golf

Online bookmaker Ladbrokes are offering a great golf betting promotion for this week’s Golf World Cup. The Omega Mission Hills World Cup is under the spotlight this week, in a busy week of golf. Online bookmaker Ladbrokes will refund outright bets if the defending Champions Italy win the Golf World Cup. Italy are represented by the Molinari brothers, who edged their way to a one stroke victory two years ago at the event. It is one of those golf tournaments which really doesn’t get quite as the amount of attention that it deserves, because it is a good format with fourballs and foursomes only and there is a good field there contesting. The favourites in the Omega mission Hills World Cup golf betting, is the Irish duo of US Open winner Rory McIlroy and his team mate G-Mac (Graeme McDowell). That is a pretty strong partnership, and the finished second a couple of years ago, and with McIlroy being the highest ranked player at the event, they look a sound bet to set the pace. But South Africa have also sent over a strong pairing to China for the Golf World Cup. They have Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen going well in the betting, and they are definitely solid enough to post a very good score. England should also be in with a chance here, with Ian Poulter and Justin Rose pairing it up. Rose is playing very well, and while we haven’t really seen the best of Poulter for some time, he is just maverick and explosive enough to make something special happen alongside the consistency of Rose. The USA have Matt Kuchar and the big hitting Gary Woodland teeing off for them, while the Italian duo are still among the chasing back in the outright betting market to win the 2011 Omega Mission Hills Golf World Cup.

So, with the Ladbrokes golf betting promotion in place, it is a good chance to back one of the other nations, like Ireland or England, with the safety net of getting a lost stake refund on them if Italy win the event.

2011 Omega Mission Hills World Cup Outright Winner Odds
Ireland 3/1, South Africa 5/1, England 7/1, USA 8/1, Italy 10/1, Sweden 12/1, Germany 14/1, Spain 14/1, Scotland 25/1, Holland 25/1, Wales 25/1

Online bookmaker Ladbrokes offer a free £50 bet for new customers as a generous welcome bonus. The bookie will match the value of your first stake on a new account, with a free bet up to the maximum value of £50. With the Golf World Cup betting promotion running, it is worth looking at your outright betting there with the highly popular bookie.

The Dubai Desert Classic on the European PGA Golf Tour is shaping up to be a good one, with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy leading the way in a strong field. The world’s top three are all in action, with Tiger Woods coming over to play on the European Event, again showing what strength the European Tour is proving to be in the world of golf at the moment. Woods is in action along with Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood as the top three ranked players in the world go head to head. But it was a sparkling round from the young maverick McIlroy who set the tournament alight with a fantastic seven under par 65. This is a tournament which McIlroy won two years ago and he admits himself that he is a much improved player since then. McIlroy is such as bright spark on the European Tour and has the ability to rack up tournament titles. The first round at the Omega Dubai Desert classic really has seen him at his best, and he managed to take the spotlight away from the battle of the big three. McIlroy, still aged just 21, with a victory in Dubai, can climb up to World Number Four, the highest he has been in his short career. McIlroy, with his eight birdies on the round, was back in the club house with a two shot lead over Spain’s Sergio Garcia and four shots ahead of both Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, at the close of the first round. While he is out in front, this is a great test of temperament and consistency for McIlroy, but perhaps that is growing as he finished as runner up in the Abu Dhabi Championship last week. as there should still be more stronger big challenges to come from Westwood and Kaymer you would think.

Both Westwood and Kaymer look as if they have a lot more in them, and both could have been in stronger positions, had it not been for some unfortunate bogey. Those three are still the ones which you would look for in the betting, and it will be up to McIlroy, sitting at 9/4 favourite with Bet365 at the moment to defend his lead. But with the world number one and two breathing down your neck, then there should be some pretty good action to come over the weekend. Westwood looks a good tip again, as he pretty much always does, and needs to inject a little life into the new start to the season for him. A positive win would do wonders here, and it was an all round solid performance from Westwood, and he should be able to post much lower scores than his -3 under in the first as the tournament progresses. Not in the greatest form after missing the cut in Qatar last week, but is stronger than Woods, and if anyone is going to keep pace with Kaymer, who is form, then it should be Westwood. The grouping will probably help Westwood in terms of drive and motivation, and he did finish as runner up here last year.

As for Kaymer, who just looks to be getting better and better all the time, he makes a stronger bet than Westwood. The German was finding that little bit of edge to drive in for birdies, picking up six of them on his round, was hampered by an unlucky double bogey back on the 9th, otherwise he would be challenging stronger for top the lead. Still, both of them are sitting comfortably and are primed for an attack. If it came down to the split for your betting between him and Westwood, then Kaymer would it edge it because of current form, and he has finished as runner up at this tournament back in 2008. Well worth a punt without any doubt. He will challenge for top of the leader board on Sunday. Seems pretty well suited to the course, and will be a threat. Note: If Kaymer finishes second and Westwood outside of the top ten, then the German would become the World Number One in the rankings. First German to do so since Bernhard Langer in ‘86. That equals incentive.

Tiger Woods has won the Dubai Desert Classic twice before, once in 2006 and in 2008, but he got off to a slow start this year. The American had to work a lot harder than he would have expected to, finding himself two over par early on. Interestingly Woods was grouped with Kaymer and Westwood but simply could not keep up the pace. It has been a trying time for Woods as he is desperately trying to get back to his winning ways. He finished the first round on -1 under and played an absolute beauty, the best shot of the tournament in his approach on the 18th. Still, that old consistency isn’t there, but should he turn this around and pick up a tournament victory here, he would become only the second man to win the Dubai Desert Classic three times (along with Ernie Els, who incidentally holds the course record of 61). Unfortunately, he doesn’t look as if he has it in him at the moment still. Looks as if he will continue to struggle to keep pace with the leaders, and already finding himself six shots off the lead, it is a lot to recover from at the moment. In the three ball with Westwood and Kaymer, he is almost falling out of the limelight behind those two. You just can’t see him putting together three incredibly strong rounds to take the title here though.

Trying to look at the betting to find someone outside of McIlroy, Kaymer, Westwood and Woods is a little tough to be honest this week. Spain’s Sergio Garcia is swinging into a bit of form at the moment out in the desert, but has he got the staying power to contest? With a solid first round of five under, he is up there, but would remain a slim outside shot at best. Probably makes the best of the outside shots, but even then it seems like a really long one. With the world’s top three in the tournament, you expect a winner to come from there, and with the injection of pace which McIlroy has laid down, the gauntlet really has been thrown down early. It will take something special to catch him, and you would expect a special player to pull it off. As it stands, McIlroy looks in pretty good shape, confident and calm.

Rory McIlroy: 9/4 at Bet365
Martin Kaymer: 5/1 at Extrabet
Lee Westwood: 9/1 at Extrabet
Tiger Woods: 14/1 at Bet365
Sergio Garcia: 14/1 at SkyBet
Thomas Aiken: 25/1 at SkyBet
Peter Hanson: 25/1 at Totesport

Don’t forget the Victor Chandler Hole in Won Golf betting promotion which is on going. If any player you back in a PGA Tour or European PGA Tour event bangs in a hole in won during their respective tournament, then you will be paid out as a winner, even if the player you backed outright, doesn’t win the tournament. It is nice to just have a bit of insurance on your betting, and this makes having a punt on the golf a good bet at Victor Chandler. The highly popular online bookmaker also offers a free £25 bet for new customers opening a new account with them.

