Not going to mess around here...
Due to severe work pressures (because of the 2007 floods over central England), I'm pretty well just gonnae give you the selections this week...
No other information apart from the fact that one of the selections has pulled out at the last minute with probable kidney stones, in immense agony - the old kaiser himself, Berrrnharrrd Lornggeeeerrr.
The selections WOULD have been -
FASTH £2 e/w 14-1
McDOWELL £1 e/w 35-1
SABBATINI £1 e/w 33-1
STORM 50p e/w 80-1
and
LANGER.
As I am on holiday for two weeks from Saturday, in blistering Kefalonia, I'll not be calculating money staked, money lost or won, or new balances for THREE WEEKS (FOUR TOURNAMENTS), including this tournament.
In short,
the tournaments I'll NOT be making selections for are:
The WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone
The Russian Open at Le Meridien, Moscow
AND (unfortunately)
The US PGA at Southern Hills GC (the last Major of the year).
(and I will NOT be giving results for this weeks Deutsche Bank Players Championship either).
The NEXT tournament that selections will be made for will be
The Scandanavian Masters (beginning on August 16th).
See you in 3 weeks, grapple fans...
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
27. THE OPEN. CARNOUSTIE. ANGUS. 19-22 JULY 2007
Finally it's arrived. The best golf tournament of the year, at the hardest links course in the world, Carnoustie, in Angus, just east of Dundee, on the east coast of Scotland, a course that will be forever remembered as the course that did it for Jean Van de Velde in 1999.
Lets put that to bed straight away before we talk about this years contenders...
Many people will have it that Van de Velde threw his golden chance to win The Open in the bin that year, standing, as he was, on the final tee, 3 shots clear.
Looking at it like that, it is easy to come to that rather basic conclusion.
The facts are though, that far from throwing it away, he was the unfortunate recipient of a million-to-one freak result from a pretty good 2nd shot.
His drive was pushed short and right, and he hit a long iron from the rough for his second, OVER The Barry Burn by at least 20 yards. It hit a grandstand. Every time that happens, one would expect the ball to drop down, the golfer would get a free drop, and that would be that.
Not that time.
Van de Velde's ball hit a tiny piece of decorative metal on the grandstand and bounced back over the Barry Burn, maybe 50 yards, into a virtually unplayable lie. (Those pieces of metal don't even exist on grandstands any more).
Now his only possible mistake probably arose here.
Instead of "taking his medicine" and chipping out sideways (not guaranteed to find the fairway - people forget that), he attempted to cross the burn again.It was probably a 50/50 call as to whether he could pull off that, or even whether he could simply chip out sideways successfully - such was the lie he had.
Well, we know what happened then, and we bore witness to one of the most memorable holes of golf ever televised then, shoes and socks off and all.
What some people forget also, is that the Barry Burn is tidal. Van de Velde's ball when it landed in the burn was partially exposed. 10 minutes later when he was umming and arring about playing it (finally realising he couldn't really), it was under a 6 inches of water.
In my opinion, Peter Alliss finally lost the plot at this point, not Van de Velde. Sure, it was fascinating, enthralling, car-crash telly at its best, but Peter Alliss (up until THAT moment, quite an amusing commentator in the past) went, to quote him (about Van de Velde) "GaGa".
I've grown very tired of Peter Alliss now. I'm tired of him banging on about some octagenarian in Weybridge who has lost control over his bowel movements in the last week, and "We wish you well, dear old Albert" etc... etc..., not to mention how much better Peter Alliss was in his pomp, than whoever he is commentating on.
Unlike Murray Walker, Ted Lowe, Dan Maskell, Sid Waddell, Peter O'Sullevan and even David Coleman, Peter (they all play so SLOWLY these days) Alliss HAS outstayed his welcome. Bugger off fat-boy, and leave the terrestrial tv commentating to Wayne Grady (Old Lady), Ken Brown and Sam Torrance.
Back to Van de Velde though, the simple facts are that the hapless frenchman did not really throw the 1999 Open at "Carnasty" away, much less have it snatched from him by a freak result from a pretty good shot.
Greg Norman, for example, DID throw the 1996 US Masters down the pan - with bogey after bogey in the final round, to let Nick Faldo come back from 6 down on the first tee.
