Rory McIlroy

Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania hosts the 2013 US Open this week and all of the usual suspects head the betting.

The East Course, which was opened in 1912, is regarded as one of a classic tests of all-round golfing ability and it may be even trickier this week with heavy rain having lashed the Ardmore area over the last few days. Indeed, course officials are even thinking of replacing a couple of holes with two from the adjacent West Course, such has been the damage caused by floods. Holes vary from a minute par-three 13th to a virtually unplayable par-five fourth – the only two par-fives on the course come in the opening four holes – but this is not a venue at which big hitters naturally hold sway despite there being only one driveable par-four and three par-threes on which ordinary players would struggle to reach the green from the tee.

Scores are unlikely to be low, given conditions, as the rough is uneven and uncompromising and the greens will certainly require precision, though that rain should have slowed them down a little. Tiger Woods is favourite being world number one but is bidding for a first Major since winning the US Open at Torrey Pines in 2008 and, quite frankly, his odds are ridiculous. The US Open lends itself to shocks more than any other Major so how anyone can even contemplate backing Tiger at a best 6/1 (Ladbrokes and Paddy Power) beggars belief because, if the rains continue to fall, Rory McIlroy has to go on the short-list.

The Irishman took apart a rain-soaked Congressional when winning his first Major in this event in 2009 and he is a 25/1 shot with Ladbrokes. Had this tournament been staged a few weeks ago I’d have really fancied Rickie Fowler as well. A general 66/1 chance, he’s been more consistent lately and has played well at Merion before.

Of the last 16 Major winners, 13 were winning one for the first time. All were aged 32 or younger and, if we use that formula as our starting point and add in the criteria that a player must have shown some ability at the highest level, that opens up some interesting prospects at big odds.

Fowler was third behind Woods and Justin Rose in the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March and regular readers will know I’m a big fan of the South-African born Englishman. Rose just qualifies for our template as he doesn’t turn 33 until the end of next month and has already recorded top five finishes in all four Majors. He can be backed at 28/1 with most layers.

Dustin Johnson, runner-up in the 2011 Open at Sandwich, also fits the bill and he’s the type of scrambler that should be suited by conditions at Merion, the only championship course which has a public road running straight through it (don’t worry, they set up diversions during tournaments so no paper boy’s are at risk). Johnson blew a three-shot lead in the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach but is more experienced now and has won seven times on the PGA Tour, including this year’s Tournament of Champions in Hawaii – he is 50/1 with Coral and bwin.

My last selection is Australian Marc Leishman at a general 150/1. The Victorian’s fourth in this year’s Masters confirmed his arrival on the big stage and he’s only being playing on the PGA Tour for four years so should have plenty more to offer. He features strongly on this season’s scoring average stats and that kind of consistency should stand him good stead at Merion, where a par score is likely to see you in contention.

Most bookmakers are offering one quarter odds for a place on the first six but BetVictor will pay out on the first seven and are equal best-priced for Fowler and Rose. Paddy Power will also pay out on the first seven, but only if you place your bet by mobile phone.

2013 US Open PGA Golf Betting Info
There is clear division between Tiger Woods and the rest of the field at Merion for US PGA golf betting this year. He will be taking most of the attention this week as he heads the field for this year’s edition as he goes for his fourth US Open title. With wins in 2000, 2002 and 2008 and with the kind of form that he has shown this season, he is the clear front runner. But the tests will be tough here, with long par three’s, but all in all the full distance coming in under 7,000, the first time that that has been the case in a major since the 2004 US Open. The course has hosted the event four times before and each occasion the winning score has improved.

Latest 2013 US Open PGA Golf Betting Prices at online bookmaker Ladbrokes
Tiger Woods 11/2, Rory McIlroy 22/1, Matt Kuchar 22/1, Adam Scott 22/1, Phil Mickelson 22/1, Graeme McDowell 25/1, Justin Rose 28/1, Lee Westwood 30/1, Brandt Snedeker 30/1, Charl Schwartzel 33/1, Luke Donald 35/1, Sergio Garcia 40/1, Jim Furyk 40/1, Jason Day 45/1, Steve Stricker 45/1

Online Bookmaker Promotion
There is extra value to take for your US Open golf betting with online bookmaker Ladbrokes. The popular bookie is offering six places on the US Open for some extra depth in the field. This provides some superb value in picking up on your options in the place market for US Open golf betting. New customers registering an account with online bookmaker Ladbrokes can get up to three free £10 bets as a welcome bonus.

