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Apr 9th - Apr 12th 2009
Next Tournament:
Follow tipsters Paul Williams and Steve Bamford for great PGA Tour golf tips every week.
SB’s US Masters Tips
We don’t oppose Tiger Woods this week and I should place all 10 pts on him at 23/10, but let’s simply take him out of the equation instead. Ok the prices aren’t as attractive but select the right players and we can sit back and enjoy the tournament knowing the guy just isn’t a factor!
Golf Betting System has covered the Masters brilliantly this year and has highlighted just what a difficult test Augusta is. Local knowledge is paramount here. Tie that in with form and it’s a potent cocktail for decent selections.
I’ve gone for a mix of bets based mainly around the Southern State theme as highlighted in Marking Your Card in tandem with picks highlighted in this week’s predictor. Tough conditions are predicted with some wind and rain towards the weekend, and the course will play its FULL length. Experience and those with a great 2009 game will succeed.
My tips are below:
Retief Goosen 2pts Win W/O Woods @ 18-1 Bet 365. Now that the Goose can see, I think he’ll contend with Woods here. Twice a winner in 2009, Retief has a superb record at Augusta. His game was made to measure for this place and the wind can blow all it likes, because Par will be like a birdie here. Long enough and with the perfect shot shape. Oh he’s a ‘southerner’ based in Florida. South African’s flourish here.
Nick Watney 1pt EW W/O Woods @ 40-1 Victor Chandler. He’s Californian living in Nevada, so that goes against the ‘southern’ theory. In my view this guy is a Major winner no doubt and is under Butch Harmon. He placed 11th here last year, can play wind well, is a ‘long bomber’ and has a superb short game. He’s a better player than last year and one of the form players in 2009.
Zach Johnson 1pt EW W/O Woods @ 33-1 Extrabet. Another Florida resident, Johnson is a Green Jacket winner from 2007. Last year as defending champion finished a respectable 20th when the course was playing relatively easily. With the course playing hard this week he’ll be in the higher reaches of the leaderboard. Any wind and rain won’t bother Johnson and he won’t be intimidated by Mr Woods presence either.
Luke Donald 1pt EW W/O Woods @ 55-1 Paddy Power. I can see Luke contending for top European this week. His game in 2009 is in great condition and with two Top 10s in four starts, which would indicate he feels at home in Georgia. Florida resident so fits the theme nicely.
Rory Sabbatini 0.5pt EW W/O Woods @ 100-1 Blue Square. As we know South African’s excel at Augusta. Based in Dallas, Texas. If the wind materialises then this will hold no fears for him at all. Rory will have great memories of The Masters with a 2nd behind Johnson in 2007. Has shown glimpses of form in 2009 and he look’s slightly too long for me.
John Merrick 1 pt Top Debutant @ 28-1 Blue Square. “When it couldn’t get any worse, Mr Bamford has finally gone crazy,” I hear many followers saying. Well whilst the masses will follow McIlroy and Kim, I have a sneaky suspicion for Mr Merrick in the debutant market. Growing up in LA, he can play wind well. Look at his short record and he performs well at the harder tracks. His game is all about accuracy and consistency as a T6 in the US Open last year shows. He’ll either go well here or be nowhere.
PW’s US Masters Tips
The question on everyone's lips is whether Tiger will be able to regain his Masters crown after failing in his last 3 attempts. He appeared to be getting back to his best in winning the Arnold Palmer a fortnight ago and it's a brave punter who bets against him picking up his 5th Masters victory. Having said that, with 23/10 the best price on offer for Woods when I wrote this, I've carefully swerved him with my picks:
Greg Norman 3pts top 10, 25-1 (Bet 365); 0.5pts ew (w/o Woods) 250-1 general. Wind the clock back to the British Open last year and you'll recall Norman staying in contention until late on, ultimately finishing T3. Add to that a T6, T5 and 4th place in Senior Majors last year and you know he's still in great nick. And add to that 9 top 10s in 22 starts at The Masters, I'm backing him to hit double figures this year at an outstanding price.
Fred Couples 2pts top 10, 7-1 (Bet 365). In great form, just came up short again last week after some great ball striking and impressive GIR stats. If he could nail those 4-10 footers he'd still be winning majors. Probably won't win this for just that reason, however current form and 10/24 top 10s (including a win) at Augusta suggest a top-10 finish is likely.
Bubba Watson 0.5pts ew (w/o Woods), 175-1 Blue Sq. Tied 20th on his debut last year, his long-hitting could power him to a high finish this week, despite some weak current form. Studied in Georgia, knows the area...
Kevin Sutherland 0.5pts ew (w/o Woods), 200-1 BetFred. Some great ball-striking in recent weeks. Putting lets him down somewhat, however his GIR ability could well lead to a lot of pars which is a great score around here.
Justin Rose 1pt ew First Round Leader, 45-1 General. Tends to get off to a great start around here, with a 68 and 69 in the last 2 years. Back him to do more of the same this year.
