Nice start from Sterne

Last year a young Bill Haas utilised a "perfect storm" scenario to grab the richest purse in golf, The FedEx Cup. The Tour Championship by Coca Cola played over the historic East Lake course in Atlanta will determine yet again, the destination of the FedEx Cup and that massive $10 million bonus.

In my betting preview for the Tour Championship, I will be paying little interest in which player bags the obscene bonus, my only concern will be trying to find the winner of the event itself. Having said that, it is all in the hands of Rory McIlroy, if he wins the Tour Championship, then he wins the FedEx Cup and if he finishes in the top five, then it would take an unfortunate combination of other players results to deny the 23 year old from Holywood in Northern Ireland.

With a field limited to thirty, the usual five places are replaced with the top four, something you need to consider when each way betting, all my selections this week will afford an opportunity for place betting.

Rory is a worthy favourite, of course he is. But I think it would be truly unprecedented, if he were to land three consecutive wins at this level and four out of his last five events, its simply statistically unlikely and the other drawback is that the wet fairways he seems to thrive on, will be missing this week. Warm temperatures and only light winds will see the East Lake course play as it was intended, you can expect the winning score to be somewhere in the range of -10 to -15 and with greens running at over 12 on the stimp meter, a good putter or a man with a hot putter, is a must.

As a par 70 there are only two par 5s and it is on these holes that I believe the tournament will be won or lost, the stats show that these are the two easiest holes on the course and when this event was won by both Bill Haas and Hunter Mahan, they both "took care of business" on these par 5s.

I have stuck with Dustin Johnson in recent weeks and he has come oh so close, finishing inside the top ten on each occasion, it would be fair to say that even a warm putter would have seen him lift at least one of these tournaments. Johnson lost much of the season to injury, but has certainly made up for lost time and I believe he can add to an earlier win by landing this biggest prize of all. He is more controlled from the tee these days and for such a big athletic guy, he demonstrates a deft touch around the greens, I am most confident that if Dustin can find favour with the putter, he might run away with the Tour Championship. At a current 19/1 with Betfair that looks real value to me and I am on big time.

Adam Scott won here back in 2006 and more importantly after the "Tiger Proofing" changes to the course since then, the Australian led after 36 holes here last year, eventually finishing tied sixth. Consecutive top tens show that he has hit form at the right time and I really like his game for East Lake. perhaps an unlucky loser at The Open to a charging Ernie Els, Scott's reaction to defeat demonstrated that he is the real deal and it would be no surprise should he contest the finish here this week. Bookies have taken few chances with him and at 18.5 he is shorter than I would have hoped, though if I were the layer, I would also have him in as fourth best so can't grumble.

Jason Dufner has had an astonishing 18 months and despite his truly miserable demeanour, he has perhaps the best all round game of any of the 30 man field to tackle East Lake this week. In sitting out of the Barclays, he is now tenth in the FedEx Cup and he is lively outsider to pip Rory if the Irishman fires blanks this week. Fourth in greens in regulation, I can see his accuracy being rewarded here and at 34/1 with Betfair, he looks great value and might be my best trading position as the week unfolds.

I briefly considered the Big Easy, due to his record here at East Lake, however, his form since winning the Open has mirrored that of Darren Clarke when he won the Claret Jug, so my real outsider this week is going to be Bo Van Pelt. He has been a big improver all year and I was interested to learn that he was 9th here last year, something I had forgotten. He has become solid in all departments and his recent play suggests he finally believes that he belongs in the best of golfing company. You will get at least 44/1 on BVP and if he fires early, then a strong trading position could develop. I will also be backing him and Scott in the 1st round betting too.

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good luck, i fancy tiger to go well, especially on day 1, but hey ho , who knows ?

3-1 Europe.
Depending on how Tigger drives it,and Stricker putts it,it could easilly be 4-0.

Cheers for that, no time to post on here for the first day afternoon Fourballs, but if you take a look at my preview at www.open4golf.com you will be shocked.

Posting again for the Saturday morning session on here very early on Saturday

Not sure what you have been drinking, i predicted a landslide USA win and thats what it will be, also, if you bother to view my afternoon fourball selections at open4golf.com you will see what can only be described as near perfection and even you would have made money

Its early on day two and already you can take profits from any and all of the bets I recommended, that feels nice.

