Public v Pro: WGC Betting

This week Tom from Bristol has emailed in with his WGC Match Play tips. A part time punter he says his golf tipping is down to scratch unlike his real handicap. Here are his tips, with our golf expert’s opinion in italics.

Top GB & Ireland Player
Lee Westwood: 6/1 with Boylesports
I believe Rory McIlroy is overhyped and hasn’t as yet done anything to fully justify his significant reputation. Granted he played well in the Desert Swing, but in my opinion he should have done better in those tournaments. The World Number 1 has a rock solid game; he got there for a reason. I fancy Westwood to do best of the British.
Verdict: I agree Rory McIlroy can be over hyped and under priced in regular tour events. But if he is going to do well, it is here. At over 7,800 yards it’s a real bombers course and that should suit him. As for Westwood he has never got past the second round and Watney will probably knock him out again.

Ian Poulter v Stuart Cink
Cink to win: 5/4 with Betfred
I hate the look of Poulter’s first round match up versus Cink. An early morning start won’t please Poulter and Stuart Cink has a great match play record.
Verdict: I totally agree with you here Tom. Stuart Cink has a terrific match play record (21-11). He has got to the quarter final and semi final in the last two years at this course.

Edoardo Molinari v Martin Laird
Laird to win: evens with Betfred
I really rate Martin Laird; he plays some great golf on the PGA Tour but doesn’t get the credit he deserves. As a European playing in the US, it is often a case of out of sight out of mind.
Verdict: A no bet for me. What puts me off Laird is his lack of match play experience. It is also his first time at the event. Edoardo Molinari carried his brother during the Ryder Cup and also has 2009 Mission Hills World Cup winning experience which could give him the edge.

Sam Snead Bracket
Geoff Ogilvy to win: 8/1 with Coral
Ogilvy’s record in this speaks for itself. A two time winner, including at this course in 2009.
Verdict: I worry about Ogilvy that he isn’t the player of 18 months ago. His 2010 was decent but six missed cuts are too many for someone of his quality. Throw in a finger injury a low key start to 2011 and a tough draw. He is opposable.

We hope to run this feature on a regular basis. If you would like to challenge our experts with you selections please email your tips and reasoning.