Manilow and "Digby", the biggest dog in the world- a paper bag would fix that), and gone are Gabriela Sabbatini's sweaty, dusky thighs.
I always fancied Gigi Fernandez mesel, until I looked closer, saw her sporting a very large handlebar-moustache and then found out she was another lesbian...! (Quelle surprise - I blame Billie Jean King and Martina Never-had-a-sofa).
I might watch the odd game, searching for another Hantuchova. (Then my hand might take over), but I'm not holding my breath (unlike Michael Hutchence), and I know its been said before, but what was the obsession with "Anna Horny-Leg-over"? She DID look like Boris Yeltsin, you know!
There was another fit-nar (Haagen good-arse) Swedish filly tennis player I remember drooling over in the past. Someone "Qvist". Can't remember her name now... aw well.
Now all we've got is hairy, muscular shrieking lady-boys. No thankyou.
Pat Cash was right. (for once).
Have a good fortnight watching that WANKER, the constanly blinking, pink-eyelashed Nazi Womble (Becker) and the two orange dwarfs (Sue Barker and John Inverdale) (though I can't be too hard on John - he's a Bristol Rugby fan) dissect the games on the highlights show..., though it still isn't the same without Dan Maskell doing the match commentary.
"Oh I say....! What a peach".
NB. 27/06/07 Two days later and I see my outside tip for Wimbledon, IVO KARLOVIC has fallen at the first hurdle!
Great big lanky get.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
23. BMW INTERNATIONAL. NORD-EICHENRIED, MUNICH 21-24 JUNE 07
After last weeks US Open, back to reality now, and a MUCH easier golf course - Nord-Eichenried, which has staged this event for years and years. Big wide fairways, straightforward flat greens and a long-hitters paradise, this course was somewhat toughened up last year by growing up the rough and adding a few bunkers here and there.
The BMW International always seems to produce a top drawer winner - Stenson, Howell, Jimenez, Westwood, Bjorn, Daly and Montgomerie to name the last 8 winneres (Bjorn twice), but I'm prepared to dodge the favourites, the household names, this week, after last weeks mammoth efforts at Oakmont.
So, I'll leave Els, Casey and Stenson, and look further down the book...
Value of the week has to be Raphael Jacquelin, who seems to be in the form of his life, and value seems to be a theme in my selections - possibly overlooked by the bookies this week...
Opening Balance: £426.63p
Selections:
JACQUELIN £2 e/w 33-1
A.CANIZARES £1 e/w 50-1
A.ROMERO £1 e/w 40-1
GONZALEZ 50p e/w 125-1
ERLANDSSON 50p e/w 80-1
Stake: £10
Balance after Stake: £416.63p
=====================================
RESULT:
Jacquelin - =11th
Canizares - =52nd
Romero - =22nd
Gonzalez - =4th
Erlandsson - =43rd
Winnings: £10.75
Profit/Loss: +75p!!!
Balance after tournament: £427.38p
COMMENT: One of those piss-infuiating weeks I'm afraid, and a CLEAR EXAMPLE of why betting with real money on golf (for the most part, anyway) is a mug's game. Even when you win... you lose!!!
At one point of the proceedings ths week, I thought I was about to complete a clean sweep. All 5 of my selections had made the cut with ease, and ALL were challenging at the top of the leaderboard.
Unfortunately, it was only "Big Ricky Gonzo" (at 125-1 mind) who played well for all 4 rounds - the reason I'd selected him was that he always seems to play well here, no matter what form he'd been in previous to this tournament - a real "horses for courses" selection if there ever was one this week.
Well. He came joint fourth. (But joint fifth and sixth as well). The bookies only pay out on FIVE places on an each-way bet. (Apart from "Jennings Bet" I think, who pay out on six places).
So, instead of winning a tidy profit, we just make 75p profit on the week - even though we predicted a 125-1 place bet and won!
Calculation of winnings shown below...
Odds of R.Gonzalez: 125-1 to win.
Odds of R.Gonzalez to grab a place (top 5): 125-1 /4 = 31.25
Stake: 50p (e/w)
Gonzalez came joint fourth, with 2 other people. These 3 golfers (inc Gonzalez) made up 4th, 5th and 6th place.
Bookies pay to 5th place only.
Therefore, winnings are:
((Place odds x place part of e/w stake)+ place part of e/w stake) x 2/3 (4th and 5th place / NOT 6th place)
((31.25 x 0.5)+0.5)x2/3 = 10.75p
If for example he had STILL finished joint 4th, but with one other golfer instead of 2, ie joint fourth and fifth, our winnings would NOT have to be multiplied by two/thirds (as above), as our man did not finish joint 6th as well as joint 4th and 5th, and we would have made a tidy £6+ profit on a £10 stake.
Understand?!
It happened to me at Wentworth once, with REAL money.
I strolled into the bookies after placing a few squid on Soren Kjeldsen at 150-1 to grab a place in the PGA final leaderboard. I thought I'd won a lot of moolah, as he DID grab a place, a share of fifth though, and as it 'appens, wit about 5 others. I slunk out of that bookies clutching little more than a return of my stake, even though my 150-1 tip had effectively beaten the bookies!
And that is the nature of golf betting my learned friends - unlike a horse race, where there is no real scope at all for dead heats, in golf (once you look past the winner), there is always a dead heat for 2nd, or 3rd, or 4th or even 5th.
The other problem with betting (for real) on golf anyway, is that your average horse race has, what, 15 runners and riders - your average golf tourney has 150+.
The bookies pay out top 3 places in most horse races, and top 5 in all golf tournaments!
You see problem?
They should at LEAST pay out to tenth place in a golf tournament...
Bastards...
AAnnnnyywaaaay....
Niclas Fasth won at Munich. (Even after he toiled away, the week before at Oakmont in the US Open). He's having a very successful (almost un-noticed) season is Niclas...
Right.
French open next week, then the European Open at the K Club, then the Scottish (at one of the most picturesque courses in the world - Loch Lomond), then, and only then...
THE OPEN. At Carnoustie.
(With luck my Dad, who's just gone back to live in Fife for his retirement days, may get to see that on the course).
I can't wait!
The BMW International always seems to produce a top drawer winner - Stenson, Howell, Jimenez, Westwood, Bjorn, Daly and Montgomerie to name the last 8 winneres (Bjorn twice), but I'm prepared to dodge the favourites, the household names, this week, after last weeks mammoth efforts at Oakmont.
So, I'll leave Els, Casey and Stenson, and look further down the book...
Value of the week has to be Raphael Jacquelin, who seems to be in the form of his life, and value seems to be a theme in my selections - possibly overlooked by the bookies this week...
Opening Balance: £426.63p
Selections:
JACQUELIN £2 e/w 33-1
A.CANIZARES £1 e/w 50-1
A.ROMERO £1 e/w 40-1
GONZALEZ 50p e/w 125-1
ERLANDSSON 50p e/w 80-1
Stake: £10
Balance after Stake: £416.63p
=====================================
RESULT:
Jacquelin - =11th
Canizares - =52nd
Romero - =22nd
Gonzalez - =4th
Erlandsson - =43rd
Winnings: £10.75
Profit/Loss: +75p!!!
Balance after tournament: £427.38p
COMMENT: One of those piss-infuiating weeks I'm afraid, and a CLEAR EXAMPLE of why betting with real money on golf (for the most part, anyway) is a mug's game. Even when you win... you lose!!!
