This Week's Golf

By Profit Swing

This week sees the first World Championship Event, The Accenture World Matchplay Event in Arizona.

This course is long and the event has been won by Geoff Ogilvy for the last two years and do you know what I think he may well win it this year. Ogilvy has nerves of steel and importantly as this is sudden death Matchplay over 18 holes (except the final) he does not become flustered when going behind. I have looked for players from each quarter of the draw and have played win bets as we can oppose them if they get to the final to guarantee a return. This is much more profitable long term than playing Ew 1/2.

So the first selection which I make no apology for lack of originality is: 

Pick: Geoff Ogilvy 1.5 pt  Win 17.0 Ladbrokes

Our second selection is Ian Poulter. A former semi finalist in this event he showed his liking for Matchplay at the last Ryder Cup and if Twitter remarks are anything to go on is in the form of his life. On a serious note Poulter is putting superbly and that means he can put runs of birdies together so vital in this format.

Pick: Ian Poulter 1.5 pt Win 29.0  William Hill

Our third selection was this time last year in the golfing doldrums but has come back to form with a vengeance thanks to a new putting style which has brought that department of his game into line with all the other elements. Since winning the Sun City Challenge in November he has had four top three placings in five events, stunning form he will be tough to beat this week for anyone.

Pick: Robert Allenby 1pt Win 36.0 Stan James

This tournament has thrown up its fair share of shocks so we are going to have two half point win bets on players I feel are overpriced and could cause a shock. They will not be known over in the States very well and may just be underestimated, that would be a big mistake. The first is Francesco Molinari  who along with brother Eduardo won the World Cup in December. That will have done his confidence the power of good and he loves Matchplay golf as he proved in the World Cup event. He is desperate to feature in the Ryder Cup and Monty has let it be known he is paying special attention this week.

Pick: Francesco Molinari 0.5 pt Win 150.0 Betfair

Lastly Chris Wood placed in our Open Championship which proved he can handle the big stage. He has had a superb early season Middle East Swing with three top ten placings in four events. Ross Fisher came from nowhere to be third in this event and I think Wood has the game (incredibly long off the tee) to contend. He also has a superb Amateur career in Matchplay.

Pick: Chris Wood  0.5 pt Win 176.0  William Hill

Good luck everybody it is a great spectacle and don't forget it starts on Wednesday.

Profit Swing