Doug Sanders DID throw the 1970 Open at St.Andrews down the pan, for example, with possibly the poorest putt ever (by a professional golfer) on that hallowed turf, and then getting run-over by Jack Nicklaus in the playoff.
If you asked Van de Velde if he would play any shot any different, if he could, he would tell you NON! (Thats not Gallic shruggy indifference or stupidity - dems de facts).
Add to ALL that, that Jean Van de Velde has THIS WEEK begun tests to determine whether or not he has bone cancer (and I know VERY WELL INDEED that Oncologists do not tend to get involved for no reason at all), and instead of ridiculing the very magnanimous, amusing Frenchman, we really should give him some credit.
We should also give some credit to the eventual winner, Scotland's own Paul Lawrie, who had a dream 67 in his final round in 1999 and played probably the best 4 iron of his entire career, on the final hole, to within feet - a once in a lifetime shot all in itself!
In 1999, everybody criticised everybody and everything.
Tom Lehman (reknowned for his gob at times, the quiet "man of god" that he is?!) suggested that "This year's (1999's) Open got the Champion (Lawrie) it deserved".
I agree with him, but for different reasons of course!
It was widely thought of as tough (not a problem for most golfers), and more importantly - UNFAIR.
Sandy Lyle complained about the greenkeepers watering and fertilising the heavy rough, all the intermediate rough had been burned away - the course was almost, almost unplayable. But not for Lawrie.
Phew! Right!
On to this year...
Well, the fairways have been widened, the intermediate rough (thanks to this year's wet summer) remains - so balls shouldn't run straight into the spinach, the greens are receptive (more rain again) and Carnoustie, this year, is, I suppose, is
as "Car-Nice-tee" as a brutal, 7,500 yards east coast monster links gets. It still won't be easy, but it most certainly will be fairer than in 1999, and from what I've seen of pictures of the course so far, it looks very, very green - very unlike the scorched links golf courses we all remember! The weather forecast for the four days does not look too bad right now, but the east coast of Scotland is famous for four seasons in one day - luck of the draw (as it always has in the Open) WILL play a huge part, especially if any wind does get up (it will!), BUT I fully expect the winning score to be UNDER par this year!
What of the contenders?
Some thoughts...
WOODS 7-2
Triple winner this year, the best golfer in the field by miles. A new father. (In 1999, Els was in the same boat - his daughter was 2 months old, Els played Carnoustie in a "blur", surrounded by nappies. He finished 24th. Woods is no Els though, and has taken preparation and concentration to new levels, both on and off the course. The "Nappy factor" is generally regarded as a good thing in professional golf anyway, ask Stuart Appelby or even Jack Nicklaus, who didn't win ANY of his majors before he started dropping sprogs so to speak.
If Woods gets a good draw (weather wise), he will win his third Open on the bounce.
And no mistake.
BUT... he's not guaranteed a fair draw. No-one is in the Open.
ELS 12-1
A poor season so far, until the final round at Loch Lomond last week. I've never seen him play better golf - he looked like he was going to eagle or birdy EVERY hole and his driving (both distance and accuracy) was perfect.
Carnoustie is a very different beast to the benign, tame Loch Lomond though.
Els has a brilliant Open record, and if he continues the form he showed in that last round on tha "Bonny banks", may well go close, again. Its a big IF though - you certainly wouldn't pick him on his seasons form....
MICKLESON. 20-1
Erratic driving at the Loch, a still-twinging wrist, no great Open form to speak of.
A Brilliant short game (up until last sunday?!) may stand him in good stead, and I like his attitude, but I'm looking elsewhere.
FURYK 22-1
Having a GREAT season. World #3. Accurate. Patient. Quiet. Good putter. Mixed Open record - either very good or very bad. Tenth at Carnoustie in 1999. Due a win. One to watch?
SINGH 28-1
Has been warming up in Angus for at least 10 days now - thats how much the golfaholic from Fiji wants this one. Very consistent on the leaderboard at The Open, but doesn't often threaten. If he has FINALLY settled on a putter that works for him, his unrivalled preparation may mean he has a chance.... Maybe, just maybe, the old forgotten man this year?