At one point of the proceedings ths week, I thought I was about to complete a clean sweep. All 5 of my selections had made the cut with ease, and ALL were challenging at the top of the leaderboard.
Unfortunately, it was only "Big Ricky Gonzo" (at 125-1 mind) who played well for all 4 rounds - the reason I'd selected him was that he always seems to play well here, no matter what form he'd been in previous to this tournament - a real "horses for courses" selection if there ever was one this week.
Well. He came joint fourth. (But joint fifth and sixth as well). The bookies only pay out on FIVE places on an each-way bet. (Apart from "Jennings Bet" I think, who pay out on six places).
So, instead of winning a tidy profit, we just make 75p profit on the week - even though we predicted a 125-1 place bet and won!
Calculation of winnings shown below...
Odds of R.Gonzalez: 125-1 to win.
Odds of R.Gonzalez to grab a place (top 5): 125-1 /4 = 31.25
Stake: 50p (e/w)
Gonzalez came joint fourth, with 2 other people. These 3 golfers (inc Gonzalez) made up 4th, 5th and 6th place.
Bookies pay to 5th place only.
Therefore, winnings are:
((Place odds x place part of e/w stake)+ place part of e/w stake) x 2/3 (4th and 5th place / NOT 6th place)
((31.25 x 0.5)+0.5)x2/3 = 10.75p
If for example he had STILL finished joint 4th, but with one other golfer instead of 2, ie joint fourth and fifth, our winnings would NOT have to be multiplied by two/thirds (as above), as our man did not finish joint 6th as well as joint 4th and 5th, and we would have made a tidy £6+ profit on a £10 stake.
Understand?!
It happened to me at Wentworth once, with REAL money.
I strolled into the bookies after placing a few squid on Soren Kjeldsen at 150-1 to grab a place in the PGA final leaderboard. I thought I'd won a lot of moolah, as he DID grab a place, a share of fifth though, and as it 'appens, wit about 5 others. I slunk out of that bookies clutching little more than a return of my stake, even though my 150-1 tip had effectively beaten the bookies!
And that is the nature of golf betting my learned friends - unlike a horse race, where there is no real scope at all for dead heats, in golf (once you look past the winner), there is always a dead heat for 2nd, or 3rd, or 4th or even 5th.
The other problem with betting (for real) on golf anyway, is that your average horse race has, what, 15 runners and riders - your average golf tourney has 150+.
The bookies pay out top 3 places in most horse races, and top 5 in all golf tournaments!
You see problem?
They should at LEAST pay out to tenth place in a golf tournament...
Bastards...
AAnnnnyywaaaay....
Niclas Fasth won at Munich. (Even after he toiled away, the week before at Oakmont in the US Open). He's having a very successful (almost un-noticed) season is Niclas...
Right.
French open next week, then the European Open at the K Club, then the Scottish (at one of the most picturesque courses in the world - Loch Lomond), then, and only then...
THE OPEN. At Carnoustie.
(With luck my Dad, who's just gone back to live in Fife for his retirement days, may get to see that on the course).
I can't wait!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
22. U.S.OPEN, OAKMONT, 14-17 JUNE '07
SO....
We arrive at the second Major of the year, the US Open, this year being held at Oakmont Golf Club, outside Pittsburgh, reputably, America's most difficult course - a devilish par 70 hilly layout.
The frankly ridiculous 288yd par 3 eighth, the cough cough, very short, 667yd par 5 twelth, long, punishing rough, 25 yd wide fairways and greens that are slicker than a lubed-up eel (stimpmeter value 13!!!), lie in wait for the hopefuls this week.
Eight over par come sunday may well win the prize, and we (as punters) will have to look for accuracy off the tee, combined with length, and almost certainly a fair amount of experience and PATIENCE, plus the nerves of steel with a flat stick. Difficult? Absolutely. But it looks (on paper anyway) as though this could be a really open Open (if you catch my drift).
A few notes on the golfers heading the market and some longer shots...
WOODS: The hot favourite (of course) at 3-1. Drifting though, no value, and easy to oppose this week. I hear Woods has been struggling to focus during practice, because the tournament is bringing back memories of losing his father at this time last year. Woods has made two visits to Oakmont last week, and has suggested he'll use his driver sparingly- instead opting instead for his now trademark "Stinger (low, punchy) 3 wood" off tight tees. Hard to be enthusiastic about, but as usual, the best golfer in the field - by a country mile.
MICKLESON: Has the game, especially as he's found a driver that he likes, and can hit a long, long way. One concern is his wrist injury - there's no doubt that the fearsome rough at Oakmont will test Lefty's wrist - beware the injured golfer, but maybe Oakmont has just come too soon for Big Phil, or maybe not....?!!!
SINGH: Difficult to get behind the Willowy Fijian, as he is STILL chopping and changing his putters. Belly putter to short. Short to Belly. This week we need a pro who is comfortable with his flat stick, if only to salvage 6-8' par putts. Maybe not VeeJay.
FURYK: Interesting. Very interesting. Experienced. Patient. Straight-hitting. Due one. Possibly a real contender this week.
ELS: Won at Oakmont in 1994 but not playing in the same rich vein of form this year. He would quite literally have to turn his season around to win here, but maybe, just maybe, his memories of 1994 may help him in that quest? Not for me though.
SCOTT: Unlike Els at the moment, in a rich vein of form right now. One to consider, and about time he added to his only real big win so far, the 2004 TPC at Sawgrass.
GOOSEN: Has looked disinterested recently. BUT, (and he is amazed people don't give him credit for this), he is a recent DOUBLE U.S.Open champion, and you ignore the dull South African at your peril!
HARRINGTON: Playing very well at the moment. But prone to errors in big tournaments.
DONALD: Cool, calm, collected. Patient. Striaght as a die. Used to American courses, based in Chicago so used to the Pittsburgh set-ups. Could do well, if he can find some sort of (alien to him) "Killer instinct"...
GARCIA: Has the tee-to green game, but NOT the putting head (he's awful on the dance-floor) and no patience either. I don't think so.
G.OGILVY: Possibilities for last years winner at Winged Foot, and would continue the awful American run in their own open, should he win. But I prefer others...
JOHNSON: Masters winner already this year, and the best American golfer this year, so far. But surely "Gad" can't be on his side at Oakmont AND Augusta, even if he is omnipotent! I think he's got another major in him, but he's not good enough to win two in one year is he? Withdrew from last weeks warm up with a severe throat infection, but ok now, and lies a lofty 4th in the driving accuracy statistics on the tour - imperative here...
STENSON: Real chances. Long, straight and experienced enough. Could Henrik be the European to end our "Major Drought"? Very possibly...
ROSE: Another real chance, and playing well, though recent niggly injuries concern me a bit. May challenge, may end the weekend on the leaderboard, but I just cannot see him winning.
CINK: Has everything he needs in his bag, but one thing. The confidence and belief he can actually win a major. The "nearly man" may go close again, but may not walk away with the spoils, or will he? I've put a few REAL bets on Cink in my time - do we give him another chance?
TOMS: David Toms' only drawback is his relative lack of length. Everything else fits the bill, but because of his "shortness", I'll cautiously dicount him. He's sure to be in the thick of things with his accuracy, but maybe not a winner come sunday...
SABBATINI: Playing very well indeed at the moment. But has the patience of a small child with ADHD, stuffed full of E numbers. Easily the least patient, most hot-headed player on tour, and that will mean (like Monty) he will NEVER win a U.S. Open, even though he possibly has the all round game for it.
