IT wasn't a bad weekend with good finishes by Webb Simpson and Brooks Koepka giving me two places.
As it’s nearing the end of the year I've been looking at my performance over the year. Since the beginning of January I’ve picked 12 winners, from 5-1 to 50-1, at an average of 17-1 and one a month. On top of that there have been 30 places so it's been a good year.
This week in America we have the McGladrey Classic at the Sea Island GC, Georgia, which is a 7005-yard par-70 seaside course. The McGladrey has a short four-year history and each one has been decided by one shot, in fact one year went to a play-off.
Simpson had a good T4 last week at the Shriners and looks to be in good form going by stats. His driving accuracy is 66% and GIR 80.56% and finished second here in 2011 and tied T7 12 months ago.
Last year’s winner Chris Kirk returns for his first outing of season 2014-15 and it’s hard to leave him out. He won the Deutsche Bank and was T4 in the Tour Championship and the end of last season, finishing second in the FedEx Cup so hopefully he can continue his form into this year.
He lived on St Simons Islands for six years before moving to Atlanta and knows the Sea Island GC very well. So another pointer in his favour to retain his title.
Bill Haas had a good end-of-season run with five top-20 finishes and was second here in the inaugural tournament four years ago. He has only three rounds over 70 in his last 20 so is playing steady golf.
In his 2014 stats he has 63% driving accuracy and nearly 69% GIR and if he gets going he’s going to be a tough one to catch.
When looking at the players in the Perth International this week Jason Dufner stood out for me. Then I realised he’s been out with shoulder problems for quite a few weeks and hasn’t played four straight rounds yet.
So I took another look and found Gregory Bourdy. Both his driving accuracy and GIR stats are in the 70s and although he’s not had the greatest of years I think he’s a lot better than his results show.
Recommended Bets
Simpson (ew) 14-1, Betfred
Kirk (ew), 18-1 Coral
Haas (ew), 18-1 McBookie, BetVictor
Bourdy (ew) 45-1 888sport
Ace Venturer
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Super single is Chris Kirk to win the McGladrey Classic for the 2nd year in a row. 18/1 Coral.
Can he win it again, Ace?
Can anyone shed any light on why brandt snedeker is the only wellknown name in the bridgestone open that starts midnight tonight gmt. Currant odds 13/2 fav. I think this could be steeling money?.
Who will you be backing yourself Mr F?
I agree with Ace that Simpson to me looks the outstanding bet for this week.
Graham, not picked anyone out at the moment. Will have another look tonight an if I fancy anyone I’ll put up a comment.
Close but no cigar last week Els 6th walker 5th and dubusion 8th
this weeks gladiators-
Perth
Tom Lewis 110/1
Eduardo Molinari 28/1
mcGladrey Classic
Webb Simpson 14/1
Jeff “the pyscho” Overton 110/1
double of Simpson and Molinari. might buy Mr Fixit a beer if it comes up!
Daveventura, if the double comes up I’ll have a crate of beer please. Don’t if I’ll have a golf bet this week – looks tough to pick them.
Mcgradrey classic
Cameron tringale 50/1- backed him at shirners and missed the cut, however I think he’s a very neat player so I’m giving him another go
Aaron baddeley 66/1- has had very good rounds mixed with bad ones so far this season and is showing signs of his old form
Scott brown 33/1 – good showings in the last 2 tournements carrying on from last year. I’ve backed him twice in Sunday 2 balls recently and hasn’t let me down yet
With you on Simpson. Also fancy Brown and Swafford at better prices (40/1 and 66/1).
In Perth, will be on Jacquelin at 33/1. Chalmers might be worth a couple of quid each way at 60/1, while Lewis and Phelan might have outsiders’ chances at 100/1 and 140/1 respectively.