Tag: PGA Tour

Michelson Uncertain but Field Still Strong for CareerBuilder Challenge

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Most golfing eyes will be on Abu Dhabi this week as the biggest names tee off in the European Tour. All the other golfing eyes are still probably stretched apart in shock still, reeling at the impressive Justin Thomas and his dismantling of Hawaiian golf courses and fellow PGA Tour pros over the last two weeks.

If you can look away from the European action for a second, or recover from the surprise of Thomas, the CareerBuilder Challenge still has an excellent field to follow. Let’s check out the key talking points from this week’s PGA Tour action:

The Course

The PGA West TPC Stadium course is an absolute brute. Long, difficult and once described by golf columnist Jim Murray as needing “a camel, a canoe, a priest and a tourniquet to get through”. The Pete Dye-designed golf course is over 7300 yards from the championship tees and is often ranked as one of the best courses in America. It often also features in lists of the most difficult courses in America. A stadium course because of the naturally sculpted spectator seating, the course is used to grandstand finishes as the venue for PGA Tour qualifying school tournaments every other year. The reason for the excitement? The island green on the 17th, nicknamed Alcatraz, and the difficult water-logged 18th.

The event’s pro-am format also will utilise PGA West’s Nicklaus Tournament course (7,159/72) and La Quinta Country Club (7,060/72) in the first three rounds.

The Defending Champion

Jason Dufner ended a victory drought of nearly 2 ½ years and notched his fourth career victory (and first since winning his sole major at the 2013 PGA Championship at Oak Hill) when he won here last year. His win is largely remembered for the miraculous par he made on 17, known now as an escape from Alcatraz.

Dufner tugged his 8-iron right and instead of having his ball bounce hard off the rocks protecting the green, his ball nestled into a sandy area from which he was able to save par from (almost made two as his chip shot lipped out).

In the end, Dufner won on the second playoff hole, beating Sweden’s David Lingmerth who caught a bad break on the second playoff hole. Dufner’s at $34 to go back-to-back.

The Contenders*

Phil Mickelson $21

Lefty makes his traditional start of the year after a three-month layoff. Phil’s last tournament was the Safeway Open in October, where he earned a share of eighth. Mickelson has both familiarity and history on his side at this course, he’s won the tournament twice and he managed to tie for third here last year. He looks a great option in a relatively weak field. Note, Phil is still recovering from a sports hernia injury and could be in doubt to tee up.

Patrick Reed $12

Reed hasn’t hit anywhere near the form that made him become a Ryder Cup icon late last year – quite simply the putts have stopped rolling in for the feisty American. However, he’s still a threat at a tournament he’s won before (in 2014). Shared sixth place at Kapalua recently despite admitting to feeling “80 percent” after a recent illness.

Hudson Swafford $54

Tied for 13th last week after an opening 62 but a disappointing closing 71. Hits it long and has a nice touch to be able to cope with less than perfect ball striking. Hasn’t missed a cut this season and seems to be popping up on the first page of the leaderboard more often than not recently.

Zach Johnson $21

A 61 in the second round in Hawaii showed he’s on the right track, where he ultimately finished 6th. Johnson has four top-25 finishes in the tournament amongst two missed cuts. Doesn’t need much to get himself going, so his inclusion here is essentially down to the confidence boosting 61 at the Sony Open.

Bill Haas $21

A compelling record at the CareerBuilder, two-time champion (2010, 2015) and the tournament’s all-time money leader, puts Haas near the top of the rankings this week. Boasts an unbelievable thirty-nine consecutive red numbers here since 2008. Record here is also well supported by his start to the season that has seen him go T20-T4-T13-T13.Ready to win this week – a big chance.

Jaime Lovemark $34

Lovemark has picked up in 2017 where he left off in 2016. A tie of fourth last week at Sony followed up a tie for 6th in the RSM late last year. Was leading this tournament last year after round two (ultimately finishing 6th) but has become a much more complete golfer since then. Good all round game suited to the new layout of the CareerBuilder.

*Odds from Sportsbet.

The Winner

We really like Haas this week. An exemplary record at the CareerBuilder and despite a change in venue has the consistency behind him this season to manage the unsettling layout changes.

PGA Tour: Crowne Plaza Invitational Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

In the battle between the two wonder boys of Golf, 26 year old Rory McIlroy took the advantage last week with an impressive win at Quail Hollow which included a course record 61.  21 year old Jordan Spieth gets the opportunity to respond in his home State at the Crowne Plaza Invitational.

Spieth is the odds on favourite to bounce back from a poor Players showing to get back in the winners circle and strike next in the individual duel that will define golf for the next 10 years.