CHOI: Recent winner. Other than that, not really.
IMMELMAN: Has played really well this year until recently. His sketchy form recently though can be excused - he has been really quite unwell with severe recurring food-poisoning, (he's lost 22lb in weight because of it). I think Immelman, if completely fit, may well be a dark horse at Oakmont.
O'HAIR: Another real outsider to REALLY consider. Long AND straight, (the best on tour in fact) - if Sean O' Hair can sink a few par putts, he may well walk away with this whilst no-one is looking. Bang on form too.
CASEY: Long enough, but maybe not straight enough. Do his Ryder Cup comments still count against him in the U.S. of A? I think so, no matter how much he pretends they don't.
VERPLANK: Consistent. Straight. Experienced. Patient. Great putter. Recent winner (after a 6 year gap from victory). Another ex-betting favourite of mine. Usually the Bridesmaid, bu maybe... just maybe... he can get to the aisle this week. Nerves will be key for Scott...
ALLENBY: Another real chance here, at huge odds 100-1. very good GIR figures, has recently bounced back to top-class form, and has all the shots in his bag. Good U.S. Open form too- seventh in the almost unplayable Shinnecock Hills in 2004. I think Allenby may well win this, or at least go close, if he can sort out his putting, which can be a bit dodgy.
OK. There you go. Make of all that what you will.
I've decided to back a couple of my old stalwarts, throw in the man that everyone seems to be backing at present, the new kid on the block (the best value in the entire field) and an injured warhorse...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SELECTIONS:
JOHNSON £1 e/w 50-1
CINK £1 e/w 50-1
VERPLANK £1 e/w 80-1
MICKLESON £1.50p e/w 18-1
FURYK 75p e/w 20-1
Current balance before tournament: £432.63p
Stake: £10.50p
Balance after stake: £422.13p
==============================================
RESULT:
JOHNSON: =45th
CINK: m/c
VERPLANK: =7th
MICKLESON: m/c
FURYK: =2nd
WINNINGS: £4.50p
PROFIT/LOSS:- £6
CLOSING BALANCE: £426.63p
COMMENT: Not a great result for "Twenty-Six", it could have been MUCH better if Jim Furyk had not tried to drive the 306yd par 4 17th, (which he inevitably bogied, and made him eventually finish tied 2nd with Woods).
A fantastic result though for Cabrera (and I suppose, the European Tour). Angel is a great player, thats for sure, but I'd never have him for the US Open. Famed for smashing the balls miles (but NOT his accuracy), his very good putting (which possibly won it for him at Oakmont), and his love of Wentworth - I do like the burly Argentine - but then again, I'm a big fan of all the Argy golfers - especially the ever-smiling (champs tour now) Eduardo Romero.
Anyway, neither Woods nor Furyk could catch Angel, even though he gave 'em a chance by dropping two strokes late on.
As for my other selections, Cink started well, then had a horrid 2nd round 80 - and missed the cut. Big Phil did the same (maybe his wrist is still a bit sore), Johnson was never in it but at least boring boring Scott Verplank at least was on the leaderboard come sunday night.
Interesting to see Bubba Watson (the longest driver in the world) make the sunday final leaderboard also - like Cabrera, I'd never given hima chance.
If one is THAT long - (like Angel and Bubba), does that negate the need for pinpoint accuracy these days at Oakmont? Possibly, though possibly not as David Toms did what he promised to do.... play solidly, hit every fairway 80 yards behind the big guns, challenge but never really for the win.
Overall - great to see a European tour Stalwart and an Argentine make off with the loot, but not one of the best results for "Twenty-Six". Let's do better in the next major, eh...?!
We arrive at the second Major of the year, the US Open, this year being held at Oakmont Golf Club, outside Pittsburgh, reputably, America's most difficult course - a devilish par 70 hilly layout.
The frankly ridiculous 288yd par 3 eighth, the cough cough, very short, 667yd par 5 twelth, long, punishing rough, 25 yd wide fairways and greens that are slicker than a lubed-up eel (stimpmeter value 13!!!), lie in wait for the hopefuls this week.
Eight over par come sunday may well win the prize, and we (as punters) will have to look for accuracy off the tee, combined with length, and almost certainly a fair amount of experience and PATIENCE, plus the nerves of steel with a flat stick. Difficult? Absolutely. But it looks (on paper anyway) as though this could be a really open Open (if you catch my drift).
A few notes on the golfers heading the market and some longer shots...
WOODS: The hot favourite (of course) at 3-1. Drifting though, no value, and easy to oppose this week. I hear Woods has been struggling to focus during practice, because the tournament is bringing back memories of losing his father at this time last year. Woods has made two visits to Oakmont last week, and has suggested he'll use his driver sparingly- instead opting instead for his now trademark "Stinger (low, punchy) 3 wood" off tight tees. Hard to be enthusiastic about, but as usual, the best golfer in the field - by a country mile.
MICKLESON: Has the game, especially as he's found a driver that he likes, and can hit a long, long way. One concern is his wrist injury - there's no doubt that the fearsome rough at Oakmont will test Lefty's wrist - beware the injured golfer, but maybe Oakmont has just come too soon for Big Phil, or maybe not....?!!!
SINGH: Difficult to get behind the Willowy Fijian, as he is STILL chopping and changing his putters. Belly putter to short. Short to Belly. This week we need a pro who is comfortable with his flat stick, if only to salvage 6-8' par putts. Maybe not VeeJay.
FURYK: Interesting. Very interesting. Experienced. Patient. Straight-hitting. Due one. Possibly a real contender this week.
ELS: Won at Oakmont in 1994 but not playing in the same rich vein of form this year. He would quite literally have to turn his season around to win here, but maybe, just maybe, his memories of 1994 may help him in that quest? Not for me though.
SCOTT: Unlike Els at the moment, in a rich vein of form right now. One to consider, and about time he added to his only real big win so far, the 2004 TPC at Sawgrass.
GOOSEN: Has looked disinterested recently. BUT, (and he is amazed people don't give him credit for this), he is a recent DOUBLE U.S.Open champion, and you ignore the dull South African at your peril!
HARRINGTON: Playing very well at the moment. But prone to errors in big tournaments.
DONALD: Cool, calm, collected. Patient. Striaght as a die. Used to American courses, based in Chicago so used to the Pittsburgh set-ups. Could do well, if he can find some sort of (alien to him) "Killer instinct"...
GARCIA: Has the tee-to green game, but NOT the putting head (he's awful on the dance-floor) and no patience either. I don't think so.
G.OGILVY: Possibilities for last years winner at Winged Foot, and would continue the awful American run in their own open, should he win. But I prefer others...
JOHNSON: Masters winner already this year, and the best American golfer this year, so far. But surely "Gad" can't be on his side at Oakmont AND Augusta, even if he is omnipotent! I think he's got another major in him, but he's not good enough to win two in one year is he? Withdrew from last weeks warm up with a severe throat infection, but ok now, and lies a lofty 4th in the driving accuracy statistics on the tour - imperative here...
STENSON: Real chances. Long, straight and experienced enough. Could Henrik be the European to end our "Major Drought"? Very possibly...
ROSE: Another real chance, and playing well, though recent niggly injuries concern me a bit. May challenge, may end the weekend on the leaderboard, but I just cannot see him winning.