The PGA week has teed off in Phoenix today, with the TPC Scottsdale’s Waste Management Open getting under way. This is a great tournament, on a great course, which has been designed for the big hitters. This is really one of the PGA courses that players can look for an extra bit of length on their drive, without too much worry. The natural big hitters, think Bubba Watson, are perfectly suited to this course, as the combination of accuracy and distance is there. Phil Mickelson, who came so very close to pushing Bubba Watson to a play off at Torrey Pines last week, will start the field as one of the strongest challengers. Mickelson looked in brilliant form, back to his old self, and pulled out some incredible shots. The Scottsdale course draws a lot of attention because of the 16th hole. The players know that they are heading towards it, and it can be a great source of anticipation and nerve. What is so special about the 16th? Well, it is just 162 yards to the pin, and has offered a wealth of holes in one during its history. Not only that, it is a hole which is surrounded by bleachers, and fans packed to the rafters, so the players have to deal with anywhere up to 50,000 fans crowded around that hole, plus the hazards. Often it is go big, or go home.

It’s not one of the more difficult courses as whole on the PGA Tour, so you can expect to see some low scores, coming in under the Par 71. The course record is 60, held jointly by Phil Mickelson in 2005. The holes in one at the course are a big feature, with seven being recorded on the 16th from 1987 (including one from Tiger Woods on the 16th in 1997). Just in case you want to watch out for this, most of the holes in one on the 16th at Scottsdale have been scored in the third round of the tournament. It’s when players really are in their swing, without the pressure of the 4th round coming to a close. There have been a total of 18 holes in one at Scottsdale in its 25 year service as a PGA course. Look for the 13th hole par 5, which has historically been the easiest on the course to pick up birdies, while the toughest is definitely the par 4 11th which has a lake and front bunker. So, expect some big driving this week, as the TPC Scottsdale course is the 4th ranked course on the PGA with the longest drives (and is third in the record books of all PGA Courses for the amount of eagles scored there). Let’s look over the front runners for the tournament, to see where some good golf betting opportunities lie. Just as a tip, it is always worth waiting a little bit, even until after the first round to see where to lay your money. With 60 plus players in a tournament, it is hard to narrow it down, certainly a lot tougher than picking a winner at a football match. But here are some tips to guide your golf betting for this one.

Phil Mickelson: 8/1 at Boylesports
Definitely the front runner here, as he can be a bit more aggressive on this course. Mickelson has picked up two victories at this course before, and has had nine Top 10 finishes to boot. Strong performer here, and will fire directly at the pin. Really looked back to his old best last week at Torrey Pines, creating some beautiful shots for himself. If he is in form and getting better, then  he will take some stopping here. Not unbeatable at the moment, just the strongest bet going as a favourite. Struggled a bit last year with driving accuracy when trying to hit longer (in particular at The Open), good opportunity to see if he has gotten all of that out of his system.

Dustin Johnson: 12/1 at Extrabet
In good form at the moment, finished T3 at Torrey Pines behind Watson and Mickelson. In that tournament, he impressed in the final round, not dropping a shot. In good form with the putter, and in particular in his approach work in hitting the greens. Great all round game, ready for the challenge, or maybe to challenge Phoenix. What Johnson has is the driving length to take this course by the scruff of the neck. Has landed himself top ten finishes in both of his outings this year, and is looking in good shape. Good solid performer and well worth a look at, if he gets a good first round under his belt. He really should get better in the tournament if he gives himself something solid to start with.

Nick Watney: 20/1 at SkyBet
Bit of a surprise name in the top of the betting, but that is down to form. He was in incredible form last week, where he broke the course record at the Farmers Insurance Open, thanks to an incredible 28 on the front nine (and that was in the fourth round as well). Rightly up there because of that, but realistically an outside shot here behind the likes of Johnson, Watson and Mickelson. Good performer at Scottsdale, but nothing to suggest that he is really going to step it up and take the title here this year. Finished T12 at the tournament in 2010. In the end, his putting may just let him down though (as that was his week point at Torrey Pines).

Rickie Fowler: 22/1 at Extrabet
Well, he was supposed to make a big impact at Torrey Pines last week in the field with Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. However, 2010’s best new player on the Tour, blew his lines after keeping himself in contention at the halfway stage of the tournament. A 73 and a 74 pushed him way back down the leader board, and was something of a disappointing result for him, as he was penciled in as one of the favourites. Still, probably worth another look here, as the humble, pleasant young lad needs to prove that he can deal with those kind of pressure. He did really well here last year, losing out by just one shot to Hunter Mahan. Has the confidence to attack as well, and if he holds all four rounds together, could well be in the hunt at the top of the leader board. Makes for the best outside shot, definitely.

Bill Haas: 30/1 at Bodog
Another tipped to go well at Torrey Pines last week, and has generally looked in good form. Had a bit of a blip in the fourth round (a 75) while really ruined his weekend. He just couldn’t get things going on the final day at all. Despite that, Haas has three top ten finishes this season already. He will hit the greens with regularity at Scottsdale, making him a real threat. Good consistency, and should be able to shake off his miserable last round at Torrey Pines. Good player out on the desert courses, and when he showed up for the 2008 event, he was T2 in greens in regulation, finishing T9 in the end.

Bubba Watson: 33/1 at Totesport
Last weekend’s big winner at Torrey Pines. This is a guy who has two things going for golf betting on him at the moment. Firstly, he will enjoy the course, because the course encourages big hitters, and Watson has phenomenal natural distance off the tees. Therefore, Phoenix will suit his game, and not only that, he carries great momentum after winning the Farmers Insurance Open. It is a tough feat to win back to back PGA Tournaments though, and was pushed all the way in the end by Phil Mickelson. Really should be expecting another close battle at the top of the leader board again here in a very strong field.

Jhonattan Vegas: 40/1 at Bet365
Well, you don’t immediately look for a rookie to go and win a tournament in such as strong field, but Jhonattan (yes, that is the correct spelling) Vegas has to be a super sleeper pick. He is making such strong strides though, and has a pretty remarkable streak of 10 straight rounds which are all in the 60’s. That is some impressive going, and looks to be playing without any effort at all the moment. Really brave with his mentality to, and wasn’t afraid to take chances and go for the win against Watson and Mickelson at Torrey Pines. Didn’t quite make it, but boy he looks good. The rookie is blitzing things at the moment, and out of his last 167 holes on the PGA, he has picked up just 16 bogeys. Pretty remarkable again. If he can keep his streak and momentum going, you just never know. Doesn’t have the experience of some of the other competitors in the field, but it is an easier course, and could hit the jackpot. Keep an eye on him.

Head to Victor Chandler for your golf betting this week. They are running their great Hole in Won promotion, and for Scottsdale, it really is a perfect fit. What the promotion gives you, is coverage on the player you back, should he hit himself a hole in one. Scottsdale has been pretty generous in giving up holes in one, and if the player you back lands one, then you will be paid out as a winner, even if your man doesn’t win the tournament. So that is kind of doubling your chances of winning on a single bet, and is well worth taking advantage of, if you are doing golf betting on this great PGA event. Victor Chandler offer the welcome sign up bonus of a free £25 bet for new customers as well. Just open an account, deposit some funds, and when you make your first bet, VC Bet will match the value of your first stake as a free bet, up to the value of £25. Fantastic way to do your golf betting this week!

