Balls in the Air - '09 Mercedes-Benz Championship - Picks and Pans

Gentleman, start your drivers. The '09 PGA season launches with a tiny field, missing superstars, but a decent purse and an indescribable setting. Yup, that would be the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Championship at the Plantation Course, Kapalua, Maui. So, with our usual assistance from international odds makers, Ladbrokes, let's handicap the top of the field.....

Vijay Singh, 5/1 - Rumor has Vijay getting knee surgery soon. Still, he's at home here. Should win.

Anthony Kim, 7/1 - Kim's no veteran on these diabolical greens. Won't win.

Ernie Els, 8/1 - Els loves this place and is regaining his form. No Tiger or Phil to spook him. Could win.

Camilo Villegas, 10/1 - Hot player at the end of '08. Might win.

Adam Scott, 12/1 - Injury rumors are exaggerated. Still no assassin closer. Could win.

Geoff Ogilvy, 14/1 - Threat to win every time out. Like him here.

Kenny Perry, 16/1 - Plays his best in the heartland. This is a trip. Won't win.

K.J. Choi, 20/1 - Loves the early season in Hawaii and California. Could win.

Trevor Immelman, 20/1 - Still riding Masters win regarding odds. Can't win. Not that good.

The Field, ?/1 - Field won't win here. Too much local knowledge about wind and greens required.

So, the top three ????

1. Vijay
2. Els
3. Choi

Average Golfer Dark Horse, Daniel Chopra. Obviously he can win here. He defends.

As usual, thank me in advance. Watch the tourney and enjoy the paradise that is Hawaii.


Til' next,