US Open Golf Betting Preview

There is an interesting dynamic in Golf at the moment with Tiger Woods continuing his campaign to be forgiven by the world for his dramatic extra-marital affairs that hit the news in such a big way last year. Due to his history of generally being odds-on for golf tournaments in the past Tiger remains favourite for the US Open with sports betting odds of 6/1. This is not necessarily a true reflection of his chances but as he came third in the Masters event after a long break there is a good chance he will finish highly in the event.

It is hard to believe that Masters champion Phil Mickleson waited for many years for a major title win but now he has four to his name as you would expect. He was incredible at the Masters in Augusta looking very assured throughout and thoroughly deserved his win. With his wife recovering from a serious illness Phil has developed a healthy perspective on golf and rarely looks troubled on the course. This makes him hard to beat and dangerous when the pressure increases he seems to barely feel it. He is 8/1 to win the event and should be near the top of the leaderboard if he plays anything like how he played in Augusta.

Rory McIlroy, celebrating his 21st birthday this week, avoided the cut by one shot at Quail Hollow this week and then shot an incredible -16 over the next 36 holes to claim a famous victory, his first on US soil. Rory himself described his amazing run of birdies as “ridiculous” and as Golf searches for a new hero after Tigers fall from grace Rory seems the type of young able player that has caught the imagination of the golfing world. His golf odds from bwin are 18/1 and his form suggests an each-way bet would not be foolish at this point. He is due a challenge for a major title sooner rather than later and is beginning to look like the real deal as a world class golf player.

Lee Westwood is looking fitter than he has done in many years and his results on the course show this is working for him. After finishing third, second and second in recent majors he needs to get the monkey off his back and win a major title. It would be a shame if both Lee and Sergio Garcia did not win major titles in their golfing career. At some point he will get a clear chance and you can bet on Lee with bwin.com at 20/1 for it to be this time. I felt for him after Augusta and felt he played excellently. He could do it; his form at majors has been amazing but not quite good enough to win one.

Other bets that stick out for me in the bwin.com early betting market is Padraig Harrington at 22/1, Anthony Kim at 25/1, Ian Poulter at 25/1 and K.J. Choi at 40/1. All of these players could win the event and Kim in particular seems destined for the top in Golf. Poulter played very well for two rounds in Augusta and will fancy his chances this time if he can remain consistent. Right at the bottom of the betting market Fred Couples at 100/1 has shown in recent majors he has still got a few good rounds in him and challenged for a short time during Augusta. Not a bad bet for 100/1, especially each-way.

The Golf betting odds are subject to change between now and the beginning of the tournament on Sunday May 9th. Here are the top 10 players in the betting correct as of May 4th 2010. Visit bwin.com and place your bets today to get the early value in some of the tips above.

Tiger Woods – 6/1, Phil Mickleson 8/1, Rory McIlroy – 18/1, Lee Westwood 20/1, Jim Furyk – 20/1, Ernie Els 20/1, Padraig Harrington – 22/1, Anthony Kim – 25/1, Ian Poulter – 25/1, Camillo Villegas – 28/1, 33/1 Bar.

By Malcolm Clarke