Torrey Pines, California welcomes Tiger Woods in his first outing of the 2011 season. Of course, this time last year, the former world number one was out of action, thanks to a self imposed exclusion from tournaments on the PGA Tour. When he did appear last year, it wasn’t the same old Tiger Woods who has lit up the Tour for so many years, as he struggled with one thing or another during his comeback to the game. For the first time in his career, Tiger Woods did not win a single tournament during 2010 and he will be looking to turn things around this year, as he makes early strides into the season. While his opening round at Torrey Pines was solid, it was anything but spectacular. There were times last season when Woods was really struggling with his putting, but here it was his driving which was letting him down here as well. He just could not find the accuracy off the tee, hitting just five of fourteen fairways in his round. However, despite that, he was hitting the green very well, and he managed to get back to the clubhouse without dropping a shot. That unspectacular performance wasn’t enough to make any kind of impact on the leader board of course, as he finish -3 under for the day, five shots back of early leader Sunghoon Kan from South Korea. So can Woods turn this around and get his season off to a good start. He has some catching up to do, but if he can correct the wobbles he is having off the tees, you feel that he has enough in the rest of his game to move up the leader board.

• Golf Betting Tip: Tiger Woods should not be counted out. Why? Well, four of his seven wins at Torrey Pines has come when he was five shots or more off the lead after the first round. Woods started on the North Course, the slightly easier of the two in usage here.

Woods of course, is no stranger to winning at Torrey Pines, as he has lifted the title there plenty of times during his illustrious career. He needs to get back to winning ways, just for the good of his confidence for the rest of his career really. He will win again, it should be a matter of when. This is a pretty strong field in contention here, and the cream will rise to the top come the end of the weekend. Woods really should be in with a good chance here and makes for a good pick nonetheless. Top pick of the golfing week really has to be Rickie Fowler, who could be in for a great year. Much in the mould of Rory McIlroy, Fowler is an exciting youngster, although he hasn’t got that edge which McIlroy has. Fowler won the accolade as the best Rookie on the PGA Tour last year (beating McIlroy) and really shone in the first round, shooting a 65 -7 under to sit T2 with Alex Prugh. Fowler was also on the North Course. The future is all about Rickie Fowler though and he makes for a fantastic bet here after such a strong start. He is mature beyond his year, is polite, is happy and looks as if he will steer as far away from controversy and conflict as possible. Humble, but yet extremely talented and has a wonderful sense of creativity about his play. He earned seven top ten places on the tour last year, his first year, and came in second twice as well. His great year earned him a place on the Ryder Cup team. An all round nice guy, and should prove soon that they can finish first.

What about big Phil Mickelson? Well, after looking horribly off the pace in Abu Dhabi last week, he showed a return to form, finishing -5 under, three shots back off the lead. More interestingly, this score came on the tough South Course, and was the best score there on the opening day (along with John Daly). Another guy who, like Tiger Woods has had multiple wins at Torrey Pines. Mickelson has picked up three titles here, but will the long travel back from the middle east hinder his overall performance over the course of the tournament? Needs to get back into top form himself, after struggling with arthritis and a big drop in form over the second half of last season. Well worth an outside shot here, especially after carding that low score on the South Course. Great outside bet. American Bill Haas has to be in with a shout here, as he is sitting on -5 under as well after the first round. He is in great form at the moment, not having gone over 70 in any round of golf this year, and is a massive hitter. Could really push hard and should be worth keeping an eye on. In amongst the action near the top of the leader board after day one, so sitting in a good position. Certainly has the consistency to stick around and make a name for himself here. Hunter Mahan, who is level with Tiger Woods on the scorecard, makes for an interesting punt here as well. What Mahan has is accuracy, and that will serve him well off the tee here. Question marks about his putting, but very solid performer and should see good things again this year, from one of the most unswerving players on the Tour.

We need a really good long shot outside bet, as golf is just made for this. Then how about Ryuji Imada, he looks as if he will fit the bill. Fired in a 67 -5 under on the North Course, and for those of you who remember, he finished runner up to Tiger Woods back in 2008. He goes well at Torrey Pines and the one big weapon which he has in his arsenal is his putting. Definitely one of the strongest parts of his game, and if he can hold accuracy in getting near the pin, could well be in for a solid top ten finish at least. Then there is of course John Daly and his colourful or outrageous (call it what you will) attire. Tiger Woods has dominated this tournament, but John Daly is the only player in the field to have won at Torrey Pines when Woods was playing. That was back in 2004, so the course holds some good memories for him, and clothes aside, he played some pretty good golf on the opening day of the Farmers Insurance Open. He didn’t have a good time here last year though, but maybe he will pull something out of the bag here. Unlikely to have the game to go all the way to win it, but if he plays like he did in the first round, then a top ten finish is also a possibility.

Farmers Insurance Open Torrey Pines

Tiger Woods: 4/1 at SkyBet
Phil Mickelson: 11/2 at Bet365
Rickie Fowler: 13/2 at Stan James
Dustin Johnson: 12/1 at Boylesports
Bill Haas: 20/1 at Bet365
Ryuji Imada: 25/1 at Paddy Power
Hunter Mahan: 28/1 at BetFair

Victor Chandler are offering a great golf promotion this week. The Victor Chandler Hole In Won promotion is giving you some coverage, if the player you back in either the US or European PGA Tournaments this week, hit’s a hole in one, but doesn’t win the tournament. If any player you back as an outright winner loses, but hits that golf Holy Grail, then the online bookie will actually pay you as a winner. This is a fun promotion, and worth having there as some insurance if you are doing your golf betting this week. Will Tiger Woods win again at the tournament he has dominated? Will youngster Rickie Fowler pick up his first Tour title? Victor Chandler offer £50 worth of free bets for new customers opening an account with them.

Lee Westwood is looking to cap a fine 2010 with a strong victory over a tough field at NedBank Golf Challenge in South Africa. The World Number one has a great clear round, without dropping a shot in the 18 holes on his second round. His eight under round of 64 lead the way in the small tournament which features just a dozen players. Westwood needs to secure a top two finish in South Africa to hold on to his recently acquired World Number One crown, because he could see Tiger Woods grab it back, if Woods wins his own event, the Chevron World Challenge in California. Woods currently leads there after one round. Westwood, with his strong second round, stole the lead of the NedBank Challenge away from Irishman Padraig Harrington, and backed up solid first round of 68. Westwood’s charge towards the top was helped by Harrington’s indifferent second round, where he only picked up just one birdie in a around of 72. This is something of a showcase tournament, but there are Tour points up for grabs, and that is why Westwood needs to secure a strong finish. He is going extremely well, and there are no signs of his injuries bothering him here at all, although he is still not 100% fit. He should be backed as outright winner, holding a three shot lead after two rounds. Tough to see him blowing that.

England’s Ross Fisher is producing a great show as well, sitting clear in second place, three shots behind Westwood and three ahead of three players tied for third. Fisher has put in a solid 67 and 68 in his two rounds, finding the conditions very much to his liking in South Africa. He should be a strong contender for a top two finish. Padraig Harrington, who held the overnight lead, really had one of the worst second rounds out there, and dropped a long way back to -6 under, six shots back of Westwood. This has largely been Harrington’s biggest problem this year, consistency. He has shown his class at times, but just hasn’t been able to produce enough of it. He is joined by Miguel Angel Jimenez and Edoardo Molinari on -6 under, with the Italian Molinari hitting a find round of 67, the second best score of the second round, a vast improvement on his first round of 71. Could he make a charge? All eyes from the home supporters will be on local Ernie Els though. The South African hit a 71 on the first round, but then gained some momentum with a 68 in the second. Back in the clubhouse after round two, Els is sitting seven shots back off Westwood on -5 under. Could be a threat, but needs a magical third round.