CINK: Has everything he needs in his bag, but one thing. The confidence and belief he can actually win a major. The "nearly man" may go close again, but may not walk away with the spoils, or will he? I've put a few REAL bets on Cink in my time - do we give him another chance?
TOMS: David Toms' only drawback is his relative lack of length. Everything else fits the bill, but because of his "shortness", I'll cautiously dicount him. He's sure to be in the thick of things with his accuracy, but maybe not a winner come sunday...
SABBATINI: Playing very well indeed at the moment. But has the patience of a small child with ADHD, stuffed full of E numbers. Easily the least patient, most hot-headed player on tour, and that will mean (like Monty) he will NEVER win a U.S. Open, even though he possibly has the all round game for it.
CHOI: Recent winner. Other than that, not really.
IMMELMAN: Has played really well this year until recently. His sketchy form recently though can be excused - he has been really quite unwell with severe recurring food-poisoning, (he's lost 22lb in weight because of it). I think Immelman, if completely fit, may well be a dark horse at Oakmont.
O'HAIR: Another real outsider to REALLY consider. Long AND straight, (the best on tour in fact) - if Sean O' Hair can sink a few par putts, he may well walk away with this whilst no-one is looking. Bang on form too.
CASEY: Long enough, but maybe not straight enough. Do his Ryder Cup comments still count against him in the U.S. of A? I think so, no matter how much he pretends they don't.
VERPLANK: Consistent. Straight. Experienced. Patient. Great putter. Recent winner (after a 6 year gap from victory). Another ex-betting favourite of mine. Usually the Bridesmaid, bu maybe... just maybe... he can get to the aisle this week. Nerves will be key for Scott...
ALLENBY: Another real chance here, at huge odds 100-1. very good GIR figures, has recently bounced back to top-class form, and has all the shots in his bag. Good U.S. Open form too- seventh in the almost unplayable Shinnecock Hills in 2004. I think Allenby may well win this, or at least go close, if he can sort out his putting, which can be a bit dodgy.
OK. There you go. Make of all that what you will.
I've decided to back a couple of my old stalwarts, throw in the man that everyone seems to be backing at present, the new kid on the block (the best value in the entire field) and an injured warhorse...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SELECTIONS:
JOHNSON £1 e/w 50-1
CINK £1 e/w 50-1
VERPLANK £1 e/w 80-1
MICKLESON £1.50p e/w 18-1
FURYK 75p e/w 20-1
Current balance before tournament: £432.63p
Stake: £10.50p
Balance after stake: £422.13p
==============================================
RESULT:
JOHNSON: =45th
CINK: m/c
VERPLANK: =7th
MICKLESON: m/c
FURYK: =2nd
WINNINGS: £4.50p
PROFIT/LOSS:- £6
CLOSING BALANCE: £426.63p
COMMENT: Not a great result for "Twenty-Six", it could have been MUCH better if Jim Furyk had not tried to drive the 306yd par 4 17th, (which he inevitably bogied, and made him eventually finish tied 2nd with Woods).
A fantastic result though for Cabrera (and I suppose, the European Tour). Angel is a great player, thats for sure, but I'd never have him for the US Open. Famed for smashing the balls miles (but NOT his accuracy), his very good putting (which possibly won it for him at Oakmont), and his love of Wentworth - I do like the burly Argentine - but then again, I'm a big fan of all the Argy golfers - especially the ever-smiling (champs tour now) Eduardo Romero.
Anyway, neither Woods nor Furyk could catch Angel, even though he gave 'em a chance by dropping two strokes late on.
As for my other selections, Cink started well, then had a horrid 2nd round 80 - and missed the cut. Big Phil did the same (maybe his wrist is still a bit sore), Johnson was never in it but at least boring boring Scott Verplank at least was on the leaderboard come sunday night.
Interesting to see Bubba Watson (the longest driver in the world) make the sunday final leaderboard also - like Cabrera, I'd never given hima chance.
If one is THAT long - (like Angel and Bubba), does that negate the need for pinpoint accuracy these days at Oakmont? Possibly, though possibly not as David Toms did what he promised to do.... play solidly, hit every fairway 80 yards behind the big guns, challenge but never really for the win.
Overall - great to see a European tour Stalwart and an Argentine make off with the loot, but not one of the best results for "Twenty-Six". Let's do better in the next major, eh...?!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
21. BA-CA GOLF OPEN FONTANA GC, AUSTRIA, 7-10 JUNE 07
Riding on the crest of a wave after last week (and a double at that) we must hold our horses this week, and go through a "lull before the (US Open) storm".
Austria this week, and a relitavely poor field of 156 playing at the impressive Fontana GC, Austria's best course by some way.
It has a lake the size of Michigan, and trees the size of Giant Redwoods, though is only a par 71, and low scores (like last week) are regular occurrences.
Marcus Brier, the local lad from Vienna, is favourite for this event, having won it twice in the past 3 years, but a 3rd time may be a step too far for him, in the company of people like Westwood, Jimenez, Montgomerie and Green - the partisan crowds will add to the pressure also.
Lee Westwood is playing ok - sharing a twelfth place spot with Brier at Wentworth, is a winner this year again, after slimming down a tad, the chubby mongo, as should pick up tournaments like this with some ease.
Gary Murphy is great value, with decent current and course form - prerequisites in my book.
Gary Orr was in contention at Celtic Manor should've taken some heart for that, and even though he looks as miserable as sin, is still a fancy of mine - very unassuming, very quiet, very underrated - and often (like this week), very good value.
Colon Montgomerie will be looking to get his season back on track, just in time for the US Open - he should've maybe won here last year, but for a cataclysmically bad final 9 holes on sunday, and then there's Paul Broadhurst, the angry little pug dog. Broadhurst (unlike Orr) demands more attention from the press, is a multiple tour winner (without the recognition he deserves, he thinks), and could do himself a favour by winning here...
So.
Selections:
Murphy £1 e/w 55-1
Westwood £1.50p e/w 12-1
Broadhurst £1 e/w 25-1
Montgomerie £1 e/w 14-1
Orr 75p e/w 50-1
Balance before stake: £443.13p
Stake: £10.50p
Balance after stake: £432.63p
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Result:
Murphy m/c
Westwood =52nd
Broadhurst =35th
Montgomerie m/c
Orr =14th
Winnings: £0
Profit/loss: -£10.50p
Closing balance after tournament: £432.63p
COMMENT: Well. We couldn't do it again so soon could we? A poor result for "Twenty-Six" - Lee Westwood challenged in round 1, Gary Orr was thereabouts early in round 4 (one of the last to tee off), but nothing in the end, even though in the preview to the tournament I mentioned the eventual winners name... Note to self - read what I write as a preview!!!
The tournament was delayed due to inclement weather, and eventually, the perennial bridesmaid Richard Green triumphed over Jean Francois Remesy in a playoff.
It is nice to see (motor-mad) Green win again. People have labelled him a bottler, but truth be told, he probably just isn't as focussed as your average golfing pro, who is little more than a machine. Richard Green is one of those pros who has a life outside golf (racing cars) and possibly feels he earns quite enough competing and often coming second on tour!
Did all the star players both in Europe and the USA 'take a week off this week' in preparation for this next week's US Open? Possibly...?!
Austria this week, and a relitavely poor field of 156 playing at the impressive Fontana GC, Austria's best course by some way.