The Course

The Fort Worth based Colonial Country Club is a challenging treat of doglegs and tight fairways.  The 7,204 yards par 70 course, opened in 1936 and began hosting PGA Tpur event just ten years later.  It has been as stop ever since, including hosting the US Open.  The Perry Maxwell and John Bredemus design has also welcomed LPGA Tour stars.  Mainly due its smaller length adding a layer of flexibility needed for women’s events.  Only two par 5’s may see scores a little higher than some PGA Tour weeks, especially with the Horrible Horseshoe stretch (3, 4, 5).

The Sound Bites

“I’ve changed equipment a little bit, and that’s taking a little while to straighten itself out and get to a comfortable spot” – Adam Scott’s looking for an explanation of his putting woes.  He ranks 196th in the PGA Tours putting statistic, strokes gained.

“I think it’s sandwiched between a couple of shirts, [I] kind of just hold it as if it’s the greatest trophy that I’ve ever had” – Jordan Spieth talks about his Masters trophy, room for another trophy in amongst those shirts?

The Defending Champion

Last year Adam Scott celebrated ascending to number 1 in the world with a playoff victory over Jason Dufner.  The Aussie made his move after trailing by two heading into the final day, and his 4-under 66 was enough to join Dufner in the playoff.  Scott played the three holes 2-under and cemented his place at the top of the world.  The win also saw Scott complete the “Texas Grand Slam”.  Scott’s at $29.00 to win against this year.

The Contenders*

Jordan Spieth – The local hero has some points to win in his personal duel with Rory so should be in contention.  The Masters champion also has two top-15 finishes in his last two starts at Colonial – $6.25

Jimmy Walker – Admittedly not in the best form but we like his overall consistency.  Second in the FedEx Cup standings an tied for 10th here las year.  Should go alright again this week – $19.00

Paul Casey – Casey’s enjoying an excellent season in the States, and has many people tipping him to do this week on a course where he’s played well before  – $26.00

Chris Kirk –  Incredibly Kirk has never finished outside the top 20.  If you’re in to you’re fantasy golf he’s an absolute must, otherwise if you just like the odd flutter send some love Kirk’s way – $31.00

Throw in the likes of Ryan Palmer, John Senden and Zach Johnson and it’s a pretty handy field.

*Odds from Luxbet.

The Winner

Kirk’s record here is superb, and although he finished poorly at The Players he should bounce back this week.

PGA Tour: Wells Fargo Championship Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

As the practice opportunities ahead of the June 15 US Open diminish, PGA Tour pros will be looking to take every available opportunity to tinker with their games before they have to take on the notoriously difficult tournament (this year at Chambers Bay).  With that in mind, the Wells Fargo Championship has attracted a strong field, with all of them keen to snap up the 500 FedEx Cup points, as well as some confidence ahead of the year’s second major.

The Course

Quail Hollow Club is well known amongst the golfing fraternity.  After ten years of hosting the Kemper Open, the club gained familiarity in 2003 when it first hosted the Wells Fargo.  Ever since the 7,562 yard, par 72 has been a popular stop for the pros.  Much like last weeks difficult closing, The final three holes here are considered to be some of the toughest closers on tour.  Dubbed the “Green Mile” it’s a difficult stretch, and presumably one of the reasons Quail has been given  2017 PGA Championship and 2021 Presidents Cup.

The Sound Bites

“It’s one of those stretches in your career where you know you’re playing well, you’re hot so you better keep playing and do it as long as you can, hopefully it will last the rest of the year.” – Kevin Kisner spoke of his good stretch of form (he’s listed below in our predicted contenders).

“I think I’ve experimented a lot this year with equipment, which isn’t usually what I do.  I think the consistency will start to show in my results as I become more accustomed to where I’m at” – World number 11 Adam Scott spoke of his new equipment struggles.  He’s 108 in the FedExCup and at $29.00 to win this week.

The Defending Champion

J.B. Holmes won this event last year in a compelling story of triumph against the odds.  It was the bug Kentucky man’s first win since brain surgery and started a run of form that’s continued to this day.  He beat Jim Furyk by a shot after finishing with a one-under 71.

He’s paying $34.00 to repeat last year’s feat.

The Contenders*

Rory McIlroy – Won two weeks ago and has won here previously too.  Shares the course record here and was decent last week in tying for 8th.  The number one player in the World, first in the Race to Dubai, 17th in the FedEx Cup standings.  Need any more reasons? – $4.00

Henrik Stenson – The sinewy Swede is one of the best ball strikers in the game, however a bout of illness has seen him lose several points and length off his driver.  He’s still been there or there about all season without a win.  T17th last week thanks to a solid final round 68 means he’s a chance at Quail – $17.00

Jim Furyk – The all-time money leader at the event and coming off a second place here last year.  A winner this year on tour (RBC Heritage) and having just celebrated his 45th birthday two days ago could be looking to cash in – $19.00

Bill Haas – Has two top 5 finishes at Quail Hollow and grew up nearby making it somewhat of a home venue for him.  Was effective last week at TPC Sawgrass, just missing the playoff.  Will be looking to make a Presidents Cup move and catch the captains eye (his dad Jay Haas) – $29.00

Kevin Kisner – It’s only a matter of time before the South Carolina product triumphs so why not this week.  After a disappointing 73 first up at the Players bounced back superbly to make the playoff.  Played all four holes well but missed chances on 18 and 17 to win / continue.  Tied for 6th last year – $34.00

*Players Championship odds available at Luxbet.