2013 US Open PGA Golf Betting Favourite
Tiger Woods all the way as outright favourite for US PGA Golf betting this time around. The world is waiting to see if the American can get another Major title. Hard to read into too much form of course because of the US Open moving courses, but he undeniably has history. Woods last won the US Open back at Torrey Pines in 2008, and since then he has landed two top ten finishes in three starts. Last year he carded a T21 at the Olympic Club and is expected to go much better. Woods has already got his hands on four titles this year on the PGA and has been in tremendous form. His last outing was a disappointing effort at the Memorial, when he carded his worst ever round in professional golf, a 79 in the third and ended up with share of 65th. Five top tens from eight starts this year, wins in half of those starts. Hard to argue against his favouritsm at odds of 11/2 with online bookmaker Ladbrokes.

Other Contenders
Where to start with the rest of the contenders? 2011 US Open Champion Rory McIlroy is still causing some concern for bookies, who have placed him in as joint second favourite. Hasn’t won the PGA this term and has shown some pretty inconsistent form. He has carded two top ten finishes in his last three starts, three in his last five. His last outing was a low finish at the Memorial as well, not great preparation. If he gets up his head of steam, he can destroy the field and how great it would be to see him battling it out with Woods at the top of the leaderboard. Everyone wants to see that, but while there are question marks about his form, he may be worth looking at a place market only. At least he is paired with Woods for the first two rounds.

Masters winner Adam Scott is probably one of the field, but a genuine contender, who will fly under the radar again. He has shown tremendous composure in the Majors. The Australian hasn’t finished outside of the top twenty in the last six majors now, firmly establishing himself as a big gun in the field. Quiet, composed but has yet to land a top ten finish at the US Open. He put his best ever performance with a T15 in the tournament last year. Has all the tools to go far better and should be a decent place market option and could offer some tremendous value.

2013 US Open Golf Betting Place Market at Ladbrokes
Tiger Woods 11/10, Adam Scott 4/1, Matt Kuchar 4/1, Rory McIlroy 4/1, Phil Mickelson 4/1, Graeme McDowell 5/1, Justin Rose 5/1, Lee Westwood 5/1, Charl Schwartzel 7/1, Brandt Snedeker 7/1, Luke Donald 7/1, Sergio Garcia 7/1

Hard to make a case for Matt Kuchar not being a solid contender this week at Merion. The American is in with probably his best shot at a Major here. His best ever finish at the US Open was a T6 in the 2010 edition. Kuchar has two titles under his belt this season, showing great versatility with a win at the WGC Accenture Match Play and then taking the crown at the Memorial in his last outing. That followed up a second place at the Crowne Plaza Invitational and is just running hot at the moment and probably worth riding.

Graeme McDowell has been taking a lot of backing in the build up for the 2013 US Open. McDowell, who took that famous win at pebble Beach in 2010, rallied well last year at the Olympic Club, but couldn’t close in enough, finishing a shot back of winner Webb Simpson. Still, McDowell has been in tremendous form this season, and even with a couple of recent missed cuts, is still worth a look. He took a win at the RBC Heritage at the end of April, that came sandwiched inbetween missed cuts a the Masters and the Players. Has posted four top tens from eight PGA Tour starts this season, including two top threes. Has his all round game going well and could show up.

2013 US Open Golf Betting Top Ten Finish Odds at Ladbrokes
Tiger Woods 2/5, Matt Kuchar 13/8, Adam Scott 13/8, Phil Mickelson 13/8, Rory McIlroy 13/8, Graeme McDowell 2/1, Justin Rose 2/1, Lee Westwood 2/1, Brandt Snedeker 11/4, Charl Schwartzel 11/4

There is a long list of usual suspects as well, from the European challenges of Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood. But there are a couple of Americans worth looking at for value. The first, Brandt Snedeker, who has posted top ten finishes in half of his twelve starts this term, including a victory at Pebble Beach. Has missed the cut at the Memorial and FedEx St Jude Classic in his last two starts though, after some injury problems. Good enough to challenge for a top ten if his confidence is alright.

But big Phil Mickelson could be tremendous value. He looks to be trending towards a win. He has taken two top three finishes in this last three starts, including a T2 last week at the FedEx St Jude. Granted the course at TPC Southwind is no real preparation for the challenges of Merion, but Mickelson has his short game working beautifully. The US Open is a major that is missing from his list of achievements. Could be lining up a very good shot here.