HARRINGTON 28-1
All the British media's pick for a home winner. Brought up on Links Golf. Won the Irish Open this year and instead of playing at Loch Lomond last week, he went home and played an Irish Links Tournament for pennies, for preparation for this week. Peaking nicely...
ROSE 33-1
Many media pundits are making a case for one of the nicest blokes on tour this week. He has fond memories of the Open also, if you remember, chipping in on the final hole from 50 yards or so (at Birkdale I think) to finish in the places as an amateur. He is on good form, but his back has been playing up of late. A real tryer, but may well not have the fire necessary to win - remember what happened at Wentworth this year?
DONALD 33-1
Very good last round at the Loch last week, like Ernie. Not a great Open record though (5 missed cuts out of 7). Patient enough, sure. Not a killer on the golf course yet - sure.
Not for me, though, of course, he will be a popular pick for British punters.
GARCIA 40-1
Sergio cried (literally!) into his mother's arms after two rounds at Carnoustie in 1999.
The tantrums have continued since then, and he cannot putt for toffee. May contend, may scream and shout and throw his clubs around, but he won't win until he grows up.
CASEY 40-1
Has the game, 2 good majors under his belt already this year (tenth in both), but a bit buggered with bad back injury recently. Preparation severely affected, so I'll swerve him.
FASTH 40-1
Double winner last year, the best current form this year of anyone competing this week, not bad Open form, fearless, more experienced than people think, a real ouside chance.
GOOSEN 45-1
Unlike Niclas above, Retief is probably having the WORST season of his career. He looks completely uninterested at the moment - 4 cuts missed in last 5 tournaments. No thanks.
SCOTT 45-1
Ahhh... Adam, the infuriating one. Completely unpredictable. Should have won an Open by now, such is his game and level of skill. Should have got two Claret Jugs maybe. Possibly overrated now though (number 4 in the world still?). Hmmm. Maybe not.
CABRERA 50-1
Current US Open champion. Mixed Open record. Certainly has the game to tame the monster, and if he can drive well, his enormous length (cough) will take fairway bunker sout of the equation. Angel either putts like something from heaven though, or something from the bowels of the earth - if his flat stick is on song, and his more wayward drives aren't punished, could well go well. He also most definitely has the confidence now after his first major. But no-one (apart from Woods and Nicklaus) wins two o the trot do they? DO THEY?!
MONTGOMERIE 50-1
As predicted last week, (after his victory the week before in the European Open), Monty imploded with pressure. That said, he almost beat Tiger at St.Andrews two years ago, and IS Carnoustie's 18 hole record holder (64). I still don't think the whiny girl has what it takes to win THE big one though. Don't spit in my face if I'm wrong on that count though!
STENSON 55-1
Great 2006, good start to 2007. Long and straight, and world number 7. Hasn't done much though, since becoming a first-time father. Maybe the "Nappy Factor" takes some time to kick in then? A very good player, unbeatable on his day, and won't be afraid of a little rain - Swedes who don't play in the rain, don't play! A favourite tip of mine, but not at the moment methinks...
POULTER 66-1
Settled down a bit of late, and much-improved. If he'd just concentrate on the game, rather than the fashion, he really should do much better. Has everything in his bag to compete for these biggies (including a hand-mirror, probably). In very good form at the moment - an awful lot of spectators at the Loch last week couldn't wait to put doon a few sovs on him for this.... You have been warned.
WESTWOOD 80-1
More of an inland player than a chip an' run beach golf player, definitely. Another win in him this year - I guess so, but not in Angus.
TOMS 80-1
Major specialist. (Mixed Open form though). Playing VERY WELL INDEED now, and a truely great putter. Has the accuracy off the tee also, and the patience. Maybe it's Toms Time?
APPELBY. 85-1
Great Open form, but mercurial week in, week out. If he's blowing hot, he'll contend, but absolutely (as his countryman Adam Scott) no guarantee of that. Fancied by a few tipsters though.
CLARKE 100-1
Improving week by week after (obviously) a miserable year. Scotland will be underwater with tears if "The Dazzler" can pull this off. Small chance, but I just cannot see it.
VERPLANK. 100-1
The bridesmaid. Always the bridesmaid. Has the game, great driving and putting. Then he bottles it. Every time. Putting money on Verplank makes YOU a plank this week.