The Winner

We hate to sound like a broken record, but, Rory.

PGA Tour: The Players Championship Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Golf’s unofficial fifth major always provides plenty of entertainment. Admittedly most of it centres around the engrossing 17th island green, but this years event features a stellar field, the McIlroy-Spieth duel that will define golf for the next 20 years, and also the opinion splitting Tiger Woods.

The Course

TPC Sawgrass.  That’s all.  One of the world’s most famous got courses, featuring arguably the world’s most famous hole.  Putting the course’s shortest hole aside (the incredibly challenging and unmissable 17th), Sawgrass is a 7,215 yard, par 72, Pete Dye creation.  The course features one of the most challenging finishes in golf, and also features the quirky trait of having no two consecutive holes play in the same direction.  The real hero though, is the 17th, a green surrounded by water and only a small path at the back.

The Sound Bites

“So 17 doesn’t see eye to eye with me. I think I’ve played it well over par. The first couple years when you’re playing here, you get juiced up, you get pumped up, so the ball goes a little farther. I’ve hit sand wedge over the green” – Bubba Watson describing the thrill of playing 17 at Sawgrass.

“It’s very nerve-wracking. That’s probably not a very exciting answer but it is nerve-wracking because one of the things you sense there is you sense how much the crowd really wants you to mess up. The crowd wants you, wants you, to hit it in the water” – Stewart Cink when answering the same question.

The Defending Champion

Martin Kaymer went coast to coast last year in a dominant display that was only ever under threat during a nervy final four hole stretch.  A brief rain delay when Kaymer was up by three unsettled the Germans rhythm and he made a horrible double on 15 to give Jim Furyk a sniff.  In the end, a clutch 30 footer for par on 17 and a safe par on 18 gave him a one stroke win – a first in 28 months.  Wonderkid Jordan Speith lurked for much of the tournament as did previous champion Sergio Garcia before finished 3rd and 4th behind Furyk.

The Contenders*

Rory McIlroy – A win last week at the Matchplay would have added to McIlroy’s already extreme confidence.  Scrambled brilliantly last week and has finished inside the top 8 in his last two trips to Sawgrass – $8.00

Jordan Spieth – Although he was eliminated at the Match Play he still reeled off the most number of birdies before the knockout rounds.  He was also without a bogey here in the first three rounds last year – $8.50

Henrik Stenson – Has a game well suited for the Sawgrass design  Hit’s it straight and ranks first in stores gained putting – $19.00

Justin Rose – In form after a win at the Zurich Classic and one of the most risk averse players on tour.  That bodes well for such a tricky layout – the player who makes the fewest mistakes is often the player hoisting the trophy at the end of the week (e.g. Bubba will never win this event).  Seriously consider – $21.00

Sergio Garcia – Has an incredible record at this course – one of the few players who consistently puts himself in contention at Stadium – $29.00

Lee Westwood – Could just be the best money in the field.  Three top 10’s in his last 4 starts at Sawgrass and coming off a solid week in San Fran where he defeated FedEx Cup leader Jordan Spieth – $36.00

*Players Championship odds available at Sportsbet.

The Winner

Hard to go past the best player in the world.  We’ll have McIlroy to go back to back.

PGA Tour: Valero Texas Open Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Just two stops to go on the Texas Swing before the world stopping Masters at Augusta, therefore just two more opportunities for those who haven’t qualified already to do so.  Marc Warren and Harris English are two players on the bubble who will be worth a watch this week as they attempt to break into the Top 50.

Additionally, Jordan Spieth, Jimmy Walker and Dustin Johnson head a field featuring 13 of the world’s top 30 ranked golfers.  Plenty of reasons to watch live golf and flick through our Valero Texas Open Preview below:

The Course

The unlikely pair of Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia got together to design the TPC San Antonio (AT&T Oaks) course situated in Texas Hill Country, and crafted a 7,435 yards, par 72 test of driving ability.  Narrow fairways, deep bunkers and unplayable vegetation areas make the course incredibly challenging (Kevin Na once made a 16 on the 9th), and that looks set to continue during the 2015 edition.