PGA Memorial Tournament Golf Betting Info
The players contesting at Muirfield this week will be getting their drivers out and having a field day. This isn’t a course where the fairways are hard to hit, so it will be the work with the irons that will make all the difference in this one. Fortunately that is the feature of this course, the greens are hard to hit, one of the top ten courses on the PGA Tour last year for sticking it on the putting surface. Tough greens don’t help either here. Should be some great golf betting on the way.

Latest PGA Memorial Tournament Golf Betting Prices at online bookmaker Ladbrokes
Tiger Woods 9/4, Rory McIlroy 16/1, Adam Scott 20/1, Matt Kuchar 20/1, Justin Rose 20/1, Lee Westwood 25/1, Luke Donald 30/1, Brandt Snedeker 33/1, Charl Schwartzel 33/1

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PGA Memorial Tournament Golf Betting Favourite
It is Tiger Woods who is leading the way strongly for a win here, in at a low value 9/4 with online bookmaker Ladbrokes for Memorial Golf Betting. He is the defending champion at the event and he has nailed five wins in total in his last thirteen starts at the event. Dominant. Woods knows his way around this course like the back of his hand and he has the short game to power his way to victory again. Only five of his thirteen starts at the event has seen him finish outside of the top five. He is bang in form at the moment, winning on his last appearance this year, at the The Players, where he got Sergio Garcia all riled up. That was his fourth title of the year already and with him being top of the Tour in strokes gained-putting, the stats at least are suggesting that it could be all one way traffic in Ohio this week.

Other Contenders
American Matt Kuchar delivered a quality performance last week at Colonial and he was tournament leader at the close of the second and third rounds. He just couldn’t quite close out the deal though. He is having a very consistent season this year and he has produced four consecutive top ten finishes at Muirfield Village. His second place finish at Colonial last week was a return to top form for him, his fifth top ten in 13 event shits season, and has that win under his belt at the WGC Accenture Match Play. Solid enough to get around and put himself in the top ten mix.

Australian Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters Champion has been having a very select season, picking and choosing his events wisely to pace himself. His scoring is not to be faulted this year and he booked a top twenty finish in his last outing at The Players. Has taken three top ten finishes in his six starts this year and is on top of his game at the moment. No reason really why he shouldn’t go well and even push for a place finish. He has recorded himself two top fives as the course before.

England’s Justin Rose has a track record here which may serve him well. He won the event back in 2010 and he is fourth in all-time earnings at Muirfield Village. Has a great all round game going at the moment and can be pretty secure and reliable in his approach work to the greens. Has the scrambling game to recover better than most, should he end up getting a little wayward. Makes a good value fit for a top ten finish this week.

PGA Memorial Top Ten Finish Betting Odds at online bookmaker Ladbrokes
Tiger Woods 1/6, Rory McIlroy 11/8,, Adam Scott 13/8, Matt Kuchar 13/8, Lee Westwood 2/1, Justin Rose 2/1, Brandt Snedeker 2/1, Luke Donald 2/1, Charl Schwartzel 11/4, Keegan Bradley 11/4

There could be long value in Brandt Snedeker this week. He has actually improved his short game which is making him even more dangerous. There is no question about his power on the greens, one of the best in the game at the moment. Part of the reason why he is long odds this week is because has never made the cut at Muirfield Village before in five previous attempts. But is one of the best in sticking it on the green and taking chances with the putter. Tremendous top ten value this week.

Charl Schwartzel could also offer some larger value this week because he has steadily been improving his results at Muirfield Village over the course of his five starts there. He just missed the cut at Colonial last week which is a rarity for the South African and solid enough with the irons and the putters to make an impact. Lee Westwood was going well at Wentworth last week before finishing weakly. Prior to that he had landed five top tens in a row so in good form. It is almost a decade since he played here though.

Great field an options, including further depth like Webb Simpson, Rory McIlroy, Billy Horschel, Ernie Els and Luke Donald. Quality field, but none of them have been able to touch the supremacy that Tiger Woods has had in the PGA Memorial Golf Betting.

BMW PGA Championship Golf Betting Info
The European Tour heads to England this week and the famous West Course at Wentworth. A star studded field is in attendance for this one, including double winner Luke Donald who is back to defend his title. But with such a talented field behind him, it will need another majestic performance from him. Huge amount of profit around this week because of the major players in the field. Who will rise to the top?