A truly breathless Saturday afternoon at Medinah witnessed the beginnings of a European fight back. Ian Poulter put on a super human display with five consecutive birdies from the 14th to grab a vital point for a battered Team Europe, the day two scoreboard reading 10 - 6 at close of play. Brookline was the venue in 1999 when the same deficit was overhauled by the USA team, but this is tougher and its the away team that is doing the chasing. At the outset we forecast a big USA victory and nothing I have seen during the week has made my alter my thinking. From a betting perspective you need to be aware of the possibility for their being some late order dead rubbers. If Team USA move into a winning early lead and the Ryder Cup has been wrestled from Team Europe, there may be some "halves of convenience" or even match concessions, no analysis can account for this.

If you have followed my advice and you have traded at the right moment, you should have made tidy profit from each and every session this week and you are in an amazing situation in respect of the potential correct score for the overall match, here is what I said at the start of the week - (I fancy a comfortable USA win and will be looking at the range USA 16 -12 to 17.5 - 10.5 (14.5 to 20/1) on Betfair.) These options are all currently trading at between 8.0 and 9.2 on Betfair and are bound to shorten as the day gets moving.

Will there be a European comeback, maybe, but I doubt it. Too many underperforming players and too big a task against some real USA talent. Here is my view of each of the final day pairings.

Match 1 Watson v Donald

Perhaps a surprise to see Donald as a slim favourite with the bookmakers, having said that, he is higher in the world rankings than Bubba and the high emotion of the American may work against him in the singles format. Bubba will whip the first tee crowd into a frenzy, but I fancy the calmness and accuracy of the former world number one can give an edge here.

Win Europe - 2.14 Betfair

Match 2 Simpson v Poulter

The five birdie streak from Poulter on Saturday afternoon will stay long in the memory and he has been the stand out member of the European Team all week, Simpson too has played his part for the US team in a much more understated way and he has the power of the lord on his side. I cant bring myself to back against a rampant Poulter, though I worry that the high energy from Poulter on the first two days may have left him running on empty.

Tie - 7.6 Betfair

Match 3 Bradley v Mcilroy

The hero of the USA team has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with and Ryder Cup is right up his street. Bradley`s agent has been quick to give the opinion that Bradley and Rory will provide the greatest modern day rivalry and no better place than Medinah to bring this under the spotlight. Two amazing talents and McIlroy, if he can summon up the energy after a stellar season, can take care of the American dream boy.

Win Europe - 2.1 Betfair

Match 4 Mickelson v Rose

Phil has been visibly lifted playing with Keegan Bradley, but he will be facing a European grinder who is well accustomed to USA crowds and courses. Lefty has a truly awful Ryder Cup record and Rose is slowly coming to the boil this week, I fancy an upset.

Win Europe - 2.1 Betfair

Match 5 Snedeker v Lawrie

The Scotsman looks way out of his depth and I take the view that he knows he is thrown in at a level beyond his ability, he looks exposed at Medinah and the $11.5 million Dollar man can take care of him in a canter.

Win USA - 1.85 Betfair

Match 6 D Johnson v Colsaerts

Mouth-watering prospect from two of the games longest hitters, both have played well this week and the Colsaerts performance in carrying Westwood on his rookie start was truly incredible, he also had a putt for a 59 and had some harsh lip outs. No surprise he was unable to re create that yesterday despite a steady showing. DJ has grown in stature this year and is a man in form, home advantage will tell here and Colsaerts may be a different proposition without a partner, I see a cosy home win.

Win USA - 2.1 Betfair

Match 7 Z Johnson v McDowell

Gmac has looked out of sorts and even Rory looked to be getting weary of his poor shot making. Johnson is a terrier and will be the partisan crowds, a bit of power praying with the rest of the USA god squad and all of this on a Sunday should give him the edge on the Irishman. If it does come down to putting, then Zach holds the edge on greens as fast as glass.