NedBank Golf Challenge Outright Odds

Lee Westwood: 1/3 at Totesport
Ross Fisher: 9/2 at Bet365
Padraig Harrington: 20/1 at Paddy Power
Edoardo Molinari: 25/1 at Totesport
Ernie Els: 28/1 at Stan James
Miguel Angel Jimenez: 40/1 at Unibet

Online Bookmaker Promotion: If any player you back in the NedBank Challenge finishes in second place behind home favourite Ernie Els, then BetFred will refund your lost stake on the outright market as a free bet. Also, with a strong field on show, if the player you back loses the tournament in a play-off, then BetFred will give you a free bet to the same amount of your lost stake. Both specials are covered up to £250 per bet, and is another example of the great betting specials which can be found at BetFred. The online bookmaker also offers a free matched bet up to £50 for new account holders as well! So sign up and take advantage of some great golf prices and sports promotions at BetFred.

There is an interesting golf tournament going on a the UBS Hong Kong Open with New Zealander Mark Brown surprising the field by taking a first round lead. There has really not been anything much in recent form to suggest that Brown would be a challenger here, and it will be interesting to see if he can keep pace. He played some fantastic gold in his sparkling round of 62, which is eight under par, to put himself at the top of the leader board after day one. Showing good consistency, it was Brown who wrestled an early advantage away from Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. McIlroy hit eight birdies on his round, but dropped a shot on the sixth to keep him one back. For your golf betting, McIlroy actually makes for a very sound bet at the UBS Hong Kong Open. The Irishman has gone very well at the two previous incarnations of the tournament, coming close on each occasion but just failing to get over the finish line first. McIlroy has yet to pick up a tournament win on the European PGA this year, but is still one of the class acts in the field, and therefore represents good value in your betting. His 5th at the WGC HSBC Challenge, and his 3rd place finish at the US PGA, shows what he is capable of. He likes the course, his game is well suited to it, and barring any major blemishes on his card, he should be gunning for the title this year. Can McIlroy make it third time lucky at the UBS Hong Kong Open? That is pretty much the biggest question for your golf betting on this one. The answer is, all things considered, yes. Good history at the course, good form on the first round equals strong contender. Check out Bet365 for great live in-play betting service for the golf action.

Fellow countryman Graeme McDowell could stand in his way though. After his heroics in winning the US Open and carrying Europe home in the Ryder Cup this year, the Northern Ireland golf star has made a steady start to his challenge at the UBS Hong Kong Open. McDowell has three titles under his belt this year, and is consistently showing time and time again what a steady and accomplished performer he really is. He nailed a third place finished at the Barclays Singapore Open recently, and won the Andalucía Valderrama Masters, in what has been a fine year for him. McDowell will want to go strongly again here, as he is sitting number two in The Race to Dubai (the end of season European PGA showcase which the top 15 players qualify for a share of the prize money). McDowell carded a unspectacular but solid start, coming in in 65 shots, which is -5 under. McDowell is good value for money, and is the subject of an online Bookmaker Promotion: BetFred are offering a good golf betting promotion for the UBS Hong Kong Open. As Graeme McDowell is one of the strongest favourites in the field, if any other player you back finishes second to him, then BetFred will refund your losing stake up to the value of £200. This is a generous offer and worth looking at from BetFred, aka The Bonus King. You can also earn yourself up to £50 in free bets when you open an account with the popular bookie.

One interesting name to keep an eye out in Hong Kong, is Jeev Milkha Singh. The former Asian Number One hit a great deal of putts on his round, to keep him in contention. After making a steady -1 under on the front nine, his strong six under on the back nine, really set up an interesting charge from him. Singh is a three time winner on the European Tour and recently came in 16th in Singapore, and 14th in Andalucía, so he is showing good form. He carded a seven under along with McIlroy to finish T2 after the first round and could find himself in the running. Singh will be further back in the betting for the UBS Hong Kong Open, but that is because the challenge of McDowell and McIlroy is expected to be so strong here. Still, as a good outside bet, he is worth a shot, and look for him in a top ten bet at least.

England’s Simon Dyson is in the running after round one, and he celebrated a hole in one on the 12th (par three). His solid round of six under puts him in contention as well, and looked comfortable in the conditions (no wind) out on the course. Gregory Bourdy, who lifted the UBS Hong Kong Open title last year, finished at four under, T12, along with England’s Ian Poulter. Poulter looks an interesting bet here, he is short enough in the odds to warrant a good chance at winning the title, but far enough back to represent good value. Don’t be too afraid in getting behind Poulter here. The Englishman is worth a punt.

This is the last tournament before the Dubai World Championships, and Graeme McDowell still has a chance to usurp Germany’s Martin Kaymer at the top of the points chart. That should be inspiration enough for a good tournament. The favourites have had their way in golf betting recently, and you realistically have to look at the big names of McIlroy, McDowell and Poulter to put on a show. However, there is some value in exploring top ten finishes at the UBS Hong Kong Open. As mentioned above, Singh is well worth a punt, and look for Thongchai Jaidee to put in a solid tournament. Dyson has a good chance of securing a top ten finish from his opening position and the total outsider of Scott Barr is worth a look. He’s been playing on the Asian Tour and fired a -2 Under T39. He’s not going to win, but is solid enough to make a big break for the Top Ten, and will be decent odds to do so.  For your place betting, then check out online bookmaker ExtraBet who pay out full odds on Ties when you back a player for a place finish. So, back a player for either a Top 5, Top 10 or Top 20 Finish at Extrabet, and if they tie for that place, then you get paid out in full, which is very generous offer. The online bookmaker, who specialise in Spread Betting, also offers a great bonus of up to £100 in free bets after making a series of qualifying bets.

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship golf is underway, and unfortunately Ryder Cup hero Lee Westwood won’t be in action. After suffering a recurrence of a calf injury, Westwood has withdrawn from the Championships, which obviously eliminates him from golf betting for the tournament, where he was outright favourite to win, simply because of his good form and great record at the Championship. So, with no Westwood to lead the field, that will make Alfred Dunhill Links Championship betting a little more interesting. We will run through the main contenders in a moment, but first let’s explain a little more about the tournament itself, which is one of the richest events on the European PGA golf calendar. The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is actually a pro-am tournament, which means that the professional golfers get to play alongside Amateur golfers, and among those amateur golfers, there is generally a sprinkling of celebrities. Some of the celebrities who can be seen out on the course this year, is Sir Ian Botham, Sir Bobby Charlton, John Cruyff, Chris Evans, Tim Henman, Ruud Gullit, Michael Vaughan, Shane Warne, Sir Steve Redgrave, Hugh Grant and Samuel L Jackson.

Those amateurs still have to be decent, and they have to have a handicap of 18 or better. The total for the start of the tournament is 168 professionals and 168 amateurs, and the Championship is actually played over three courses St Andrews Old Course, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. The players will rotate around each of the three courses over the first three rounds and actually participate as teams of two, with one professional teaming up with an amateur. There will be two tournaments simultaneously running, with the professionals pitting their individual scores against each other, as well as a team competition in which the lower score for each hole out of a partnership is counted. After the third round, there will be a cut with the final 60 professionals moving forward to play a final round at St Andrews, and they will be accompanied by the top twenty teams (even if the professional never made the individual cut).