Latest BMW PGA Championship Golf Betting Prices at online bookmaker Paddy Power
Luke Donald 8/1, Rory McIlroy 11/1, Lee Westwood 11/1, Justin Rose 12/1, Sergio Garcia 16/1, Graeme McDowell 18/1, Martin Kaymer 33/1, Francesco Molinari 40/1, Branden Grace 40/1, Ian Poulter 40/1, Ernie Els 40/1

Online Bookmaker Promotion
There is generally better genuine value to be found in the Top Ten or Place Markets for golf betting than the outright winner. For Place Market betting this week, online bookmaker Paddy Power have extra value for the BMW PGA Championship betting, as they are paying out to six places. So definitely great coverage to take for your golf betting this week. new customers registering an account with online bookmaker Paddy Power can get up to a free £50 bet as a welcome bonus.

BMW PGA Championship Golf Betting Favourite
Thanks to his previous efforts over the last two years at the course, Luke Donald goes as hot favourite here. In 2011 he beat Lee Westwood in a play off to capture the title, and last year he simply strolled to a title defence, winning by four strokes. He is just such a good fit and knows the course like the back of his hand having grown up around there. He was majestic here last season. He hasn’t quite been firing on all cylinders yet this season and only managed a share of seventeenth at the Volvo World Match Play last week. Hasn’t touched a title this year but has landed two top five finishes on the PGA Tour. Given his experiences here he is a solid option at 8/1 with online bookmaker Paddy Power.

Other Contenders
Lee Westwood is just trending to win. He has been superb this season and has fired in four top ten finishes in his last four starts on the PGA. That includes T8’s at the Masters and the Players. He also finished as runner up at the 2011 BMW PGA Championship and has put in two top ten finishes in his last three attempts at the tournament. So not a bad return for him and because of the great field in attendance in Surrey this week, there is value in Westwood. Would certainly weigh up a place market option on him for a price of 5/2 at online bookmaker Paddy Power.

Another one who could well be pushing for the title is England’s Justin Rose. Like Westwood, Rose has had two top ten finishes in his last three starts at the BMW PGA Championship. Although he has gone about his quietly this season, he has gone about it efficiently without a doubt. Rose has been one of the steadiest performers on the Tour this season. His missed cut at the Players snapped a long streak of making it to the weekend of tournaments. He has produced some solid golf this season and his all round game and shot selection has been fantastic. Bit of course history as well, makes him a solid top ten shot.

There are a couple of other top players coming into this one on the back of some form. Notably Spain’s Sergio Garcia and Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell. Garcia almost got his hands on the Players, but bottled it by taking too big of a risk when trying to close out in a blaze of glory against Tiger Woods. Still, he looks happy enough to be back at a European Tour event. As for McDowell, he captured the Volvo World Match Play last week and continued his fine form this season. He has recorded four top tens in eight starts on the PGA this season, winning at the RBC Heritage before his match play skills earned another win on the weekend. He has been superb wherever he has gone this season, never been a threat at Wentworth, but definitely in form.

Rory McIlroy is still looking for his top gear but there has been signs that he isn’t too far away. He has landed consecutive top ten finishes on the PGA Tour now, at the Wells Fargo and The Players. He bombed horribly last year at the BMW PGA Championship, missing the cut after a 79 in the second round. His best finish at the event was a fifth place back in 2009. So no history to bank on but if he is trending upwards, slowly but surely, he could be value for a top ten finish this week.

Best Outside Bet
Would watch for Anders Hansen this week. He has been one of the best ball strikers across the world this year and the Dane could make a great outside shot this week. He has produced some cracking rounds of golf this year with a couple of top tens on the European Tour where his game fits better. He has won a rendition of the event twice as well (back when it was the Volvo PGA and then against as the BMW PGA back in 2007. Trends a good year then a not so good one at the event over the last four attempts. Due for a good run and at 6/1 for a top ten finish with online bookmaker Paddy Power, great value too.

It’s the unofficial fifth Major and the Players’ Championhip at the TPC Sawgrass has attracted a suitably classy line-up headed by Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, who did us a huge favour in last month’s US Masters at Augusta.