Win USA 2.2 Betfair

Match 8 Furyk v Garcia

Jim has enjoyed a largely decent week without looking special, same applies to Sergio. The Spaniard will have the memories of Seve in his mind when he tees off and he is fresh of a nice win with partner Donald from Saturday. Both can be streaky players and it makes this a tough match to call. If there was no tie to bet on, then I guess I would favour a revitalised Sergio.

Win Europe 2.26 ( Saver on the tie at 6.8 )

Match 9 Dufner v Hanson

Dufner looks a real player, he may hate putting but for the most part he is pretty good at it. Hanson has been underplayed and this must have knocked his confidence, he is a quality player, but until he adds the self belief at this level, then he remains vulnerable in this format of the game.

Win USA 1.88 Betfair

Match 10 Kuchar v Westwood

Any other year and this would be a certain Westwood point, but it isn't. I also prefer Kuchar in pairs rather than singles, his gentle attitude is less effective without a partner. This could be close, perhaps it will come down to putting and if it does then there is only going to be one winner. Also, its hard to forget who bad Westwood was when playing with Colsaerts.

Win USA 2.1 Betfair

Match 11 Stricker v Kaymer

Stricker has looked close to depression this week, then again, he has been thrown the poison chalice of Tiger Woods. No surprise that he is out second to the end, Captain Love will be banking on the fact that the Ryder Cup will already have been secured, so this could in reality be a dead rubber. Kaymer never looks like he wants to be in the Ryder Cup, his body language just doesn't look right. Stricker can recover his form without the burden of Tiger.

Win USA 1.92 Betfair

Match 12 Woods v Molinari

Tiger has been truly awful, its been sad to see a true great struggle so much, perhaps he will improve playing solo, he cant play any worse ! Molinari has looked a tad uncomfortable, maybe he is missing his brother ? Another match that could be a dead rubber, if it is, expect Tiger to offer Molinari a half so he can get back t the clubhouse to do some stomach crunches with his mates.

Tie 7.2 Betfair

Correct Score 7 - 5 In favour of USA 7.2 Betfair

A 3rd and a 5th last week at 90 and 240 will have given each way backers a nice return, its onto the Portugal Masters this week, my USA tips will be posted this afteroon.

With some big names away in Turkey at the private 8 man Turkish Airlines World Golf Finals, this weeks Oceanico Portugal Masters is lacking real quality, having said that, we do have the likes of Ryder Cup hero Martin Kaymer playing this week and fellow team mate Francesco Molinari and the likes of Padraig Harrington add a further dash of colour to the Algarve event.

At this time of year it pays to look to for horses and for my first selection I am running with the Dane, Thorbjorn Olesen. Runner up last week to the machine that is Branded Grace, the young star from Denmark looks primed for a win here over the Victoria course. He is recognised by many senior players as a Major winner of the future and he has a truly awesome golf swing. With confidence high and over a course he enjoys, he still represents decent value at 24 on Betfair.

Next up is another player who finished well at St Andrews, Patrik Andersson Hed, currently 55 on Betfair. He has had a really steady year and in the last few events has shown some real consistency. He is a confidence player and a big cheque from the Dunhill will provide the perfect platform for him to "get involved" this week. Be aware that his price may drift before the first tee time on Thursday, the Betfair market for this event is currently very weak, so prices may fluctuate significantly.

In order to win the Portugal Masters, you will need to shot around -20, this means you need to have a "hot" putter, there are several players that just cant manage -5 per round no matter how well they are putting. One man who can is the young Italian Matteo Manassero, he came so close to lifting the Italian Open and can continue here on a course that suits. He was here early for some extra practise and can be a real threat on a course built for strategy, not power. I like the look of him and his current Betfair price of 60.

I looked long and hard at Richard Green, the Australian who lifted this title in 2010 has been in truly awful form this year, but he clearly enjoys this course and when his putter is working he can be a real danger , at 300 on Betfair he is an obscene price. However, my outsider this week is going to be a rank outsider in Christian Nilsson at 440 on Belfair he can help us pay for Christmas if he wins. The Swede has finished in the top 3 here in the past, but has been in very poor form this year, his only recent cut was made in France a few weeks ago. I agree its speculative, but he is out in the 4th group on Thursday morning so a few birdies on the front none will see his price plummet and of course provide us with a lay alternative.