It has a lake the size of Michigan, and trees the size of Giant Redwoods, though is only a par 71, and low scores (like last week) are regular occurrences.
Marcus Brier, the local lad from Vienna, is favourite for this event, having won it twice in the past 3 years, but a 3rd time may be a step too far for him, in the company of people like Westwood, Jimenez, Montgomerie and Green - the partisan crowds will add to the pressure also.
Lee Westwood is playing ok - sharing a twelfth place spot with Brier at Wentworth, is a winner this year again, after slimming down a tad, the chubby mongo, as should pick up tournaments like this with some ease.
Gary Murphy is great value, with decent current and course form - prerequisites in my book.
Gary Orr was in contention at Celtic Manor should've taken some heart for that, and even though he looks as miserable as sin, is still a fancy of mine - very unassuming, very quiet, very underrated - and often (like this week), very good value.
Colon Montgomerie will be looking to get his season back on track, just in time for the US Open - he should've maybe won here last year, but for a cataclysmically bad final 9 holes on sunday, and then there's Paul Broadhurst, the angry little pug dog. Broadhurst (unlike Orr) demands more attention from the press, is a multiple tour winner (without the recognition he deserves, he thinks), and could do himself a favour by winning here...
So.
Selections:
Murphy £1 e/w 55-1
Westwood £1.50p e/w 12-1
Broadhurst £1 e/w 25-1
Montgomerie £1 e/w 14-1
Orr 75p e/w 50-1
Balance before stake: £443.13p
Stake: £10.50p
Balance after stake: £432.63p
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Result:
Murphy m/c
Westwood =52nd
Broadhurst =35th
Montgomerie m/c
Orr =14th
Winnings: £0
Profit/loss: -£10.50p
Closing balance after tournament: £432.63p
COMMENT: Well. We couldn't do it again so soon could we? A poor result for "Twenty-Six" - Lee Westwood challenged in round 1, Gary Orr was thereabouts early in round 4 (one of the last to tee off), but nothing in the end, even though in the preview to the tournament I mentioned the eventual winners name... Note to self - read what I write as a preview!!!
The tournament was delayed due to inclement weather, and eventually, the perennial bridesmaid Richard Green triumphed over Jean Francois Remesy in a playoff.
It is nice to see (motor-mad) Green win again. People have labelled him a bottler, but truth be told, he probably just isn't as focussed as your average golfing pro, who is little more than a machine. Richard Green is one of those pros who has a life outside golf (racing cars) and possibly feels he earns quite enough competing and often coming second on tour!
Did all the star players both in Europe and the USA 'take a week off this week' in preparation for this next week's US Open? Possibly...?!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
SUNDAY JUNE 3RD
What a week! The best ever? UNDOUBTEDLY!
6 e/w selections (5 golfers and a horse)
1 win and 3 e/w place results.
If you had staked £5 e/w on each of the six "Twenty-Six" tips this week, your initial outlay would've been £60.
But then again, your winnings would've been £207.50p
and you'd've made a net profit of £147.50p!
It's taken a wee while, it was always coming...
Welcome to TWENTY SIX, the home of great sports tips...
6 e/w selections (5 golfers and a horse)
1 win and 3 e/w place results.
If you had staked £5 e/w on each of the six "Twenty-Six" tips this week, your initial outlay would've been £60.
But then again, your winnings would've been £207.50p
and you'd've made a net profit of £147.50p!
It's taken a wee while, it was always coming...
Welcome to TWENTY SIX, the home of great sports tips...
Saturday, June 02, 2007
THE DERBY
For what its worth, today is Derby Day at Epsom. One of the three (and only three) horse races I've had a flutter on (with real money), the other two being, of course, the Gold Cup and the National (by far my favourite, and the only race I'd probably consider always having a punt on).
The strange thing I suppose about this year's race is the fact that out of the entire field (17 or 18 horses, 17 at the moment I think), EIGHT of them are trained by one man - Aiden O'Brian. That must be a record - to train eight horses good enough to enter one of the world's most famous and important races.
I'm reliably informed from the family connections (masons.... sssh) that there may be some value (dangerous word) to be had this year.
The outstanding, and indeed ODDS ON favourite, is Frankie Dettori's geegee, "Authorised". Willie Carson thinks all he has to do is turn up and do what he does normally - and he WILL win.
But at those odds?! Pah! "TwentySix" readers deserve better.
So...
I'm told that "AQALEEM" at odds of around 9-1 may well just surprise a few people.
The last (and only time) I bet on the Derby, it was thanks to a "Mason Tip", the horse was called "Sindaar" - and it duly won!
The Masons are due a winner, and guess what...
AQALEEM is the SON of SINDAAR! (Twilight zone moment)
Thought you should know...
The strange thing I suppose about this year's race is the fact that out of the entire field (17 or 18 horses, 17 at the moment I think), EIGHT of them are trained by one man - Aiden O'Brian. That must be a record - to train eight horses good enough to enter one of the world's most famous and important races.
I'm reliably informed from the family connections (masons.... sssh) that there may be some value (dangerous word) to be had this year.
The outstanding, and indeed ODDS ON favourite, is Frankie Dettori's geegee, "Authorised". Willie Carson thinks all he has to do is turn up and do what he does normally - and he WILL win.
But at those odds?! Pah! "TwentySix" readers deserve better.
So...
I'm told that "AQALEEM" at odds of around 9-1 may well just surprise a few people.
The last (and only time) I bet on the Derby, it was thanks to a "Mason Tip", the horse was called "Sindaar" - and it duly won!
The Masons are due a winner, and guess what...
AQALEEM is the SON of SINDAAR! (Twilight zone moment)
Thought you should know...
AT 20:20hrs. (After the race) Well. THIRD ain't so bad, IF you had it E/W?
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
20. WALES OPEN. CELTIC MANOR (ROMAN ROAD COURSE) NEWPORT. 31/05/07 - 3/6/07
On to Wales, to Celtic Manor Golf course, right next to the M4 by Newport in Gwent. For the last 2 years this event has been held on the MUCH easier "Roman Road Course" at Celtic Manor, rather than the more normally-used (and far more difficult) "Wentworth Hills course" (which is still being altered for the 2010 Ryder Cup staging).
This course probably is the most likely on tour to have a 59 shot on it - it all boils down to nothing more than a glorified putting competition really.
Strange that Retief Goosen has chosen to warm up for the impending US Open here, rather than most have done, and play across the pond in the tricky Jack Nicklaus Memorial (like Paul Casey etc...)
Weather is set anything but fair this week, so we are looking for in form players, who are good putters and don't mind playing in wind and rain. Easy to remember.
Selections:
Sterne £1.50p e/w 25-1
Dredge £1.50p e/w 20-1
Karlsson £1.50p e/w 16-1
Marc Warren 50p e/w 80-1
James Heath 50p e/w 125-1
Opening balance:£395.25p
Stake: £11
Balance after stake: £384.25p
================================================
Result:
Sterne- final pos'n:WON!!!
Dredge- final pos'n:SECOND!!!
Karlsson- final pos'n:m/c
Warren- final pos'n:m/c
Heath- final pos'n:=69th
Winnings: £58.88p
Profit/loss: £47.88p
Comment: WHAT A RESULT FOR "TWENTY-SIX"!!! We went against the red hot favourite and twice US Open Champ, Retief Goosen, and also against another US Open Champ, Michael Cambo Campbell, stuck our necks out and cleaned the fuck up! A late charge by Mamat and Ilonen (both winners this year already) gave us the runs for a while, but no worries... FIRST AND SECOND!