Tiger is top of the tree again and a best 81/10 market leader with bwin but you aren’t going to get much in the way of value backing him in the big tournaments between now and the end of the year so we’ll look elsewhere. It will be interesting to see how Scott copes with the media attention in his first competition as a Major winner. He’s won nine times on the US PGA Tour but should have probably won more given his ability. The Aussie, winner of this in 2004, is 20/1 on Betfair, where you can also back Rory McIlroy at similar odds. The Irishman heads the UK challenge along with Luke Donald, 21/1 on Betfair, and Lee Westwood (31/1 on Betfair). The latter pair haven’t, of course, won a Major but the Players’ Championship is not an official member of the elite group of tournaments, though is the most lucrative on the US PGA Tour. Donald finished sixth last year, only four shots off winner Matt Kuchar (a general 33/1 this year). Scotland’s Martin Laird tied for second with three others having led after the first round and could be interesting at 150/1 (William Hill) but I really want to be on David Toms at the general 100/1.

Most layers are doing the decent thing and offering a quarter the odds for six places and Toms looks a cracking each-way bet. He’s managed a top 10 finish in the Players’ Championship in three of the last four years, only losing out to KJ Choi in 2011 on the first extra hole after tying for the lead after 72 holes.

Sawgrass is a relatively short course and it’s usually the par-fours which sort out the men from the boys, though the par-three 17th is one of the most famous holes in world golf and one capable of turning a good round into a disaster. Toms’ record on the par-fours in the Masters was as good as anyone and his ability to save par if the forecast rain arrives in Jacksonville make him a very decent bet, though the general 40/1 about Nick Watney also makes some appeal in a tournament the Americans could be poised to dominate again.

BetVictor are offering to refund any ante-post single as a free bet if your choice puts his ball into the water in the final round on Sunday while Ladbrokes will refund all losing outright singles if Tiger Woods wins the Players’ Championship.

The PLAYERS Championship Golf Betting Info
The action at Sawgrass is likely to be highly unpredictable. There really hasn’t been any facet of the game which has helped a certain type of golfer dominate the event. So betting for the Players is wide open at that represents a lot of value. Big drivers don’t have an advantage over shorter drivers, and as long as tee shots are kept straight and the putter is working well, there is a feast of birdies to be had at TPC Sawgrass.

Latest The PLAYERS Championship Golf Betting Prices at online bookmaker Bet Victor
Tiger Woods 7/1, Adam Scott 16/1, Rory McIlroy 16/1, Luke Donald 20/1, Lee Westwood 20/1, Justin Rose 25/1, Phil Mickelson 25/1, Matt Kuchar 28/1, Sergio Garcia 30/1

Online Bookmaker Promotion
Bet Victor have a great golf betting promotion running for the 2013 Players Championship. Head to the popular bookie and place a pre-event Tournament Outright Winner bet. If your selection then hits their ball into the water on the 17th hole on Sunday, then Bet Victor will refund all losing bets on that player as a Free Bet. Great coverage for the tournament and new customers registering an account with the bookie can get up to a free £25 bet as a welcome bonus.

The PLAYERS Championship Golf Betting Favourite
Tiger Woods goes as favourite for your golf betting this week. He last won the event back in 2001 and hasn’t been stellar at TPC Sawgrass. Just once since his win did he post a top ten finish (which was back in 2009). What could carry him close this year again is his form with the putter. Picking up birdies off any chances that present themselves is crucial. Woods leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained-putting. He has of course landed three titles this season as well. Not the strongest fit for the course, but with the form that he has shown this season, he should be up in the top ten somewhere surely.

Other Contenders
An talented field out again and Lee Westwood may be worth a look at for betting options this week. He has been pretty consistent all season and he has been trending upwards towards a win. He took a share of fourth at the Wells Fargo on the weekend and that came after a tenth and an eighth in this two tournaments before that. He has his all round game going well and could be up there in the mix, certainly his upward swing suggest that. He has recorded three top six finishes in ten prior cracks at TPC Sawgrass and his driving has been going well enough to score very well this week.

A lot of people will be fancying Jim Furyk’s game in this one, which looks like a natural fit for things. He doesn’t miss a lot of fairways, and is ranking fifth on this season’s Tour in fairways hit. That is a massive factor to count in for the action at TPC Sawgrass. Hit the fairways, sink the birdies. Solid enough form at TPC Sawgrass, only missing two cuts in sixteen attempts before. He has recorded two top ten finishes on the PGA Tour in his last five starts as well. Solid, consistent, everything you are looking for in a player this week.

