27th Sep 2011 | Shriners Hospital for Children Open
Shriners Hospitals Golf Tips: Steven Bowditch
Hugely gifted golfer, this big hitter might get away with some wild swipes at this relatively straightforward course.
With fortunes changing on the roll of a dice, Steven Bowditch knows all too well the highs and lows life can throw at you. The young Australian is lucky to be in Las Vegas at all. Diagnosed with clinical depression, Bowditch tried to drown himself in 2006, in what was his rookie PGA Tour season. He was found by his then-girlfriend who saved his life. His battles with the illness are documented in an excellent interview with Golf Digest, well worth the read.
Fast forward to 2011 and the Australian’s game is on the up. Always regarded as brilliantly talented by his peers, he is starting to fulfil that potential. Hailing from the same golf school as Adam Scott and Jason Day, he has the pedigree to succeed.
In 24 events this season, Bowditch has made 12 cuts with four top-25 finishes. A T9 at Pebble Beach and T16 at Colonial proved he can mix it with the best. He can also go low when on song, a closing round of 62 at the Viking Classic equalled the course record on the way to another good finish. Ranking 6th on tour for driving distance, when Bowditch’s radar is working he is a contender at the highest level.
Arriving in Las Vegas on the back of three missed cuts might be a concern, but a closing 68 at the Barclays proved his game is in better shape than results suggest. He is much more talented then other golfers priced in the 300/1 bracket; back him each way with Betfred and get ¼ odds for a top five finish.
Cashback Special – Betfred
If your player finishes 2nd to Nick Watney in this week’s Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals For Children Open, Betfred will refund all losing singles on the outright market.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 14:35 27th Sep, 2011 but subject to change