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The European Tour moves down to Australia and we have some interesting American players to boost the interest at what is in reality, a very quiet period for the world of tournament golf.

When betting in Australian events, you must accept that your alarm clock needs to be set very early, especially if you are a back to lay specialist as I am.

Greg Chalmers never really punches his weight when playing on the PGA Tour, but stick him on home ground and he can be dynamite. Left hander's often swing the club with beauty, Greg is the exception and a succession of back injuries have resulted in a somewhat, ungainly swing. When he is on , he can be remarkably accurate and of course holes more than his share of mid range putts when he is hot. He has a great early / late draw here and playing with Jason Dufner and Eduoardo Molinari is right up his street. I have taken the 13 s on Betfair.

The ISPS Handa Perth Invitational is the richest event played in Australia this year, hence the interest from some of the big boys of the game, of that top group I rather like the look of Charl Schwartzel. I am told that he is reaching maximum confidence in his game once again and is very focused this week, that makes him a danger to all. The South African enjoyed a good week in Turkey, taking down Rory and it was only an electric display from Westwood that denied Schwartzel at shot at Justin Rose in the big money final. Charl is currently trading at 7.6 on Betfair.

Briefly, my two outsiders for the week are local boys, first up is Aaron Townsend, currently 95 on Betfair and 271 in the Race to Dubai. In his early thirties he is now prime to kick start a career that has only seen him tee it up on the European Tour a couple of times. He is well thought of amongst the Australian players and he has a liking for this Lake Karrinyup track, I fancy he appear on the leaderboard early and give us a lay opportunity. I also like the look of the 744 ranked golfer in the world, Rohan Blizard who is 210 on Betfair, you may get more at other bookmakers. Like many of the Australian players, he can be seen mostly on the Asian Tour and he turned pro in 2008. He has a won a prestigious title in Australia back in 2011 and although clearly a speculative punt, he may surprise this week.

Keep an eye on local boy Rick Kulacz too.

BMW Masters selections are below, CIMB will be loaded later today.

This week its the BMW Masters at the Malaren Golf Club in nearby Shanghai, China ! As traditional European Tour events see the prize funds vastly reduced, or are cancelled altogether, no such issues in the far east where the real money is these days. A fact not lost on the PGA Tour who look increasingly like they will be replacing the European Tour as the main support in this region of Asia, the complexion of golf will be significantly changed in a few short years which is a worry.

One thing we do have this week is a stellar field, as good as or better than any line up in Europe outside of a Major, that's for sure.

The danger from a betting perspective is that many players have little to play for at this stage of the year, so its important to find players who have a motivation other than turning up for the crazy appearance money.

Justin Rose is a man on a mission and for me, he was the true hero of the Ryder Cup, the three consecutive birdies he made to close out Phil Mickelson was truly momentous and marks him down as a very special player indeed. Rose landed the Order Of Merit back in 2007 and a top two finish here would see him overtake Rory McIlroy at the top of The Race To Dubai and Rose has acknowledged that it would top off a fantastic year for him. Roe is trading currently at 11.5 on Betfair which represents a decent price and I am on.

I also like the look of Nicolas Colsaerts, another Ryder Cup hero and a man who the European Tour are desperate not to lose to the PGA Tour, rumour is that the Belgian favours a move Stateside next year. His confidence has never been higher and after a very strong year he now has the self belief that he belongs in the highest echelons of the game. At 28 on Betfair he is a must bet.

At a truly silly price and on the basis that he may represent a great bet to lay proposition, I have taken a chance on the Argentinean golfer Andres Romero. A streaky player who hits it miles, he turned his back on Europe a few years ago but has yet to fulfil the potential that brought him so close to winning The Open at Carnoustie, Harrington eventually lifting that prize. Romero is out early on day one and I am hoping for a fast start that sees him in the top three and gives us trading options, at 230 on Betfair his price is an insult.