Luke Donald has a pretty strong record at TPC Sawgrass as well, but just hasn’t been able to get his hands on the title at all. He has nailed three top six finishes in his last eight appearances at the course and that is a better record than most of the other top competitors. Can he break his duck though? He has the short game to set himself up with plenty of birdie chances and his shorter driving isn’t going to put him at a disadvantage, as long as he nails the fairways. His last outing saw him claim a share of third at the RBC Heritage a couple of weeks ago, so should be fresh and up for this one.

One name who could well sneak into the mix, under the radar and at value is Sweden’s Henrik Stenson. He had an anomaly last week when he missed the cut at the Wells Fargo, but prior to that he landed three top twenty finishes including a T18 at the Masters, and the other two were actually top tens. So has been in good form all round so far, and and has made five cuts in seven starts at Sawgrass. Each of those five outings have led to a top twenty five finish. He has a superb driving game and leads the PGA Tour for both driving and greens in regulation. That is why he could be a great fit this week this week.

There is such a packed field in this one, Phil Mickelson landed a solid third at the Wells Fargo last weekend, Justin Rose is second on the PGA Tour for driving and sixth for greens in regulation. Has a pretty immense all round game and could go close. Sergio Garcia, Brandt Snedeker, Rory McIlroy, Masters winner Adam Scott and Charl Schwartzel could all make their cases for being backed in the Top Ten Finish market. Superb field, superb betting depth.

Best Outside Bet
Lucas Glover is a pretty straight driver and that will give a slight edge here. Total outside shot, but he has the straight game to create enough chances for himself. Landed two top tens this season, both T4s at the Honda Classic and the Zurich Classic. Started well at the Wells Fargo last week too but fell away in the bad weather. Glover is 4/1 at online bookmaker Bet Victor and therefore great value for a top twenty finish.

Wells Fargo Championship Golf Betting Info
Some big guns are out in the field for PGA action this week, quite a few of them in fact. So there are some big favourites to be backing in the field. Rory McIlroy will again attempt to get his season back on track, but Quail Hollow is well populated with a strong chasing pack. Big spotlights on The Green Mile, the last three holes of the course and there have been some changes from last season. Some accurate driving off the tee would go a long way at this course.

Online Bookmaker Promotion
All eyes will be on Rory McIlroy this week at the Wells Fargo Championship. If Rory McIlroy wins the event, then Bet Victor will refund all losing pre-event tournament outright winner bets as a free bet. The maximum coverage on this is up to £50 per person/household. New customers registering an account can get up to a free £25 bet as a welcome bonus from the bookie.

Wells Fargo Championship Golf Betting Favourite
Rory McIlroy goes as favourite this week and he is the course record holder, with a round of 62. This was the site of his first ever PGA Tour title, back in 2010 and he went close to his second Wells Fargo title last year when he lost in a play off. In between that, he bombed and missed the cut in 2011. He hasn’t been seen in competitive action since the Masters, so will he come out fresh and ready, or still lacking that sharpness? It’s not really been a season to remember so far for McIlroy, can he make it count here? McIlroy is 8/1 favourite at online bookmaker Bet Victor in Wells Fargo Championship golf betting.

Other Contenders
Bill Haas may take some backing this week as he is producing some solid enough golf at the moment. He leads the PGA Tour this season with five top ten finishes, and on top of that, is inside the top ten for greens in regulation. He has his all round game going well, the scrambling is pretty much top notch at the moment, and on top of that, he has two top finishes at Quail Hollow as well. A very good fit, maybe a lock for a top ten finish.

Many people look at Bubba Watson and see only a big hitter. He does drive massive distances off the tee, but also has some great ball manipulation as well. The course management needs perhaps more control than distance at Quail Hollow, still, Bubba is not all about driving. He is sixth in greens hit on the PGA this term and is the leader for scoring on par 4’s. His best finish at Quail Hollow was a share of second place back in 2009 so he can deliver here.

Lee Westwood may be a temper for punters this week in PGA Golf betting. He took a share of fifth at Quail Hollow last year and his stats stack up for him to have a good charge again this term. He took a top ten finish at the Masters in his last start, leaving him with consecutive top ten finishes in his last two starts. His scrambling game, which is going to come into play, is superb at the moment and consistent enough to challenge inside the top ten.

Phil Mickelson has a good enough track record at the event as well to attract a lot of interest. He has never missed the cut at the event, which speaks volumes and has produced six top ten finishes in nine starts at the tournament. Four of those have been top fives as well. The iron work is there in his game, could work with a little improvement on his putting, and iron out a few creases in his driving. Otherwise, is such a proven performer at Quail Hollow that he could be up there again.

