21st Feb 2012 | WGC Match Play
WGC Match Play 1st Round Accumulator
Three prolific birdie makers all in better form than their opponents
The first round of the WGC Match Play always generates some excellent betting opportunities with the bookmakers unable to carry out detailed research into each of the 32 matches.
When looking at the matches, the first thing I want on my side is a player who makes birdies. Last year’s final four; Luke Donald, Matt Kuchar and Bubba Watson all ranked inside the top-20 on the PGA Tour for birdie average whilst Martin Kaymer ranked 7th for stroke average on the European Tour; for which birdie stats aren’t available.
Using this ranking as a starting point three matches standout:
John Senden to beat Simon Dyson at evens with Coral
Ranked 11th on the PGA Tour for birdie average, John Senden should have too much firepower for Simon Dyson. The 40-year-old Australian has started the year in excellent form with a T6 at the Humana Challenge, a tournament played in similar desert conditions.
Simon Dyson’s had a steady start to the year; he’s made three cuts but finished no higher than 17th. He’s not been able to shoot the low scores needed to really compete at this level.
Webb Simpson to beat Matteo Manassero at 8/13 with Stan James
Matteo Manassero caused a stir when he beat Steve Stricker and Charl Schwartzel last year but he isn’t in the same type of form currently. The young Italian has enjoyed only one top-10 since the BMW Italian Open back in May 2011; that’s one in his last 18 tournaments.
Webb Simpson is riding the crest of a wave; he has two top-10s already this season which you can add to the 12 last year. At this moment in time Webb Simpson is quite simply the better golfer.
Martin Laird to beat Alvaro Quiros at evens with Coral
It is a battle of the big hitters but only one arrives in any sort of form. Alvaro Quiros is yet to break 70 in nine rounds this year, with a best place finish of 37th. It’s even more disappointing when you consider the ‘Gulf swing’ had courses tailor-made for his game.
Martin Laird has started the year much the stronger. A second place in the Tournament of Champions was followed by a T14 at the Humana Challenge. A missed cut at the Northern Trust Open can be ignored, as the course was never likely to suit.
If the Spaniard’s radar continues to falter, this match could be gifted to Laird who ranks 7th on tour for birdie average.
Senden, Simpson and Laird can be backed in an accumulator at best odds of 5/1 with Coral.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 11:54 21st Feb, 2012 but subject to change