I did take a close look at Mu Hu, not for any golf related reason, I just love his name. He may know more about this course than the travelling visitors, but I can tell you that the track is long, plays long despite the warm and sunny weather, fairways are generous and greens are gentle sloping with a current Stimp speed of 11. Length will help and as always a good putting week is essential, but the greens may not be quick enough for a decent chunk of the field, but will suit my final selection which is Edoardo Molinari. He has been putting the work in with his coach Denis Pugh and having missed much of the year through injury is slowly returning to form. I am not certain that he has four rounds in him just yet, but I can see him being in the mix early, perhaps over the first three days, before ring rust grabs him on the final day, at 230 on Betfair, he is a silly price.

The big talking point at this weeks HSBC Champions event is the non appearance from the new lovebirds, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. The relationship has blossomed between the pair in the last 18 months and perhaps Tiger views Rory as his worthy successor, I would be surprised if Woods was not instrumental in nudging Rory towards the speculative $150 million , ten year deal with Nike. The WGC are less than pleased that the new Batman and Robin of golf have decided to body swerve their event and HSBC must be smarting too, when the biggest names are missing, TV audiences shrink, especially in the case of US TV when when Woods is absent, the fall in viewers can often be in the region of 50%.

Even without the dynamic duo, the HSBC field has a quality look about it, shame that we will be peering through the haze of a smog filled atmosphere at a half empty course and with yellow coloured rough making the whole scene something that golf should be seeking to avoid, but, the future promised land of China is too big an opportunity for the greed of golf to neglect.

McIlroy complained last week that the air quality was so poor that by the end of his round, his head was thumping, perhaps Betfair can open a market about which player will be the first to adorn a pollution mask ! What a great image for golf in China that would be, having said that, it would be a super opportunity for a new sponsor logo.

Off my soapbox and back to the golf betting and I have to say that there are some decent prices about this week due to the depth of the field this week.

Phil Mickelson has won this HSBC event twice before and unlike many of the other players, he is very well rested after a long campaign. He finished the regular season of with some good performances and his 2nd in the BMW was notable. I always think Phil plays best when fresh and his natural talent can over come any rust in his game, besides, this is an event he firmly targets and at 23 on Betfair, he is very good value.

Luke Donald crept into the frame last week over a course that in theory suited the bombers, it looked to me that his game was just coming to the boil and I see him as a real threat over this Olazabal track. The former world number one has decided to avoid playing the Disney next week so, he will be keen to register a win here. Betfair have the Englishman at a tasty 11.5 and I have taken some of that.

Its always fun to back a player who has a similar body shape as yourself and in my case that has to be Shane Lowry ! Lardy Lowry is one of the few players to land a professional tour event whilst still holding amateur status, he achieved this when landing the Irish Open following which he turned pro. He won again a couple of weeks ago in Portugal , his first victory a pro and followed that with a top 5 at the BMW, almost as impressive as his win given the quality of the line up. You may be surprised to learn that Lowry now holds the highest world ranking of any Irish player, currently 57th ( Harrington is 59th ) and he is on a charge that can see him make it into the top 20, his game is that good. Betfair have the lumpy lad at 70 perhaps a bit shorter than I would have liked, but a fair price nonetheless.

Branden Grace has shown what a top player he is with victories throughout the 2012 campaign. When he starts well in an event then he is a real danger and the HSBC with so many Americans in the field would give young Mr Grace an ideal opportunity to announce himself on the world stage. He is fresh, confident and has no real weaknesses in his game and so long as he can retain the belief that he belongs in this kind of company, he can put a stamp on this season by landing his first World Golf Championship event. I have taken the 60 on offer with Betfair.

The seniors have a big event this week in the shape of the Charles Schwab Cup and I have been told that the game of Jay Don Blake is razor sharp for this, so had a wee interest.

At the time of posting, the Barclays Singapore Open has fairly poor liquidity at less than £100k matched in the winners market on Betfair, so be aware that there may be some large price fluctuations.

Last week we had some great trading off the back of Shane Lowry and big Phil and of course in the USA Seniors event with my inspired Jay Don Blake who led on day one and then finished top 3.

We need more of the same this week but I think its a tricky event and with Rory fresh off the back of his new $250 million, ten year deal with Nike, he will want to get another win under his belt before he tries to master Nike clubs and balls at the turn of the year. The young boy from Holywood in Northern Ireland will play a reduced schedule next year and he is well rested for this having turned over Tiger last Monday in a one off exhibition match from which it is said that both players shared £1.6 million, not a bad days work !