ALLENBY 100-1
Good in his day. But those days are over my lanky Australian friend. No way.
BJORN 100-1
Now Thomas if you remember had his chance at Troon in 2003. And then promptly took a MILLION strokes to escape from a (not too difficult) trap, and got locked up in a special place for a few months after that. Temperamental at best, and the "Demons" are still flying around this (ever miserable-looking) Great Dane's baldy heed. Nope.
WEIR 100-1
I wrote him off a few tournaments ago, and he proved me wrong by finishing third or something.
So I'll do it again, and THIS time I'll be correct. No chance at Carnoustie.
JOHNSON 100-1
Well. He has got gawd on his side, so you never know. Nowhere near enough Links experience, and even though his early season form was unbeatable, he's slumped badly since. No sir.
IMMELMAN 15-1
One day. But not sunday. Literally half the man he was before he lost about ten stone due to a mystery stomach bug - just when he was looking like becoming a world beater. Well, he may get back there, but not just yet...
HOWELL 200-1
"The Howler" is probably my favourite golfer on tour right now. Very unassuming, very likeable, very difficult to beat when he's on form, and very prone to injury after injury. He's still smiling, though he MUST be pissed off by now. Next year moy san, next year.
LOVE III 250-1
Or as the Irish call him, "Davis Love da turd". Very good Open form indeed, but way past it now. Unlucky, yanky-chops.
LEHMAN 300-1
Let me down badly last week, the motor-mouthed God Squaddy. Useful at the moment, at least in the US of A, but not here, then. I've learned my lesson.
OTHERS TO CONSIDER?
McDOWELL 100-1 - loves links golf. Getting better and better
STERNE 100-1 - playing the season of his life
PETERSSON 125-1- playing very very well indeed, but I hear he's lost his clubs
KELLY 175-1 - again, current form very impressive
HANSON 200-1 - a REAL outsider. 200-1. MUST be worth a quid!
WEEKLEY 200-1 - Boo. Good game for links. I've warned you now.
There you go, grapple fans.
Make your own mind up.
I'm running 99th ou of 7,500 in the Fantasy Golf League at present, so I really need a good "double-bubble week here".
For the record....
Opening Balance: £414.96p
Selections:
WOODS £3 to win 7-2
FASTH £1 e/w 40-1
TOMS £1 e/w 85-1
CABRERA 75p e/w 50-1
FURYK 75p e/w 22-1
Stake: £10
Balance after Stake:£404.96p
========================================
RESULT:
Woods =12th
Fasth 35th
Toms m/c
Cabrera 34th
Furyk =12th
Winnings: £0
Profit / Loss : -£10
Closing balance after tournament: £404.96p
COMMENT:
Phew!
MORE drama than in '99? At least as much I'd say.
Pod finally won a major for Europe, though he nearly blew it at the final (regulation) hole when he hit it into the famous Barry burn TWICE!
As for the "26" picks-
Woods never really got going - many of his approaches were sprayed around the green rather than peppering the flag, and his first drive on round 3, blasted out of bounds with an iron (for safety?) summed his week up really.
Fasth - likewise. Maybe slightly ring rusty, though did threaten to break into the leaderboard witha fine penultimate round.
Toms - suffering from a sever head cold all week (I didn't know that beforehand), and predictably missed the cut.
Cabrera - disppointing from "The Duck". Wild shots and poor putting put pay to any challenge he might have made.
Furyk - always there or thereabouts, but never a serious challenger this week, and finished like a damp squib.
I'm rather glad Sergio did NOT win, as I confidently stated before the tournament that he certainly wouldn't! I very nearly had to eat a whole kitchen of humble pie, as he was odds on to win at the start of his final round - 3 shots ahead, and looking very much in control.
Quote of the week:
Harrington's little boy who raced onto the green to hug his Dad and look at the Claret Jug.
"Can we put ladybirds in it?!" (meaning the Claret Jug)
Harrington: "Sure we can. We can put ladybirds in it"!
Maybe I'm just a big softy, but that was great!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
26. THE SCOTTISH OPEN. LOCH LOMOND. 12-15 JULY '07
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...
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 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...?!
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