What you will see among the professionals, is some of the European stars which won a nail biting contest against the USA in the Ryder Cup last week. For your golf betting, there is always worry about a little bit of burn out after such big events, especially ones which must have been so mentally emotional and draining. Can the big guns, Europe’s elite, step up to the mark and bring hope the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship? Indicators are good that one of them will, with the likes of Padraig Harrington having won the Championships twice before, and names like Lee Westwood, Paul Lawrie and Colin Montgomerie have all lifted the trophy. Here are the front runners for your Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, as the players head to the crucial third round, hoping to make the cut for the final day at St Andrews.

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John Parry 5/2 at William Hill
The Englishman has grabbed the tournament by the scruff of the neck after firing himself twelve under after two rounds. Probably not someone you will have heard much about. He is ranked 177th in the Official World Golf Ranking, and 66th in the Race to Dubai Ranking, so there is not a lot to suggest that he is a big prospective winner here. However, after shooting a 67 and then an even more impressive 65 in the second round he has put himself in a great position, way out in front on his own. The question now, is will he be able to take the pressure and hold on the massive advantage that he has given himself.

Martin Kaymer: 17/2 at Bet365
Germany’s top golfer, made a good showing of himself at the Ryder Cup. Steady and unspectacular are words which could describe Kaymer. One of the main threats out of the chasing pack, and again highlights the strength and class of the players who make the Ryder Cup team. Looking in pretty good shape going round, but does he have the big push in him that will be needed to take the honours at St Andrews?

Ross Fisher: 10/1 at Victor Chandler
Winner of the Irish Open this year, after holding off Padraig Harrington. There was a lot of kudos due to Fisher for doing that. Played great at the Ryder Cup, and he is always one of those players who are so consistent that they get overlooked. Fisher flies under the radar really when big tournaments come along, and he almost won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 2008, where he lost in a three way play off. A very solid player who is sitting T3 after the first two rounds, five shots back of Parry.

Graeme McDowell: 16/1 at Blue Square
Can he cover himself in glory once more. He will either have that post euphoria burn out after winning the Ryder Cup for Europe, or he will be riding on a very strong wave of confidence. Judging by his first two rounds, he isn’t suffering too much, and he is well positioned in the chasing pack behind John Parry. He came close in 2004 to winning the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, back when he was relatively unknown. The US Open winner makes for a good bet here, as he must be enjoying his golf so much at the moment. Relaxed, strong and confident is McDowell.

Padraig Harrington: 28/1 at Victor Chandler
Harrington makes for a very good bet, and while he was one of the underperformers at the Ryder Cup, this seems to be the sort of tournament which suits him. He enjoys playing on the links, and in a championship where you will need all the short game skills that you can muster, this will give him an advantage. He has won the individual tournament twice, and the team tournament twice as well when paired with J P McManus. Out at longer odds, simply because he is not in particularly great form, but has every potential for making it a hat trick of Alfred Dunhill Links Championship titles. Well in the mix after two rounds, has a lot to do to catch Parry, but then, everyone pretty much does. Best sleeper bet of the entire lot.

Simon Dyson 33/1 at 888Sport
Last year’s winner after finishing at -20 under, and going round well with Hugh Grant at the moment. This looks to be something which he enjoys and has put in two solid rounds of 69 and 70. He is well positioned in the mix, but just like everyone else has to play catch up to John Parry. Clearly has the experience at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships and could be worth a good outside punt at best.

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Golf Betting Tips: Any of these players will be worth taking for a top five finish at your online bookmaker. If you are looking for a winner, then Parry makes the most sense, simply because of the four shoot lead which he has. However, you do realistically expect one of the stand out names on the list to make a move and close the gap. The best tip would really be Ross Fisher to push on from his position, and simply because of Padraig Harrington’s good record, and having a lot to prove after the Ryder Cup, they make for the best tips.

Golf Betting: In an unprecedented Monday finale for the Ryder Cup, the pairings have been drawn, and Europe go into the final extended day three points to the good. It was a super Sunday for Europe Captain Colin Montgomerie, as he watched his side win all but one of the day’s six matches. Europe now have a very commanding  9½-6½ lead, finally taking command of a Ryder Cup which was finely in the balance going into Sunday’s matches. There were two foursomes matches to start the day, and Europe really took the match to the USA, with Luke Donald and Lee Westwood destroying the partnership of Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker, beating them by 6 and 5. To back that up, the North Irish pairing of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell picked up another point for Europe as they took down Zach Johnson and Hunter Mahan by 3 and 1. That set up a great day of action going into the Fourballs, in which some late drama ensured that Europe finished unbeaten on the day. A thrilling finish by the Italian Molinari brothers to halve their match against Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar really put the icing on the European cake that had been baking so well throughout the day down in Newport at Celtic Manor. The USA had started the day with a 6-4 lead, but the riposte from Europe was stunning. Even the battling Molinari pairing, who had to fight back from a shot down through the back nine, raised the proverbial roof when Francesco birdied on the 18th to rescue a half point.

It is incredible what a bit of momentum can do, and as unlikely as it seemed, Europe now start the final day, the twelve singles matches with a strong advantage. Only once before has a three point deficit been overcome going into the singles in Ryder Cup history. That is how strong a chance that the Europeans have of reclaiming the Ryder Cup. Here we cast a look down the singles pairings, as we gauge the betting tips for your Ryder Cup golf betting and see who should come out on top. Naturally with Europe in such a strong position, it is not going to be worth looking at outright match odds really, so here is a guide to the twelve singles pairings, along with tips, the best odds on golf betting

Lee Westwood v Steve Stricker

England’s Lee Westwood has been the backbone of the team. All concerns over his fitness have been blown away as he really has shown his worth. He is officially the second best player in the world according to the rankings, and he has certainly lived up to his reputation and has led calmly from the front. His partnership with Luke Donald in the foursomes on Sunday was phenomenal. Stricker goes with worse record over the three day’s play, and he is likely to find the going tough in this opener against Westwood. Not looking at his most enthusiastic or confident. Europe go out strong putting more points on the board early. Westwood will again be key to the entire European effort, and taking down one of the USA’s big hopes could really open the floodgates.
Tip: Westwood Evens at Ladbrokes
Others: Tie 6/1 at Stan James, Stricker to win 13/8 at SportingBet

Rory McIlroy v Stewart Cink

What can you say about the youngster McIlroy. He certainly has had plenty to say about the event, riling the Americans before a ball was hit in anger. Has been partnered with fellow countryman Graeme McDowell and now he goes out on his own. He has made some errors, which really can’t be put down to nerves, but he has the potential to explode. This round could really put a feather in his cap. He is a strong, passionate character out on the course and often looks fearless. He goes against Cink who was a captain’s pick for the team and he hasn’t quite delivered the goods, winning just one foursomes and losing his two fourball matches. The confidence which McIlroy has should carry him through this one against the old head.
Tip: McIlroy 21/20 at SportingBet
Others: Tie 6/1 at Ladbrokes, Cink to win 11/8 at Ladbrokes