At long last, "Twenty-Six" balance looks a bit healthier!
We're on a roll now....
This course probably is the most likely on tour to have a 59 shot on it - it all boils down to nothing more than a glorified putting competition really.
Strange that Retief Goosen has chosen to warm up for the impending US Open here, rather than most have done, and play across the pond in the tricky Jack Nicklaus Memorial (like Paul Casey etc...)
Weather is set anything but fair this week, so we are looking for in form players, who are good putters and don't mind playing in wind and rain. Easy to remember.
Selections:
Sterne £1.50p e/w 25-1
Dredge £1.50p e/w 20-1
Karlsson £1.50p e/w 16-1
Marc Warren 50p e/w 80-1
James Heath 50p e/w 125-1
Opening balance:£395.25p
Stake: £11
Balance after stake: £384.25p
================================================
Result:
Sterne- final pos'n:WON!!!
Dredge- final pos'n:SECOND!!!
Karlsson- final pos'n:m/c
Warren- final pos'n:m/c
Heath- final pos'n:=69th
Winnings: £58.88p
Profit/loss: £47.88p
Final balance after tournament: £443.13p
Comment: WHAT A RESULT FOR "TWENTY-SIX"!!! We went against the red hot favourite and twice US Open Champ, Retief Goosen, and also against another US Open Champ, Michael Cambo Campbell, stuck our necks out and cleaned the fuck up! A late charge by Mamat and Ilonen (both winners this year already) gave us the runs for a while, but no worries... FIRST AND SECOND!
At long last, "Twenty-Six" balance looks a bit healthier!
We're on a roll now....
Thursday, May 24, 2007
19. BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, WEST COURSE, WENTWORTH 24-27 MAY '07
After last weeks win with Pod in Ireland, we stride merrily (like Pod himself) down to to my favourite (or second favourite after The Open, anyway) tournament of the entire season, and one that I've been to at least half a dozen times... The star-studded PGA Championship, on the "Burma Road" in leafy Virginia Water, Surrey.
All the big guns have turned up again, (apart from Adam Scott, for personal reasons, though he's never challenged here), even Padraig Harrington, last week's winner in Ireland, who boycotted this event in 2003 and 2004, claiming Wentworth didn't suit his game. That was proved nonsense since, with an 11th and 6th place finish.
Wentworth is allegedly set up beautifully this week, with super-slick greens running at TWELVE on the 'stimpometer' and penal 5" rough lining the famous avenues of old trees.
It is now a very long course running at over 7,300 yards thanks to Ernie Els' redesigns. Els has also added FORTY extra bunkers in the last two years!
This is a 'shot-makers' course, which has cost your average punter much moolah over recent years with outsiders such as 500-1 Scott Drummond, Andy Oldcorn, Ignacio Garrido and Anders Hansen winning against the odds, much to the bookies glee.
Angel Cabrera has the best record here, and Colin 'Mrs Doubtfire' Montgomerie rating it as his favourite course also, not to mention Ernie Els, who is the resident pro, and knows it like no-one else.
No-one jumps off the page at the punter this year - there are crosses against everyone. It wouldn't be a complete shock to me if ANOTHER 3 figure-odded winner lifts the trophy come sunday night, but for the record, here are the selections...
Cabrera - respected on course form (if not current form) alone.
Olazabal - Bang on form this year and the best 'shotmaker' (if not the worst driver) in the 156 strong field.
Casey - Likes the course, has won the world matchplay here, not on form at present but worth chancing I think.
Hanson - ace driver Peter was 5th here in 2005 and 7th in Ireland on sunday...
Orr - one of my favourites. The dour-faced Scot is a local specialist and has finished in the top eight here 5 times.
SO...
Selections:
OLAZABAL £1.50p e/w 40-1
CASEY £1 e/w 25-1
CABRERA 75p e/w 35-1
HANSON 75p 66-1
ORR 50p e/w 125-1
and no bet, but for a REAL outsider, how about the 150-1 Philip Price?
Opening Balance: £400.25p
Stake:£9
Balance after stake: £391.25p
==================================================================
Result:
Olazabal final pos'n: =41st
Casey final pos'n: =12th
Cabrera final pos'n: =5th
Hanson final pos'n: m/c
Orr final pos'n: m/c
Winnings: £4.03p
Profit/loss: -£4.97p
Balance after tournament: £395.28p
COMMENT: Wow! What an amazing result! No luck for "TwentySix" I'm afraid, and we were close. Cabrera, (our horses for courses runner) really should have won this, but a torrid last back nine, with a double bogey 6 on hole 15, and two sitter putts missed on 17 and 18 cost us dearly. Instead of sitting on a £40 profit, the Burly Argentine only made us £4!
Casey looked good for sometime also, after his horrid 9 (quadruple bogey) on hole 12 on the first day.
Unfortunately our long shots had terrible second rounds after promising much on day 1, and missed the cut - the same effectively happened to Ollie, after a great first round, he just simply faded away.
The weather for the first two days was hot and sunny, and for the last two (the last one in particular), miserable.
Past winner (and a past Wentworth betting stalwart of mine - I've bet and claimed real winnings on him 3 times at Wentworth when I used to have a flutter there), claimed his SECOND PGA title after a playoff with Justin Rose. Rose produced a magnificent pitch from 110 yards at the last, in regulation play, to set up the playoff, but its fair to say that the Dane probably deserved to win (which of course he did), because of his far more consistent golf throughout the week. Rose missed most fairways but just had a hot putter, whereas tee to green, Hansen was far more solid - and so mit proved at the first extra hole.
It's wonderful to see Anders Hansen win again, after quite a torrid time trying his luck across the water - a really nice, smiley, friendly, understated, underrated man, who has now finally proven to all his doubters (including Peter Alliss and most of the BBC Commentary team) that his 2002 win was no fluke.
Its now with great pleasure that I declare Anders Hansen to have the best Wentworth record, not Angel Cabrera!
On to the Wales Open next week, at Celtic Manor (near Newport), which we drove by the day before yesterday, on our way to visit friends in Cardiff. An Omen?!!!
All the big guns have turned up again, (apart from Adam Scott, for personal reasons, though he's never challenged here), even Padraig Harrington, last week's winner in Ireland, who boycotted this event in 2003 and 2004, claiming Wentworth didn't suit his game. That was proved nonsense since, with an 11th and 6th place finish.
Wentworth is allegedly set up beautifully this week, with super-slick greens running at TWELVE on the 'stimpometer' and penal 5" rough lining the famous avenues of old trees.
It is now a very long course running at over 7,300 yards thanks to Ernie Els' redesigns. Els has also added FORTY extra bunkers in the last two years!
This is a 'shot-makers' course, which has cost your average punter much moolah over recent years with outsiders such as 500-1 Scott Drummond, Andy Oldcorn, Ignacio Garrido and Anders Hansen winning against the odds, much to the bookies glee.
Angel Cabrera has the best record here, and Colin 'Mrs Doubtfire' Montgomerie rating it as his favourite course also, not to mention Ernie Els, who is the resident pro, and knows it like no-one else.
No-one jumps off the page at the punter this year - there are crosses against everyone. It wouldn't be a complete shock to me if ANOTHER 3 figure-odded winner lifts the trophy come sunday night, but for the record, here are the selections...
Cabrera - respected on course form (if not current form) alone.