I like the look of Rory this week and I am told he is "up" winning this and feels relaxed and focused this week, he must be a strong bet on that basis and even at 5.8 on Betfair, he is a must bet for.

Phil Mickelson should have won last week, from tee to green he was unreal and his 3 eagles was the best stat of any player all week. He is using a new prototype Callaway 3 wood that goes as far as his previous driver, but with all the control of a fairway wood. The result is that Phil is hitting far more fairways than usual and his confidence is high, if he can get the putter working early, he can run away from everyone other than Rory and he is a must each way bet this week, at 12.5 on Betfair, he is a great price and simply cant be out of the top five.

Richard Sterne missed deal of time through injury and when he got going in the second part of the year, there were signs that he still has the game to win events and possibly even a major. Irrespective of how he plays this week, expect him to win during the South African swing and back in Europe in 2013. At 230 on Betfair he is a tasty price, even if I cant see him closing out the deal with Phil and Rory on the field. He could of course be a great back to lay proposition, especially if he can load up in the first round, fingers crossed.

I am sure I have the winner already selected so its to another outsider that I look for some real value and a trading opportunity, this time its the Indian golfer Shiv Kapur. He isn't long, but you don't need to be around this track, hits plenty of greens and when the putter is hot he can shot low, really low and of course he not afraid to go ahead and win, at 220 he is a fair speculative wager.

I nearly included Anriban Lahiri, a top young Indian and at 550, he is an obscene price.

US Tour to follow

It's the UBS Hong Kong Open at the Hong Kong Golf Club and this should provide a super winner takes all betting opportunity this week.

I am salivating at the prospect of a late season win for the new holder of the PGA and European money lists, take a bow, Rory McIlroy.

The young superstar of world golf is a handful of shots better then the rest when he turns the tap on. He is well rested, played great in the final round last week and must be backed in the win only Betfair market and carries my maximum confidence. I am already on at 3.6, it looks short, but it will give a welcome pre Christmas bonus.

My new Twitter mate Andres Hansen showed some decent form at last week but has in many respects had a largely disappointing season by his standards. At times he has looked out of love with the game and with frustration boiling up just beneath the surface, he needs to shed the cross face and relax. I believe he is confident about building on his recent showing and he still has time to bag an end of season win that would be a brilliant platform for next season. At 34 with Betfair he rates a fair price.

My bigger priced each way bets for the week are both Indians. Shiv Kapur will enjoy this much shorter course and he was just off the pace last week and at 180 on Betfair he is a huge price and well worth a speculative punt, especially if you, like me, are looking for a fast start and then the chance to bag profit with a trade.

I also like the look of fellow countryman and a real star of the future Gaganjeet Bhullar. the youngster grabbed over 100k Euro in his last two events, The Barclays and the HSBC and he has a game that the top pro`s are beginning to take notice of. At 70 on Betfair, he is a fair price and he has the game and confidence to hang around the leaderboard until the very end, of course, increasing trading opportunities.

The long awaited DP World Tour Championship from Dubai is finally upon us and what a star studded field we have for the showpiece event of the European Tour season.

Because of the strength of the field, it is easy to make a case out for a good dozen players, but in this instance, I am very happy with my selections.

I made an error of judgement last week when advising a win bet on McIlroy, he double bogeyed the last to make certain he missed the cut when a bogey would have seen him play another 36 holes. Sceptics might suggest that Rory fancied a couple of extra days of rest and who am I to argue with that.

When the vibes in the McIlroy camp suggest he is fully focussed for an event, he usually delivers and my contacts in Dubai ( enjoying the famous pre tournament beach barbecue ) told me earlier today that there is maximum confidence at team McIlroy and that is the signal for a major bet for me. The wonderkid from Holywood in Northern Ireland can cap a magnificent season at a venue he enjoys and at 7.6 on Betfair, I take McIlroy to stroll home by at least 3 shots.

As regular followers will be aware, I tend to look for larger prices and value in an attempt to create the perfect circumstances to trade out, its a tactic that has worked well all year and again provided a nice profit last week with Anders Hansen ( now following me on Twitter ) got himself right in contention before falling away.