Best Outside Bet
DA Points is looking off value considering what he has posted lately. He has made the cut in each of his last four starts, producing a second in New Orleans and a victory in Houston. Can’t ask for much better form than that, oh, and he was a loser in the play offs here last term as well. Big value at 40/1 with online bookmaker Bet Victor.

Latest Wells Fargo Championship Golf Betting Prices at online bookmaker Bet Victor
Rory McIlroy 8/1, Lee Westwood 16/1, Webb Simpson 18/1, Phil Mickelson 18/1, Rickie Fowler 22/1, Bubba Watson 25/1, Sergio Garcia 25/1, Nick Watney 28/1, Bill Haas 28/1, DA Points 40/1, Hunter Mahan 40/1, Henrik Stenson 40/1, Ian Poulter 40/1

The Open may have history on its side but, for many people, the Masters is the Major that everyone wants to see. It’s just the sheer drama that the Augusta National produces year upon year but, let’s be honest here, this is a ridiculous golf course.

It only needs a couple of windmills and a clown’s head to be right at home on a fairground. Sections like Amen Corner make a mockery of normal golf laws. How on earth are you expected to hole a putt by hitting the ball in the opposite direction? But the top pros seem to love it and so do the punters. Every year, more bets are laid on the tournament than any other.

So what makes it such compelling viewing? Is it the list of golfing greats to have worn the Green Jacket? Or the knowledge that the outcome of the whole tournament can hinge on one bad putt or a mis-judged chip? Augusta isn’t the longest par-72 on the US circuit, and there is no real rough off the fairway so you can get away with a bad tee shot. But you won’t be in the leading pack for long if you take more than two to get down once on the green.

Unsurprisingly, Tiger Woods is a strong favourite (a general 4/1) having reclaimed top spot in the world rankings and I’ll be going through his chances and those of his likely rivals before the tournament gets under way but let’s look at some of the attractive offers bookmakers have come up with ahead of the season’s first Major. Boylesports, for example, will refund all losing bets if Rory McIlroy win in Augusta while BetVictor are going one better. They will repay losing singles up to £50 if McIlroy or Woods triumph. Ladbrokes will give you back your stake in the shape of a free bet if any British or Irish players wins  and Coral will do likewise should your selection finish second to Tiger. No real reason to lose money, then, should one of the market leaders come out on top – or is that being too optimistic?

2013 US Masters Betting Info
Despite former World Number One Rory McIlroy playing himself back into a bit form at the Valero Texas Open, Tiger Woods remains the strong outright favourite to go on and claim what would be his fifth Masters title. Woods in shaping up well to make a strong challenge, but that doesn’t mean that the rest of the field should be automatically counted out at Augusta this term. A field which runs deep and offers tremendous value.

Latest 2013 US Masters Betting Prices at online bookmaker Ladbrokes
Tiger Woods 7/2, Rory McIlroy 10/1, Phil Mickelson 10/1, Justin Rose 20/1, Charl Schwartzel 25/1, Lee Westwood 25/1, Adam Scott 25/1, Louis Oosthuizen 25/1, Keegan Bradley 25/1, Luke Donald 25/1, Dustin Johnson 25/1, Brandt Snedeker 25/1, Matt Kuchar 33/1, Bubba Watson 33/1, Sergio Garcia 33/1

Online Bookmaker Promotion
Ladbrokes have a great promotion running for 2013 US Masters golf betting. If a British or Irish players wins at Augusta this year, then the online bookmaker will refund all losing outright bets. This is offering some great coverage because although largely American-dominated, the market has some very strong British players in contention. Online bookmaker Ladbrokes offer up to £30 worth of free bets for new customers registering an account with them.

2013 US Masters Betting Favourite
Tiger Woods is favourite all the way and it is hard to argue with his form. He last got his hands on the US Masters title back in 2005, adding to his triumphs in 1997, 2001 and 2002. It was in his first win that he set the tournament record of 18-under par which still stands up today. Woods has posted three wins on the PGA Tour this season, the WGC Cadillac, the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Farmers Insurance. Can’t argue with that from out of the blocks this season at all from him, and he looks relaxed and happy. His personal life is looking settled and it is a confident Tiger that will be striding out at Augusta. Has proven that he can be trusted at short odds this season so is worth a shot as favourite.

Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy has been well below his mark this season, which has been full of troubles. There was the infamous walking off the course at the Honda Classic and hasn’t look a threat all season. He went much better as a late entrant at the Valero Texas Open, trying to play his way into form. He was better, but still looked to be struggling with his game a bit, so maybe not a strong option at the moment, but should get better over the season. He hasn’t done enough at Augusta before anyway to really warrant strong favouritism. Still the best in the world when he gets things right and is in a hungry mood.

Brandt Snedeker could be the one to watch along with Woods in 2012. Snedeker was in startling form in early 2013, taking a title at Pebble Beach, which took him to four top three finishes in five starts. Then he took a break at the WGC Cadillac because of injury and since then he has missed two cuts. That’s been a bit unfortunate because if the break hadn’t have happened then he would have been a lot closer to Woods in 2013 US Masters betting. Still worth a shot though as value and wouldn’t be surprised to see him land a top ten finish. He best finish at Augusta was a T3 in 2008 and has posted top twenty finishes in the last two seasons.

The experience of Phil Mickelson has kept him trading well in 2013 US Masters golf betting. He is a three time Masters winner, taking it as recently as 2010 with a massive 16-under par. He has won this season on the PGA Tour and his form has just been swinging upwards again. He victory came in the Waste Management Phoenix Open and he fired a superb T3 at the WGC Cadillac. Steady and of course he knows Augusta like the back of his hand, so there’s no fear or nerves from him. Makes a reasonable selection for a top ten finish and a strong start will really see him rocking along.

South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel hasn’t done much wrong this season on the PGA Tour. He has taken two top ten finishes from four outings. He has winning experience of the Masters of course, taking the title back in 2012 by a couple of strokes. He has that special composure and ability to just trundle along without any fuss or bother. Superb distance and control off the tee and could well be up there challenging for a second green jacket.

Holding up the British and Irish challenges alongside Rory McIlroy, will of course be the likes of Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose. Of all the challengers, Rose is probably going to make the strongest claim for being backed. Has been terrific on the PGA this season, immensely consistent and on top of his came. He has taken three top tens from four starts this season and makes a very good fit for a challenge at Augusta. British winners have totally been off the radar since Nick Faldo back in 1996. Can someone change that this time around?

2013 US Masters golf betting will be the next big hit on the calendar year. The action swings into play at Augusta National on April 11th through 14th and all of the big names in the world will be there trying to reign supreme. American Bubba Watson returns as the reigning champion of one of the world’s most famous tournaments, however a lot of focus will be on the in-form Tiger Woods as he goes for his fifth Masters title. Woods, who holds the tournament record score is red hot favourite to land the title this year.

Woods took a share of 40th last season, his worst result at Augusta in sixteen previous attempts. His last win came back in 2005 and posted a run of six consecutive top ten finishes before failing to pose a threat in 2012. Woods has already climbed back to world number one, recording three wins on the PGA Tour this season, at the Farmers Insurance Open, the WGC Cadillac Championship and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. It has been an immense return to top form and even he suggests that he is better than ever.

In contrast, former world number one Rory McIlroy has been struggling this season. He had his meltdown at the Honda Classic when he walked off the course and has only posted one top ten finish in four starts. It has been a disappointing 2013 for him, but can he respond with a bang in 2013 US Masters golf betting? He has yet to record a top ten finish at The Master either in four attempts, but one top of his came, the two-time Major winner will naturally be a massive threat.

It is around the world’s top two that online bookmaker Bet Victor have built their Masterstroke promotion. If Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy win the 2013 US Masters, then online bookmaker Bet Victor will refund all losing pre-event Tournament Outright winner bets up to £50 per person/household.

2013 US Masters Golf Betting Odds at online bookmaker Bet Victor
Tiger Woods 3/1, Phil Mickelson 10/1, Rory McIlroy 11/1, Justin Rose 20/1, Charl Schwartzel 20/1, Brandt Snedeker 25/1, Lee Westwood 25/1, Luke Donald 28/1, Louis Oosthuizen 28/1, Dustin Johnson 29/1, Adam Scott 28/1, Bubba Watson 33/1, Matt Kuchar 33/1, Keegan Bradley 33/1, Sergio Garcia 40/1

Online bookmaker Bet Victor offer up to a £25 free bet for new customers registering an account with them. The bookie will match the value of your first stake on a new account with a free bet as a welcome bonus.