Luke Donald v Jim Furyk

Donald was one of the top performers in the foursomes, and as expected has made a valuable contribution. Did lose his fourball match, but his two wins in the foursomes keeps in good standing, and he has looked relaxed around Celtic Manor. Steady performer and will need to be against Furyk, who came into the Ryder Cup with form. Furyk has not won a match, losing his fourball and halving his foursomes. Again, like so many of the American’s hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Experience under pressure could count for a lot, and he is a steadying influence. But Donald is looking very good and should be riding high just about now after his storming win against Woods and Stricker. Again, momentum could be key.
Tip: Donald to win 23/20 at SportingBet
Others: Tie 6/1 at Ladbrokes, Furyk to win 5/2 at SportingBet

Martin Kaymer v Dustin Johnson

Germany’s Martin Kaymer was perhaps being carried just a little bit by Ian Poulter in Sunday’s fourballs. They ran out 2 and 1 winners over Mickelson and Fowler, but the German is on a good record and undefeated at the 2010 Ryder Cup. Two wins and tie has put him among the top points earners, but being paired with Lee Westwood may be embellishing things. Dustin Johnson is yet another who has not delivered at all and he will be looking at horror at his stats of three loses. Just not got the putter going either which could be too late to pull back, but has a good chance in what should be a tight match here.
Tip: Tie 6/1 at Stan James
Others: Johnson to win 6/4 at Stan James, Kaymer 10/11 at SportingBet

Ian Poulter v Matt Kuchar

Poulter and his experience, was always going to be looked at to make an impact. A colourful character is he, and he has delivered the goods in tight matches. Overall on the PGA Poulter hasn’t risen to the occasion enough this year, but he is a good match play golfer which has clearly shown, making him an important part of the team. American Kuchar came into the tournament, with a lot of admiration for the season which he has had, which has seen him perform consistently, but the wins have eluded him far to often. Two tied matches and a win under his belt, and he is doing well. This should be an entertaining match and really could swing either way. Nothing too much between them at all, but Kuchar could just edge it with consistency, after being the only American (paired with Cink) to pick up a half point for his country on Sunday.
Tip: Kuchar 6/4 at SkyBet
Others: Poulter to win 11/10 at Totesport, Tie 6/1 at Stan James

Ross Fisher v Jeff Overton

If Europe is looking for one of their best performers, then they do not have to look much further than Ross Fisher. Had an outstanding Sunday paired with Padraig Harrington, completely showing up his more established and senior partner. One of the best rookie performances of the 2010 Ryder Cup, and fully justified his place in the team. Again, accuracy and consistency. Those were traits which Overton was singled out for, but we haven’t quite seen the spark from him. He has looked steady and calm throughout, but two loses in three matches must have dented his confidence. Again, this should be a pretty tight match, with both having the potential to land heavy blows. Momentum again edges it for the golf betting.
Tip: Fisher 10/11 at Stan James
Others: Tie 6/1 at Stan James, Overton to win 7/4 at Ladbrokes

Miguel Angel Jimenez v Bubba Watson

Jiminez has been battling along, and picked up a great point along with Peter Hanson on Sunday. However, you would have to look at Bubba Watson edging this one. It should be an emotional final match for Watson due to his father’s illness, and has that little bit of extra spark over the experience of Jimenez. Would look to the Americans to draw back a point in this one fairly comfortably.
Tip: Watson 13/10 at SportingBet
Others: Tie 11/2 at SkyBet, Jiminez to win 5/4 at Ladbrokes

Francesco Molinari v Tiger Woods

The Italian brothers have been great fun watching, as they are getting really involved with the crowd, getting the home supporters pumped up behind them. However, along with Jiminez they are probably seen as the weaker links on the team, and Francesco, although pulling out a great 18th hole in Sunday’s fourballs, has made mistakes at crucial times, dropping shots from good positions. Woods doesn’t have a great Ryder Cup record, but have has two wins under his belt here. Woods got demolished by Westwood and Donald in the foursomes, and it will be interesting to see if he recovers from that. He hasn’t looked bad, but hasn’t looked his world beating best. Probably good for a point here though, if not, expect some wild celebrations from the Italian.
Tip: Woods 4/5 at Totesport
Others: Molinari 9/4 at Ladbrokes, Tie 11/2 at SportingBet

Edoardo Molinari v Rickie Fowler

Expecting Edoardo, although Francesco has looked the better of the two, to come to the good in this one, even it is by halving the match. Naturally playing with his brother in the pairs, he has looked comfortable, but again mistakes can be pointed out. Nevertheless, Rickie Fowler hasn’t enjoyed himself much down in Wales, and with the Italian brimming with confidence after rescuing a half a point, which in many ways felt like a win, it should even out.
Tip: Tie 5/1 at Totesport
Others: Molinari to win 5/4 at Ladbrokes, Fowler to win 7/5 at Totesport

Peter Hanson v Phil Mickelson

Hanson has contributed a point to the European cause, which will make his smile, and he has been given a big opportunity to grab a huge slice of the limelight here. He goes up against what was supposed to be the USA’s biggest weapon, their equivalent of Lee Westwood. Mickelson has looked all out of sorts and finds himself with three defeats to his name. It wasn’t supposed to be that way, but he hasn’t looked the strong confident player that was doing so well at the Masters. If Hanson can be bold on the front nine, then he could take whatever little wind that is left out of Mickelson. The American though is still class, and in a straight match, you have to expect to come good at some point during the Ryder Cup and to edge this one.
Tip: Mickelson 10/11 at SportingBet
Others: Hanson to win 15/8 at Ladbrokes, Tie 4/1 at SportingBet

Padraig Harrington v Zach Johnson

Was expecting some kind of fireworks from Harrington but they haven’t arrived. Was playing the quiet supporting mentor role to Ross Fisher, as Fisher was having a storming day on Sunday. Maybe Harrington has played a bigger part than may will recognise here. Looked fantastic during the practice rounds, and has won one, lost one and tied one, so anything can happen. He has the upper hand in experience here, and if he brings his top game, then Johnson, who has won one and lost one, shouldn’t get much change out of him. Harrington is exactly the right player to be holding things at the back end of the matches.
Tip: Harrington 13/8 at Ladbrokes
Others: Tie 4/1 at SportingBet, Johnson to win 6/5 at Ladbrokes

Graeme McDowell v Hunter Mahan

Graeme McDowell will be the last one off for team Europe and it could all be done and dusted by the time he gets home. Has partnered well with McIlroy and looks as if he has been enjoying himself. The US Open winner has shown signs of maturity, and with a 1-1-1 record in the Ryder Cup, he will fancy his chances against Hunter Mahan. Mahan was another of the Americans who had the tag of Mr Dependability, and he is a great player to watch. His form has looked a little below par than what was expected, like a lot of the American team really, but is good enough to push this match all the way.
Tip: Tie 7/2 at SportingBet
Others: McDowell to win 11/8 at Ladbrokes, Tie 7/2 at SportingBet

Now on to the crucial market of final scores. You will naturally find a lot more value here for your Ryder Cup golf betting than you will in a straight outright. The basic question for your golf betting, is how big a margin will Europe win by. Word from the American camp and captain Corey Pavin, is that they will come out fighting. The ball is in Europe’s court though firmly, and a three point lead would be a huge disaster to lose, especially at home, and especially after delivering the knock-out blow which they did on Sunday. Europe are full of confidence and you can see it, where the Americans are perhaps a little beleaguered. If you use the above golf tips as a guide, then you are looking at a comfortable 16-2 victory for Europe, which exactly the scoreline that most online bookmakers have laid as favourite in the Ryder Cup Odds. If everything goes to plan, then it really should pan out somewhere around that scoreline.

