It’s here the second Major of the year and for the connoisseur it’s the finest golf betting and watching week of the year.
I speak of the US Open starting Thursday and this year played at Merion for the first time since 1981.
Merion is golfing royalty in the US and though short by modern standards will have the modern players in a state of stress and confusion because of one thing, the rough!
It’s penal, its brutal, it’s awful and those are the comments from the people who like it. Hit it offline from the tee and there won’t be any knocking it on to the green that’s if you can find it.
The USGA who run this Tournament want this to be the ultimate test and by the look of it we are in for some fun and games.
So lets look at the main contenders and of course we have to start with Sergio’s mate one Eldrick “Tiger” Woods who arrives at Merion sending out somewhat mixed signals. Last time he played he was dreadful, playing some of the worst golf of his career. However the Tiger has clocked in with four wins this year including the Players at Sawgrass and as I’ve written before has produced some putting stats that defy belief on more than one occasion.
So which Bookmaker wants to take him on well it looks like they all do because he has eased to 11/2 across the board, my gut feeling is he will be backed and that will come in before showtime Thursday morning. Woods has not won a Major since 2008 and has been fave for every one he has played in so don’t think he is always the Bookies enemy he has paid for a few xmas parties as well.
I’m not his greatest fan but this guy is so mentally strong that he must have a big chance, the worry for his supporters is the rough because Woods is still very wayward with Driver in hand and if he plays Irons off the tees he will be a long way back playing into these tiny undulating greens.
What of his playing partners for days 1 and 2, Rory Mcilroy and Adam Scott the Masters champ. Well Scotty has always said this is his least favourite Major but he looks a changed man and has so much belief now he must be a factor. And Rory, well his year has been a disaster and he has never strung two good rounds together never mind four. He could do with watching Woods effort and intensity this week and learning from it. I think he could be in big trouble this week as he doesn’t seem to tough it out which will be needed on this course.
It was great to see Mickelson turn it on last week and just maybe the great man can lift the title that has always eluded him although you have to say if he couldn’t win it at his peak then why should he now.
And what of the rest of the European challenge well Lee Westwood drives it straight and long but can’t putt to save his or anyones life so that’s him and Luke Donald has had a year to forget and is usually awful in US Opens so sorry Lukey but no chance. Gmac was second last year after winning it and will fancy it but has looked patchy this year and Poulter has been poor and will struggle unless his caddie can convince him it’s the Ryder Cup.
Someone of course has to win it and my unique Golf Ratings have gone into overdrive in the last 48 hours to find out who will be suited by this unique test. My members will be playing 5 men against the field and I’m very excited to say one of them is an absolutely huge price! With blanket coverage of Tiger Woods all week and time permitting the actual Tournament it promises to be an amazing week.
Join us at BetFan’s top service this week and get the very best US Open selections all week, I look forward to seeing you on the Fairways and not in the rough.
Back next Tuesday.
Simon Holden
Golf Bet Profits
http://go.betfan.com/1000/47
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