Plenty of locals get the chance to play on familiar surrounds.  Ryan Palmer, Jimmy Walker and Jordan Spieth are all born and bred nearby and should be factors in home soil.

The Sound Bites

“This week off does also have the benefit of allowing me to stay up late and watch South Africa in the Cricket World Cup tonight, taking place in New Zealand. Not everyone will understand the allure of cricket but those who do will understand how exciting this game will be” – Ernie Eels talks about an event we’ve featured heavily on Betcirca.

“Given how I’ve been playing, I guess if you go on form, then probably no” – Rory McIlroy gave a frank assessment of his Masters chances.  In 10 rounds over three tournaments in the US in 2015, he’s only had one sub-70 score.

The Defending Champion

Unheralded Australian Steven Bowditch was the benefactor of a difficult scoring week last year when he hoisted the Valero Texas Open trophy.  Opening rounds of 69-67-68 were enough to atone for a disappointing closing 76; Bowditch winning by a solitary shot with the worst final round in a win since 2004.  Will MacKenzie and Daniel Summerhays were tied for second.

The Contenders*

Jordan Spieth – $9.00

Dustin Johnson – $11.00

Matt Kuchar – $23.00

Ryan Palmer– $31.00

Harris English – $41.00

Charley Hoffman – $51.00

*Valero Texas Open odds available at Sportsbet.

The Winner

Spieth has five top-10 finishes (including two wins) in his last seven events and he ranks first in putts per round, he’s so tough to look past; Palmer has six top 25s this season and is an excellent driver of the ball which is key around TPC San Antonio; Hoffman has made all six of his cuts here with a worst result of T13; Johnson was in sublime form before a two week break winning the WGC Cadillac and recording two other top 5’s; Kuch makes the grade after tying for 4th here last year.  Even with Spieths pull we’re going Harris English – he’s just outside automatic Masters qualification at 52nd in the World Golf Rankings so we’re tipping him to make a play for the top 50 and win in Texas.

PGA Tour: Arnold Palmer Invitational Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Arnold Palmer is set to smack the first drive at August in just 19 days.  And it’s certain that he won’t hit it as far, or as well as he did throughout most of his career.  A distinguished career of  95 career wins saw Palmer etched in history as one of the true greats of the game, however at 85, he isn’t expected to bomb one down the middle at Augusta (despite probably having more flexibility in his back than Tiger does).

Putting his Augusta thoughts to the side temporarily, Palmer hosts the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in this week’s PGA Tour action.  The field features Rory McIlroy’s first visits; satisfying a promise to Arnold Palmer to make an appearance at the tournament.  Henrik Stenson, returns to the fold after we narrowly missed on our tip on hime last week, and Adam Scott are the other notables in a relatively strong field.  Most players looking for some momentum in the lead up to the Masters,

The Course

Bay Hill Club & Lodge is one of the better known courses used on the PGA Tour Schedule.  Known as Bay Hill or simply “Arnie’s Place” (after owner Arnold Palmer) the 7,419 yard, par 72 course, offers one of the best challengers in Florida.  Plenty of water surrounds the 18 holes, none more so than the closing three holes, which have produced many an exciting finish.

The Sound Bites

“It’s important to play well here, to get into contention and just feel what it’s like, final event going into Augusta, just feeling something on the last day and the back nine in contention, having a chance to win all that stuff” – Rory McIlroy spoke about his Bay Hill debut.

“Regain the confidence he had when he was starting out and that was what made him what he is and that’s the way he’ll get it back, just regain the confidence and the ability to hit the golf ball” – Tournament host had some advice for Tiger; Rory didn’t need any.

The Defending Champion

Matt Every surprised everyone in the field, and himself, when he outlasted Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley last year to lift his first PGA Tour trophy.  It was Adam Scott’s tournament to lose after an opening 62 gave him a whopping seven shot lead after 36 holes.  He gave it up though, with a closing 76, allowing Every to sneak past a fast finishing Bradley who narrowly missed forcing a playoff when a birdie try slid past on 18.  Every is unlikely to go back to back given he’s currently 160th in the FedEx Cup standings.  If you do fancy a rough though, he’s at $200 to win.

The Contenders*

Rory McIlroy – $6.80

Henrik Stenson – $10.00

Adam Scott – $20.00

Billy Horschel – $90.00

Gary Woodland – $95.00

*Arnold Palmer International odds courtesy of Betfair Australia.

The Winner

Scott won’t play as badly as he did last week; McIlroy should always be in contention despite a sluggish start to his US season; Stenson has finished in the top 4 in all of his last four tournaments and must be close to a win; Horschel is slowly starting to get back to some form and likes Bay Hill; Not noted above but Harris English and Kegan Bradley also going well at the moment.  Hard to look past Scott and Stenson, but we’ll go Horschel.