Ryder Cup Final Points Outrights

Europe 16, USA 12: 13/2 Bet365
Europe 15.5, USA 12.5: 7/1 at Bet365
Europe 15, USA 13: 7/1 at Boylesports
Europe 16.5, USA 11.5: 15/2 at Boylesports
Europe 14.5, USA 13.5: 8/1 at ExtraBet
Europe 17, USA 11: 10/1 at Bet365
Europe 17.5, USA 10.5: 14/1 at Ladbrokes
Tie: 14 at Bet365
USA 14.5, Europe 13.5: 15/1 at ExtraBet
Europe 18, USA 10: 22/1 at Ladbrokes
USA 15, Europe 13: 25/1 at ExtraBet

The 2010 Ryder Cup betting fell a little flat, as the day was inflicted with heavy rain and long delays. Still, that doesn’t mean there is not plenty of golf betting action to jump on at the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, Wales. The competition will change format from now on, in order to fit all of the games in. Usually Saturday would have been a repeat of Friday’s action, with four fourballs and four foursomes going. But because of all the time lost on Friday, and no actual match being finished yet, instead for the first time in Ryder Cup history, all of the players will be out on the course at the same time while the foursomes are being played. This is because instead of four foursomes in the Saturday’s second session, there will be six foursomes in action including all 12 players from each team. In order to make up time, the match referee has added a third session in the evening, in which four fourballs and two foursomes will be played. That kind of makes it all a bit more exciting, because there will be so much going on at the Celtic Manor on Saturday.

SportingBet are offering Cash back refunds for all 28 matches in the Ryder Cup this year. Simply back a winner in any match, and if the outcome of that match is a draw, then you will get your lost stake back as free bet. This is a tremendous offer to start enjoying over the next couple of days. SportingBet come highly recommended for their sports betting promotions, and they currently offer a £25 free bet for new customers when they open an account. With so much at stake and with the weather playing a tricky hand in the whole affair down in Newport, the likelihood is that there will be a good run of drawn matches. This great SportingBet golf betting offer at least gives you coverage for all of your individual Ryder Cup match betting.

So who will this suit and who will have the edge now in the golf betting? European captain Colin Montgomerie insists that he is happy with the revamped organisation of the matches, even though he finds his side down. Europe got off to a strong start in the rain, but the USA clawed their way back into things. The USA hold a two point advantage in the first of the four fourball matches, with only strong pairing of Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer doing the business for the home side. There are still enough hold left in all of those matches for things to really shift, but suddenly Europe’s overwhelming favouritism in the betting doesn’t look quite so solid. The USA will be feeling pretty confident, as Europe came out of the gates blazing, with Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher taking an early lead over Steve Stricker and Tiger woods and holding until the eighth where they lost ground and fell behind at the ninth. Westwood and Kaymer were a couple of shots ahead of Mickelson and Johnson at one point. Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell fell behind just before the end of play for the day, but there were signs that McIlroy was really settling into things and enjoying, and come better weather he could have a major impact through. That pairing also held a good advantage after four holes, but the Americans came back strongly in a short spell which turned the contest on its head. So the Ryder Cup Betting, people will be thinking twice about the USA ahead of Saturday’s tee off now, after showing some battling qualities. There is still a very long way to go of course, but perhaps this whole contest is going to be a little closer than one though. Let’s look at the Fourballs in progress and explore the betting options left on those.

Westwood/Kaymer (1 up thru 12) v Mickelson/Johnson

England’s Lee Westwood is the key to this match, picking up three birdies for the cause. Europe have let this one from the second hole, and were three up at one point, but at the close of play were just one up. You expect more chances to come Westwood’s way and there isn’t a player on the European team you’d back more than him. Still worth backing.
Tip: Westwood/Kaymer 4/7 at Bet365
Others: Draw 4/1 at Boylesports, Mickelson/Johnson 9/2 at Ladbrokes

McIlroy/McDowell v Cink/Kuchar (2 up thru 11)

The European pairing really have the talent to grab this by the scruff of the neck, but two late birdies by Cink, swung the momentum the USA way. McIlroy and McDowell will be disappointed at having given up the lead, and they should be able to play with the pressure off, chasing the game. There isn’t a braver player on the European team than McIlroy, who could spark life into this one. Still a lot to play for, but Europe need to come out strong, or it could get away from them.
Tip: Draw 9/2 at Boylesports
Other: Cink/Kuchar 2/5 at Bet365, McDowell, McIlroy 6/1 at Ladbrokes

Poulter/Fisher v Stricker/Woods (All Square thru 10)

This one will probably go to the wire as they closed the day all square. This one which Europe led in right from the off, they just couldn’t build on their one shot lead. The colourful Poulter is key here, guiding the inexperienced Fisher around. It was Fisher who opened the scoring, but Poulter who has carried the can since. They have a little momentum back after drawing level right at the close of play from a Poulter putt. Woods, even though his Ryder record isn’t great, is doing OK, but halving this match would be a good result for them.
Tip: Poulter/Fisher 15/8 at Stan James
Other: Woods/Stricker 5/4 at Bet365, Draw 7/2 at Boylesports

Donald/Harrington v Watson/Overton (1 up thru

The fourth match has been all about Europe playing catch up right from the off. The experience is with the European team on this one, but it is the Ryder Cup rookies of Team USA who have been in good control here. Luke Donald pulled back a hole at the close of play, leaving the USA just one up. Harrington looked great in practice but hasn’t hit those heights yet. Still time for Europe to turn this one around, especially in the latter stages, but Watson’s driving could just give the USA the edge.
Tip: Draw 22/5 at Totesport
Other: Watson/Overton 10/11 at Paddy Power, Harrington/Donald 11/4 at Ladbrokes

Ryder Cup Outright Betting Odds

Despite being a little behind at the close of play, Europe are still favourites at the bookmakers to bring home the bacon as they say. With a best price of 4/5 at Totesport, Europe are still believed to be in the driving seat overall. Team USA, captained by Corey Pavin, who was a bit disgruntled that his team’s waterproofs weren’t quite so waterproof, are best positioned in the betting at BetFred for a price of 8/5. If you think the event will play out as a tie, then you can fetch odds of 12/1 at SkyBet. In the case of the 2010 Ryder Cup playing out as a tie, Stan James will refund all losing outright and correct points bets on the Ryder Cup as free bets.

2010 Ryder Cup Outright Betting Odds

Schedule:
Friday, October 1st - Morning: Fourballs (x4) Afternoon: Foursomes (x4)
Saturday, October 2nd - Morning: Fourballs (x4) Afternoon: Foursomes (x4)
Sunday October 3rd – Singles (x12)

Ryder Cup Outright Betting

Europe: 7/10 at Paddy Power
Tie: 12/1 at Bet365
USA: 2/1 at Stan James

Well, the big day has arrived, as the World’s top golfers head to Celtic Manor in Newport Wales to contest the Ryder Cup. Home advantage is with Europe this time and they look to get their hands back on the coveted trophy. In many circles, Europe are being tipped as having the strongest team, and while the USA do have some strong weapons in their pack, golf betting probably should be going towards Europe having a home victory. The two captains going head to head are Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin, and the US may just have the edge in that department, in terms of selection strategy. Montgomerie though, is no stranger to being in the limelight and taking on the press, so that should ease some pressure off his players as all of the focus will be on the big man. However, the US should be underdogs in the golf Ryder Cup betting, and that is because there are question marks over their top players. Europe actually have more players making their debut in the tournament than the USA, but you can see a little better form and more consistency in the game of the Europeans. Team USA’s star players, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods really haven’t looked anywhere near their best over the second half of the season, and if their main talisman isn’t firing, then the USA could struggle.