Olazabal - Bang on form this year and the best 'shotmaker' (if not the worst driver) in the 156 strong field.
Casey - Likes the course, has won the world matchplay here, not on form at present but worth chancing I think.
Hanson - ace driver Peter was 5th here in 2005 and 7th in Ireland on sunday...
Orr - one of my favourites. The dour-faced Scot is a local specialist and has finished in the top eight here 5 times.
SO...
Selections:
OLAZABAL £1.50p e/w 40-1
CASEY £1 e/w 25-1
CABRERA 75p e/w 35-1
HANSON 75p 66-1
ORR 50p e/w 125-1
and no bet, but for a REAL outsider, how about the 150-1 Philip Price?
Opening Balance: £400.25p
Stake:£9
Balance after stake: £391.25p
==================================================================
Result:
Olazabal final pos'n: =41st
Casey final pos'n: =12th
Cabrera final pos'n: =5th
Hanson final pos'n: m/c
Orr final pos'n: m/c
Winnings: £4.03p
Profit/loss: -£4.97p
Balance after tournament: £395.28p
COMMENT: Wow! What an amazing result! No luck for "TwentySix" I'm afraid, and we were close. Cabrera, (our horses for courses runner) really should have won this, but a torrid last back nine, with a double bogey 6 on hole 15, and two sitter putts missed on 17 and 18 cost us dearly. Instead of sitting on a £40 profit, the Burly Argentine only made us £4!
Casey looked good for sometime also, after his horrid 9 (quadruple bogey) on hole 12 on the first day.
Unfortunately our long shots had terrible second rounds after promising much on day 1, and missed the cut - the same effectively happened to Ollie, after a great first round, he just simply faded away.
The weather for the first two days was hot and sunny, and for the last two (the last one in particular), miserable.
Past winner (and a past Wentworth betting stalwart of mine - I've bet and claimed real winnings on him 3 times at Wentworth when I used to have a flutter there), claimed his SECOND PGA title after a playoff with Justin Rose. Rose produced a magnificent pitch from 110 yards at the last, in regulation play, to set up the playoff, but its fair to say that the Dane probably deserved to win (which of course he did), because of his far more consistent golf throughout the week. Rose missed most fairways but just had a hot putter, whereas tee to green, Hansen was far more solid - and so mit proved at the first extra hole.
It's wonderful to see Anders Hansen win again, after quite a torrid time trying his luck across the water - a really nice, smiley, friendly, understated, underrated man, who has now finally proven to all his doubters (including Peter Alliss and most of the BBC Commentary team) that his 2002 win was no fluke.
Its now with great pleasure that I declare Anders Hansen to have the best Wentworth record, not Angel Cabrera!
On to the Wales Open next week, at Celtic Manor (near Newport), which we drove by the day before yesterday, on our way to visit friends in Cardiff. An Omen?!!!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
18. IRISH OPEN, ADARE, LIMERICK, 17-20 MAY '07
Finally, finally the tour moves closer to us.
Ireland this week and Wentworth next.
Not much comment here, the bet of the week probably lies at the AT & T Classic, at Bellsouth, home of Stewart Cink, who maybe worth a flutter. That bet isn't good enough to make my "Sports Bets" section, (old "Tip of the Week"), but it's a decent bet nonetheless.
Anyway, to Limerick...
Balance: £395.75p
Selections:
Sterne £1.50p e/w 50-1
Harrington £1.50p to win 8-1
Jacquelin £1 e/w 25-1
McDowell 75p e/w 33-1
JM Singh 50p e/w 66-1
Stake: £9
Balance after stake: £386.75p
==========================================
Result:
Sterne. Final pos'n: =37th
Harrington. Final pos'n: WON!
Jacquelin. Final posn: =7th
McDowell. Final posn: =31st
JM Singh. Final pos'n: m/c
Winnings: £13.50p
Profit/loss: +£4.50p
Balance after tournament: £400.25p
Comment:Another WIN for "Twenty-Six", though it only came via a playoff.
Adare was set up very difficult obviously, and it was VERY windy! Most players finished WELL over par!
So. We head to Wentworth (my favourite tournament of the year) this week, full of confidence!
Ireland this week and Wentworth next.
Not much comment here, the bet of the week probably lies at the AT & T Classic, at Bellsouth, home of Stewart Cink, who maybe worth a flutter. That bet isn't good enough to make my "Sports Bets" section, (old "Tip of the Week"), but it's a decent bet nonetheless.
Anyway, to Limerick...
Balance: £395.75p
Selections:
Sterne £1.50p e/w 50-1
Harrington £1.50p to win 8-1
Jacquelin £1 e/w 25-1
McDowell 75p e/w 33-1
JM Singh 50p e/w 66-1
Stake: £9
Balance after stake: £386.75p
==========================================
Result:
Sterne. Final pos'n: =37th
Harrington. Final pos'n: WON!
Jacquelin. Final posn: =7th
McDowell. Final posn: =31st
JM Singh. Final pos'n: m/c
Winnings: £13.50p
Profit/loss: +£4.50p
Balance after tournament: £400.25p
Comment:Another WIN for "Twenty-Six", though it only came via a playoff.
Adare was set up very difficult obviously, and it was VERY windy! Most players finished WELL over par!
So. We head to Wentworth (my favourite tournament of the year) this week, full of confidence!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
17. GUEST TOURNAMENT. THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, SAWGRASS, FLORIDA. 10-13th MAY '07
We move across the pond this week, to (the) TPC at Sawgrass, the commonly named "Fifth Major" of the year, with all the world's top players involved (as every year), and the famous "island par 3 "(the 17th) which features in golf publications so often. The european tour is involved with the Andalucian Open, a poor relation when the TPC is being played - tournament selection was a no-brainer this week, but I would probably always like to tip on the TPC at Sawgrass as it is such a high quality field each year, with a massive $8m dollar total purse.
Woods comes to the TPC having won thw Wachovia last week, but he brings no course form with him - he has never won at Sawgrass. In fact, only twice have top20 players triumphed at the TPC at Sawgrass - Scott (a big win for me) and Ames (last year).
The TPC at Sawgrass used to be played in March, but for the first time this year, its been moved to May - and therefore the fairways and greens will be that much firmer. A tough course with narrow (firm now) fairways and relatively penal rough, with a sea breeze affecting shots massively, very often, Sawgrass takes no prisoners.
That island 17th hole can be as much as a 4 iron or as little as a 9, depending on the wind - that's what makea Sawgrass such a fantastic place for spectator golf!
So who has got a chance?
Jim Furyk, in his own back yard, probably knows this course better than anyone else, and has been practicing here, at the revamped Sawgrass for the past 3 weeks. 2nd on the USPGA tour's accuracy league (2nd to Fred Funk's lead) (VERY important at Sawgrass) and at 40-1 - Furyk HAS to be on the shortlist.
Harrington and Donald both love Sawgrass and both have the temperament to win here.
And as for two outsiders - how about Mike Weir (nicely in form, accurate, fine record at Sawgrass and the 'forgotten man') is worth a punt, as is John Rollins - in the form of his life, and an accurate driver and solid putter.
Woods is playing his chances down, with his errant driving, and may be carrying a slight knee niggle, but should be wary of a wounded tiger? At 3-1? Not for me!