My Dubai contacts tell me that Westwood looks magnificent and is very well rested and above all, determined to finish a frustrating year off in style. Remember, Westwood will be PGA Tour bound next year, has moved his family from his home in Worksop and most recently, ended his long standing partnership with caddy Billy Foster. One thing in Westwood's favour, is his strength of mind and the Englishman will be desperate to show that he will not be hindered on the course, by the acrimony surrounding his dismissal of the unfortunate Foster. This was a purely business decision by Westwood and expect it to be business as usual in Dubai. I expect Lee to contend and only lose out to a rampant Rory, at 15.5 on Betfair, he is a potentially potent trade and I have also backed him in the top five market at 4 on Betfair.

I was never really an Ian Pouter fan, his sometimes surly attitude is not up my street and I prefer golf to be conducted without the need to resort to football style antics, having said that, I truly respect his guts, passion and determination, all qualities he showed during the Ryder Cup where he provided the inspiration from which his team mates subsequently drew. It has been a surprise to me that Poulter had kicked on from the Medinah Miracle, winning one event and contending in others, indeed he was runner up to Adam Scott last week in the Australian Masters. He is a player in form, enjoys Dubai and loves the greens here, I expect him to content and he is like a dog with a bone. If he gets a flyer on day one, we can expect him to be around until deep on Sunday, at 16 he is good value and like Westwood, I have backed him at 4 for a top 5 and also at 2.1 for a top ten.

The Ryder Cup has also worked the oracle with German Martin Kaymer, he too has looked a new player and all of a sudden his game and above all his putting, seems to have belief once again. Kaymer is a lover of Dubai and of course has been victorious here in the past, I like his chances to place highly again this week and the Betfair price of 17.5 is about right. The German has my money for top five (4.6 ) and top 10 ( 2.4 ), I expect a solid return on these investments.

For some extra fun, I have also backed all of the above plus Luke Donald  in 4 folds and an accumulator, to win their respective 2 balls on day one and Westwood for top English at 3.5.

For the brave, take a look at Stenson and Slattery for the first day lead and take first five paces if your able.

You have sauces?masc

The Nedbank 2012

Fresh off the back of a great week with McIlroy delivering the goods in Dubai, this is a time of year when we look to make some really strong profits and this weeks select field at The Nedbank looks a license to print money.

Many of the usual faces are missing, Goosen and Els are a big loss and the field is headed by previous winner, Lee Westwood, who it has to be said had a poor Dubai. I know that Westwood is something of a standing dish around here, but with so much happening in his life right now, its tough to see how he can be 100% focussed for this. A house move from Worksop to Florida, a new caddy after the sacking of Billy Foster and a change of coach, there really isn't much more that a golfer can face in his life and I think it may be a wise move to leave Westwood until he shows some real form in the New Year before we play with him again, indeed I may lay him to be outside the top 3 once the Betfair market has formed on Wednesday.

Down to business and I am looking for a home winner, my two against the field are Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel, both will carry maximum support from a partisan crown and both will see the Nedbank as a key finishing event for them. I hold the view that the majority of the remainder of the field will view this event as a chance for a family holiday, with dad being occupied for a few hours in the middle of the day.

Oosthuizen has had a terrific year, the albatross at Augusta seems like an eternity ago and he could and should have landed the green jacket, only a miraculous escape from Bubba Watson denied him. His golf game is very solid and with a greens in regulation in excess of 80% that part of his game is unmatched by any other player, length helps at Sun City and Louis in long too. A good putting week with see the the man from Mosel Bay take this in his stride and at 6 with Betfair, he looks a terrific bet.

Charl Schwartzel has slowly built momentum during the 2012 season and oddly, the very putting that underpinned his Masters win, has been missing during the season. His ball striking looked back to its very best for most of the DP Championship and I fancy he will contend in his own back yard his week. Betfair have Schwartzel at a tempting 8.2 and I am on nice and early.

The preview for Tigers event will be posted here on Tuesday morning.

What ??

dont matter..dont get excited

Hold a private event, non sanctioned, limited field and tell the tour you want ranking points, thats about it I believe. What a shambles.