The PGA Tour moves on to the WM Phoenix
Open this week, an event with a long and proud history. First staged
in 1932, the Phoenix Open can also boast an impressive roll of
honour. The most successful golfers in the event’s history with
three victories apiece are Gene Littler, Arnold Palmer and Mark
Calcavecchia. In recent years, the winner of the tournament has been
difficult to pick. J.B. Holmes enjoyed two victories in 2006 and 2008
and other recent winners include Hunter Mahan (2010) and Kyle Stanley
(2012).
A number of the leading contenders will
be moving on from the Farmers Insurance Open, won by Tiger Woods by a
four-stroke margin at Torrey Pines. Woods is not in the field this
week but several of his pursuers return to action hoping to cash in
on their excellent form. Brandt Snedeker (16-1) and Nick Watney
(16-1) finished tied for second and fourth respectively and are
certain to be well supported. Snedeker was defending champion at
Torrey Pines and put up a brave defence, although he could never get
close enough to pose a threat to the World Number Two on the final
round. Severe fog caused the tournament to run into a fifth day so
there is little respite for those who took part.
A final round 69 left Snedeker to share
second place with Josh Teater (80-1 in this week’s Phoenix Open
betting) whilst Watney finished a shot back along with Jimmy Walker
(66-1). A further shot behind were Robert Garrigus (33-1), Rickie
Fowler (18-1) and Aaron Baddeley on eight under par. Australian Aaron
Baddeley (66-1) won this event back in 2007 and will have been
greatly encouraged by his prominent showing last week.
Rickie Fowler recovered from a first
round 77 at Torrey Pines to finish 65-70-68 and move into a tie for
sixth place. He also boasts some impressive form here having been
runner-up in 2010. The European challenge includes Martin Kaymer
(28-1), Padraig Harrington (50-1) and Nicolas Colsaerts (50-1).
Germany’s Martin Kaymer plays his first event on the PGA Tour since
taking up official membership but will feel very much at home here.
He has a residence nearby and will surely improve on his only
previous visit back in 2010 when he missed the cut. He has looked
quite sharp on the European Tour in Abu Dhabi and Qatar already this
season.
Several bookmakers have Jason Dufner as
clear favourite on 14-1 after two solid efforts in the Middle East.
Previous winner Hunter Mahan looks generously priced at 35-1 and
Bubba Watson (18-1) and Phil Mickelson (25-1) are other leading
candidates in a typically strong field. Mahan finished 15th
last week whilst Mickelson finished down the field in 51st
place. However, Mickelson is working his way back gently from a
serious bout of flu and his eyes are focussed on being at the peak of
his game in time for the Masters at Augusta. Bill Haas (35-1) is
another who performed creditably last week and arrives at the
tournament in excellent shape.
There are several other markets besides
the outright winner including First Round Leader and Top Ten Finish,
providing the punter with plenty of opportunities to spread their
investment.
Full round up of Golf Betting
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