Opening Balance: £406.75p
Selections:
Harrington £1.50p e/w 40-1
Donald £1.50p e/w 33-1
Furyk £1.50p e/w 40-1
Weir 50p e/w 100-1
Rollins 50p e/w 100-1
Stake: £11
Balance after Stake: £395.75p
==========================================
Result:
HARRINGTON - final pos'n: 52nd
DONALD - final pos'n: 16th
FURYK - final pos'n: 28th
WEIR - final pos'n: 37th
ROLLINS - final pos'n: 58th
Winnings: £0
Profit/loss: -£11
Balance after tournament: £395.75p
Comment: Not much to say really - a lot of people challenged for this one, but not Tiger Woods, who redeemed himself somewhat with a final round -5, and not my selections.
Phil Mickleson coped the best with a very tough course, and went on to win from Garcia.
Nice to see Olly do well also.
Woods comes to the TPC having won thw Wachovia last week, but he brings no course form with him - he has never won at Sawgrass. In fact, only twice have top20 players triumphed at the TPC at Sawgrass - Scott (a big win for me) and Ames (last year).
The TPC at Sawgrass used to be played in March, but for the first time this year, its been moved to May - and therefore the fairways and greens will be that much firmer. A tough course with narrow (firm now) fairways and relatively penal rough, with a sea breeze affecting shots massively, very often, Sawgrass takes no prisoners.
That island 17th hole can be as much as a 4 iron or as little as a 9, depending on the wind - that's what makea Sawgrass such a fantastic place for spectator golf!
So who has got a chance?
Jim Furyk, in his own back yard, probably knows this course better than anyone else, and has been practicing here, at the revamped Sawgrass for the past 3 weeks. 2nd on the USPGA tour's accuracy league (2nd to Fred Funk's lead) (VERY important at Sawgrass) and at 40-1 - Furyk HAS to be on the shortlist.
Harrington and Donald both love Sawgrass and both have the temperament to win here.
And as for two outsiders - how about Mike Weir (nicely in form, accurate, fine record at Sawgrass and the 'forgotten man') is worth a punt, as is John Rollins - in the form of his life, and an accurate driver and solid putter.
Woods is playing his chances down, with his errant driving, and may be carrying a slight knee niggle, but should be wary of a wounded tiger? At 3-1? Not for me!
Opening Balance: £406.75p
Selections:
Harrington £1.50p e/w 40-1
Donald £1.50p e/w 33-1
Furyk £1.50p e/w 40-1
Weir 50p e/w 100-1
Rollins 50p e/w 100-1
Stake: £11
Balance after Stake: £395.75p
==========================================
Result:
HARRINGTON - final pos'n: 52nd
DONALD - final pos'n: 16th
FURYK - final pos'n: 28th
WEIR - final pos'n: 37th
ROLLINS - final pos'n: 58th
Winnings: £0
Profit/loss: -£11
Balance after tournament: £395.75p
Comment: Not much to say really - a lot of people challenged for this one, but not Tiger Woods, who redeemed himself somewhat with a final round -5, and not my selections.
Phil Mickleson coped the best with a very tough course, and went on to win from Garcia.
Nice to see Olly do well also.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
16. ITALIAN OPEN. CASTELLO DI TOLCINASCO G & CC, 3-6 MAY '07
We head from Spain last week, to Italy this - the tour has at last taken hold in its home continent, as we approach the tour's flagship event - the BMW PGA at Wentworth, over Whitson Bank Holiday Weekend, (I won't be going this year, as I'm in Cardiff).
This Italian venue is relatively new, having staged only the last 3 Italian Opens, is very spectacular, and quite long at over 7200 yards.
Last year, one of the Molinari brothers (the younger Francesco) triumphed, to secure a first Italian winner of the Italian Open since 1980. Both Francesco and Eduardo (his elder brother) are competing this week, although Eduardo is making only his second appearance in the tournament, his first as a professional, as he played last year as an amateur, and missed the cut.
Big things are expected of the two Molinaris, and the sibling rivalry cannot but help their progression through the tour ranks one would think?
Also playing near Milan this week is Graeme McDowell, a winner at Castello on its first Italian open hosting in 2004. Graeme is playing well at the moment, in fits and bursts - consistent, rather than spectacular...
Selections:
Jacquelin £1.50p e/w 22-1
P.Hanson £1 e/w 40-1
Kaymer £1 e/w 33-1
A.Canizares £1 e/w 50-1
O.Fisher 50p e/w 100-1
Balance before stake: £416.75p
Stake: £10
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £406.75p
____________________________________________________
Result:
Jacquelin Final pos'n: =7th
P.Hanson Final pos'n: m/c
Kaymer Final pos'n: =14th
A.Canizares Final pos'n: m/c
O.Fisher Final pos'n: =14th
Winnings: £0
Profit/Loss: -£10
Final balance after tournament: £406.75p
COMMENT:
Pretty non descript really, with the Spaniard Gonzales Fernandez-Castano winning the shortened tournament (due to torrential rain in Milan) so making his tournament wins tally move to 3. He beat Marcus Brier in the playoff, but once again, Nick Dougherty shouls be kicking himself, letting a 3 shot lead disappear witha few holes to go. That's becoming the norm for Dougherty this year - a bit shakey at the business end of tournaments.
As for the "Twenty-Six" selections... a mixed bag, with Raphael Jacquelin doing the best, finishing just one shot and 1 spot off making "Twenty Six" a small return...
On to next week...
This Italian venue is relatively new, having staged only the last 3 Italian Opens, is very spectacular, and quite long at over 7200 yards.
Last year, one of the Molinari brothers (the younger Francesco) triumphed, to secure a first Italian winner of the Italian Open since 1980. Both Francesco and Eduardo (his elder brother) are competing this week, although Eduardo is making only his second appearance in the tournament, his first as a professional, as he played last year as an amateur, and missed the cut.
Big things are expected of the two Molinaris, and the sibling rivalry cannot but help their progression through the tour ranks one would think?
Also playing near Milan this week is Graeme McDowell, a winner at Castello on its first Italian open hosting in 2004. Graeme is playing well at the moment, in fits and bursts - consistent, rather than spectacular...
Selections:
Jacquelin £1.50p e/w 22-1
P.Hanson £1 e/w 40-1
Kaymer £1 e/w 33-1
A.Canizares £1 e/w 50-1
O.Fisher 50p e/w 100-1
Balance before stake: £416.75p
Stake: £10
Balance after stake (pre-tournament): £406.75p
____________________________________________________
Result:
Jacquelin Final pos'n: =7th
P.Hanson Final pos'n: m/c
Kaymer Final pos'n: =14th
A.Canizares Final pos'n: m/c
O.Fisher Final pos'n: =14th
Winnings: £0
Profit/Loss: -£10
Final balance after tournament: £406.75p
COMMENT:
Pretty non descript really, with the Spaniard Gonzales Fernandez-Castano winning the shortened tournament (due to torrential rain in Milan) so making his tournament wins tally move to 3. He beat Marcus Brier in the playoff, but once again, Nick Dougherty shouls be kicking himself, letting a 3 shot lead disappear witha few holes to go. That's becoming the norm for Dougherty this year - a bit shakey at the business end of tournaments.
As for the "Twenty-Six" selections... a mixed bag, with Raphael Jacquelin doing the best, finishing just one shot and 1 spot off making "Twenty Six" a small return...
On to next week...
Sunday, April 22, 2007
15. Open de ESPANA. CENTRO GC MADRID,26-29 APRIL '07
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!
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!
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!
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