125 men go in, 100 men come out. Thank Tina Turner. The Barclays, sounds like a restaurant/resort doesn't it? Regardless, the first round of the so-called PGA/FedUp Cup playoffs begins here on Thursday. Holding with tradition this Average Golfer will provide you with the knowledge and skill necessary for you to earn a little dinero while you watch this potential snoozefest. Nothing like a little action to help us pay attention.
Staying true to form we'll use Ladbrokes odds as our baseline and provide the useful commentary that will "almost" guarantee to pad your bankroll.In the end I leave you the caveat, "Hey, it's your money". Let's begin....
Phil Mickelson, 12/1 - Co-favorite with Woods. One tanked round in four seems to do him in this year, Masters excepted. Strange as it may sound, could win, probably won't.
Tiger Woods, 12/1 - Needs the money now. Might supply motivation. Game at best is in flux. Needs 50ish to advance. Will advance, won't win.
Rory McIlroy, 14/1 - Oddsmaker's joy. Plenty of "I like Rory money". Still, straight and long on less than 7,400 yds. Could win.
Steve Stricker, 16/1 - Popular pick among writers. That's because they feel he's due. I don't. Won't win.
Jim Furyk, 20/1 - Like I've been sayin' all year. "As goes the putter, goes Jim." I like him here. Semi-shorter track = shorter putts = win.
Paul Casey, 25/1 - An enigma wrapped in a conundrum. Certainly can win. Probably won't and I have no reason.
Dustin Johnson, 25/1 - Had his chances. Snakebit to be kind. That was obviously a bunker BTW. Still smarting from last week. Won't win.
Ernie Els, 33/1 - Best season in many moons. Two wins this year. I assume he hasn't forgotten how. Could win.
Padraig Harrington, 33/1 - Paddy's a head scratcher. Just when I say his game's missing, watch him lap the field and make every putt he looks at. Won't win. I think.
Matt Kuchar, 33/1 - On paper having as good a year as almost anyone. Unfortunately the game's not played on paper only scored. Still, gut feeling, could win.
Hunter Mahan, 33/1 - Tools as good as anyone out here. Seems to go to sleep for 9 holes in 72. Possible.
Retief Goosen, 40/1 - I've picked him plenty this year. Oh fer. Can't ever count him out. Unreal putter. Yet, I have a tough time picking him after so many letdowns. Won't win. May change my mind on Saturday.
Nick Watney, 40/1 - I like Watney, but how he rates over Bubba Watson at 50/1 is beyond me. Needs more killer instinct to add to his prodigious talent. Won't win.
50+/1s To Look Out For....
Luke Donald, 50/1, Bubba Watson, 50/1, Sean O'Hair, 50/1, Camilo Villegas, 50/1, JB Holmes, 66/1, Adam Scott, 66/1, Justin Leonard, 66/1, Rickie Fowler, 80/1, and a host of others. Barclays 1st Round Field and Tee Times.
Average Golfer's Expert Picks
1. Ernie Els
2. Jim Furyk
3. Phil Mickelson
Dark Horse
JB Holmes
Sentimental
Woody Austin
As per usual, "Bet early and often".
Til' next,
If you're in the area, there's a golf event coming up on September 21st in NJ- Jon Runyan's Score for the Cure to fight prostate cancer. Wine tasting also involved.
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