THE TOUR Championship 2009 - Odds and Expert Picks

The East Lake Golf Club hosts the dual honor of THE TOUR Championship and the FedUp Cup finale. $10,000,000 to the Cup winner with an additional $1,350,000 for the tournament winner. Not chicken feed.The top five in the dizzying rating system can clinch the Cup with a win. The others need a confluence of events that would stagger Stephen Hawking.

We're here to pick the winner and offer stunning commentary on the favorite's chances. No more, no less. So, with our usual assistance from betting house Ladbrokes, may the games begin.....



Tiger Woods, Even - By all rights should win. Stupefying odds difference between him and the field. Still, as goes the putter.....

Jim Furyk, 14:1 - No wins this year, just solid play. 6 top 10s at East Lake. Laser irons. Could win.

Padraig Harrington, 14:1 - Swing changes kicked in. If he avoids 8s and worse, could win.

Steve Stricker, 16:1 - Should be rested. Kinda gassed at last. Hot putter? Could win.

Zach Johnson, 20:1 - Has course record 60. Great iron player. Could win.

Phil Mickelson, 20:1 - Who knows? Can't get a read on his game after a very tough year off the course. Could, probably won't.

Retief Goosen, 25:1 - Sneaks up on you. Easy to forget about. Hot putter = could win.

Sean O'Hair, 25:1 - Has the game. Implodes at worst times. Won't win.

Hunter Mahan, 33:1 - Average Golfer's been on him all year. Hasn't come through. Might here.

Dustin Johnson, 40:1 - Bomber with game. May surprise. Take him as a dark horse.

Ernie Els, 40:1 - Better of late. Still no killer instinct. Might win if others fall off. Won't snatch it.

Geoff Ogilvy, 40:1 - Underperformed all year. No reason to think that'll change here. Won't win.

Luke Donald, 40:1 - Nope, not here. Take him in my scramble though!

Scott Verplank, 40:1 - Remarkable putter. 2nd in last event. Longest of shots. Like him though.

Notes on Others......

Stewart Cink at 66:1 is a nice bet. Heath Slocum at 100:1 is in the top five FedUp Cup standings, which means a win nabs him the 10 million. US Open champ Lucas Glover is a bewildering 66:1. Masters winner Angel Cabrera is posting at 50:1. Not exactly much respect for this year's major winners. Full 30 player field.

The Atlanta area has endured torrential rains of late with the outlook of more of the same. East Lake switched to Bermuda greens which should drain better than bent grass. Officials were predicting a 12 on the Stimpmeter, regardless of the recent water. Expect pin seeking to be rewarded and the best iron players of the week to be right there at the end. The course will play at 7,154 yards, par 72.

Average Golfer's Picks

1. Woods
2. Furyk
3. Toms

Dark Horse. Just one in a 30 man field. Cink.

Bet early and often.




Til' next,