Online Bookmaker Ryder Cup Betting Promotions:

• Stan James are offering a Ryder Cup Refund. All losing outright bets on the Ryder Cup, along with correct score bets will be refunded if the two sides play out a tie. Stan James also offer a £25 free bet for new customers to their betting site.

• Boylesports are running lost stake refunds if your player is leading after 9 holes, but then goes on to lose the match. If that happens, Boylesports will refund your bet. Also, if the winning putt for the Ryder Cup is made by an Irishman, which has a fair chance with McIlory, McDowell and Harrington in there, then Boylesports will also give refunds on lost bets for selected markets. The online bookmaker also offers a £20 free bet when you open a new account with them.

• Paddy Power are also running a Ryder Cup golf betting promotion. The popular bookie for bonuses, is offering match bet refunds if your selection loses before the 16th hole. Combined with a free £50 bet which is obtainable when you open a new account, then it makes for a great place to hit for your Ryder Cup betting.

You look at form and experience and you have to be guided towards an outright Europe win. There will naturally be a lot of nerves and with all of the rookies in the tournament, anything can happen and it may all come down to who can hold it together when the pressure is on. Again, Europe may just have the edge as a lot of the American side aren’t coming into the tournament on the back of great form. The signs are good for Europe, but there is a question mark over the setup of the course at Celtic Manor however as it seems to have been set up for big hitting. That would give a big advantage to Team USA, as they definitely have the longer drivers out of the two teams. That doesn’t automatically make it a shoe in for success there, because there is the need for accuracy, and on the look of things, you would have to swing slightly back in the favour of the Europeans again. History does not back a Team USA win away from their home soil, and with the added support of the home crowd and conditions, then it is almost like starting the match with an extra point or two in the bag.

Friday Fourballs Betting Odds

Match 1: Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer v Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson

Tip: Well, there is a clear statement from the American captain Cory Pavin, that they want to get off to a strong start. They have thrown in Phil Mickelson, arguably the ace in the American pack, along with one of the season’s most consistent performers in Dustin Johnson. This is a very strong pairing, with Mickelson having won the Masters this year, and Johnson who won the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the BMW Championship this year, and finished 5th in the FedExCup standings. He only missed the cut on three of his 23 outings this year, and is a strongly consistent performer. This is the equivalent of the Americans throwing down the gauntlet. For Europe, there was a feeling that Westwood, Europe’s top golfer, was going to get a bit of a rest. He has been struggling with an injury going back to the Open, and missed out on the end of seeing PGA FedExCup party and the US Open. Nonetheless, even when injured he is a world class act and should make for a fascinating match up against Mickelson. Westwood’s partner Kaymer could well be one of the unsung heroes of Team Europe. The German won the US PGA Championship and leads the European rankings in the Race to Dubai (an end of season shebang). Has three solid wins to his name this year and had shown great calmness under pressure. With Mickelson struggling for some form over the latter stage of the season, and on home turf, Europe should be able to edge this one, but it will be a big tussle. Westwood should make all the difference.

Westwood/Kaymer to win: 23/20 at Boylesports
Draw: 5/1 at Ladbrokes
Mickelson/Johnson to win: 6/4 at Bet365

Match 2: Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell v Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar

Tip: This is a fascinating match. Two of Ireland’s best, McIlroy and McDowell have the capacity to thrill. McIlory especially, something of a prodigy in the game, is one of the most confident and brave players you will see. He has already riled up the opposition by stating that Tiger Woods has lost his aura because of his personal problems. This came after Woods was, to some surprise, including in Team USA. McIlory has played some phenomenal golf this year, but often pops up with a bad round which puts him out of contention. Won at Quail Hollow this year, plus has picked up a couple of good top three finishes. McDowell famously won the US Open this year, seemingly from out of the blue. Is in decent shape and can usually be backed for some consistency, but maybe not the cutting edge to pick up a lot more majors. His last appearance in the Ryder Cup was in 2008, where picked up two and a half points out of his four matches. There’s a little bit of history, as McDowell beat Cink (2 and 1) in the singles. Cink is in the team courtesy of being a captain’s pick (in order words he didn’t qualify automatically). Good experience in the Ryder Cup, but not a particularly outstanding record. Partner Matt Kuchar has enjoyed something of a great season, although most of it has been flying under the radar. Incredibly consistent and won The Barclays in the FedExCup play-off, which was his best finish of the year and deserved a win. This is a fairly even match up and McDowell could make all the difference in backing up McIlory. Europe should edge this, but a half is worth looking at.
McIlory/McDowell to win: 4/5 at Bet365
Draw: 11/2 at Coral
Cink/Kuchar to win: 11/5 at Stan James

Match 3: Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher v Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods

Tip: The colourful Poulter won the WGC Match Play earlier in the year, but was unable to back it up with another Tour win. His closest finish can in Abu Dhabi where he came in second. He can be hit and miss, but on his day, he can be a diamond. He does have a good Ryder Cup record, winning five of his seven matches from his two Ryder Cup Tours. Again there is history here, as Poulter has beaten Stricker before in singles at the Ryder Cup. His team mate Ross Fisher is making his debut in the event, and comes in strong after some good performances this year, including winning a hotly contested Irish Open. He also finished second at the BMW International. Poulter’s experience could be key here, but they are up against some tough opposition. Steve Stricker could be pencilled in as one of the PGA Tour players of the year, such as good season he has had. Always dangerous and there is little to complain about over his consistency. Being paired with Woods, he will actually be the senior player as Woods was only a captain’s pick. What will Woods be able to do? He has shown glimpses of greatness this season, but by and large he has kind of paled into anonymity. He is an enigma of course, but actually his Ryder Cup record isn’t one to whoop and cheer about, having lost more than he has won. Has a lot to prove, but with Stricker, they Americans could well have a slight advantage in this match.

Poulter/Fisher to win: 6/4 at Blue Square
Draw: 5/1 at SkyBet
Woods/Striker to win: 10/11 at SportingBet

Match 4: Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington v Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton

Tip: Europe will look to two players who have shown some great recent form for the fourth match. Luke Donald looked good in the FedExCup Championship, but lost out by one shot. He is one of those consistent players who quietly goes about his business and is a great team player. Has two titles to his name this year, and is a two times Ryder Cup winner. Has only made one previous fourball outing though, in which he halved the match. He will be ably partnered by Padraig Harrington, who was one of the star performers in practice this week for Europe and no surprise that he gets the nod. The Irishman hasn’t been able to get over the finish line first this season, but he came close in the Irish Open where he finished second. Has a long history in the Ryder Cup, where his record in the pairings is not particularly outstanding. He should get a lift playing with Donald though, and it makes a well selected pairing. In Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton, the Americans field one of their potential pairings. Both Watson and Overton have their great merits, with Watson being one of the longest drivers on the PGA. However, both are making their Ryder Cup debut, and that has to give an edge to Europe.

Harrington/Donald to win: 3/4 at BetFair
Draw: 5/1 at Totesport
Watson/Overton to win: 9/4 at SkyBet