It's Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, OH, Jack's place, time for the annual Jack-fest. All the legends have their own tourney. Byron, Arnie, and of course Jack, greatest of all time. Jack's is played on a spectacular layout with the reputation for being perfectly groomed. Well, at least as soon as Jack ditched the furrowed bunkers. It's also considered a US Open prep, so many of the world's best are here, part out of respect for Jack and part to get ready for the year's second major championship.
We're here to help you make some money. Average Golfer is always more than willing to assist in the difficult business of golf handicapping. Thank us later. Time for bidness. As usual our British bookie buddies, Ladbrokes, supply the odds. We supply the brain power.* Without further ado....
Luke Donald 9:1 - Deserved off a win in Europe and #1 ranking. Can't leave him out. Could win. Lack of length may hurt him here.
Tiger Woods 12:1 - Attracts money regardless of his play. Don't see it. Could win of course, but balky putter, Captain Kirk tee shots are deadly here. Won't win.
Rory McIlroy 12:1 - In a recent funk missing consecutive cuts. Smooth swing, buts a few too many moving parts. Not this week.
Phil Mickelson 14:1 - Lefty's a threat to win whenever he tees it up. A few errant shots won't bother him. He's been recovering for 20+ years. Could win.
Justin Rose 16:1 - Like him a lot at these odds. Very well could win. Straight and long. Never a bad combo.
Rickie Fowler 16:1 - Hot golfer. Relies on timing too much for my taste, but lately his timing's been superb. Possible.
Bubba Watson 25:1 - Long odds for the Masters champ, but coming off a month long hiatus. Odds are where they should be. Long shot.
Jim Furyk 25:1 - Nice course for him. Straight as a Mormon. Jim could win if putter cooperates. Could be said of a lot of guys.
Steve Stricker 25:1 - My pick at these odds. Strick has all the tools for this course. Steady and straight and a fantastic putter spells a win. Can win here, did it last year.
Adam Scott 25 :1 - Plays above his head many think the broomstick did it, but his putting stats are still in the bottom half. Possible, not likely.
Jason Day 33:1 - Not toDay for the Aussie.
Webb Simpson 33:1 - Long numbers for a great player. Worth a chase in my book.
Bo Van Pelt 33:1 - Best unknown player out there. I could see Bo in some Sunday shootout scenario.
Charl Schwartzel 40:1 - Great value pick. Major champ. Must be a South African deal why he's so low. Could win.
Ernie Els 40:1 - See Charl Schwartzel.
Hunter Mahan 40:1 - Not much love for a multiple winner this year. Another excellent value pick. Could win.
Other great value picks.... Keegan Bradley, 40:1, Nick Watney, 50:1, Ben Curtis, 50:1, and Ryan Moore, 50:1.
Average Golfer's 2012 Memorial Tournament Picks
1. Steve Stricker
2. Justin Rose
3. Phil Mickelson
There you have 'em, gratis. Now go make some money.
*Picking winners of golf tournaments has to be the single most difficult task in the sporting world. If you're betting with the grocery money, your car payment, or an engagement ring, you're an idiot. Average Golfer accepts no responsibility, expressed or implied, for you being a moron. That said, bet early and often.
