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18 May 15
22:03
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09 Sep 03
Wentworth Champs, winning scores and runners-up.....
2014 Rory McIlroy (-14), Runner-up: Shane Lowry
2013 Matteo Manassero (-10), Runners-up: Simon Khan, Marc Warren
2012 Luke Donald (-15), Runner-up: Justin Rose, Paul Lawrie
2011 Luke Donald (-6), Runner-up: Lee Westwood
2010 Simon Khan (-6), Runner-up: Luke Donald, Fredrik Andersson Hed
2009 Paul Casey (-17), Runner-up: Ross Fisher
2008 Miguel Angel Jimenez (-11), Runner-up: Oliver Wilson
2007 Anders Hansen (-8), Runner-up: Justin Rose
2006 David Howell (-17), Runner-up: Simon Khan
2005 Angel Cabrera (-15), Runner-up: Paul McGinley
2014 Rory McIlroy (-14), Runner-up: Shane Lowry
2013 Matteo Manassero (-10), Runners-up: Simon Khan, Marc Warren
2012 Luke Donald (-15), Runner-up: Justin Rose, Paul Lawrie
2011 Luke Donald (-6), Runner-up: Lee Westwood
2010 Simon Khan (-6), Runner-up: Luke Donald, Fredrik Andersson Hed
2009 Paul Casey (-17), Runner-up: Ross Fisher
2008 Miguel Angel Jimenez (-11), Runner-up: Oliver Wilson
2007 Anders Hansen (-8), Runner-up: Justin Rose
2006 David Howell (-17), Runner-up: Simon Khan
2005 Angel Cabrera (-15), Runner-up: Paul McGinley
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LAST WEEKEND Ireland’s Rory McIlroy brought Quail Hollow to its knees as he romped to a seven-shot victory over the Yanks Webb Simpson and Patrick Rodgers. His win was his 11th on TOUR and his second in his last three events. A trio tied for fourth two further shots behind; T7 was 10 shots off the pace. All's Well That Ends Well at the WELLS FARGO I guess.
World #1 set course and tournament records at QHGC in winning the WF Championship for the second time in six years. His 61 on Saturday broke his co-course record, 62, he had shared with Brendon de Jonge; his 267 broke Anthony Kim’s tournament record by a whopping FIVE shots and most surprisingly he didn’t put all four rounds in the 60s (70-67-61-69). Rory has now comfortably closed out seven of nine 54-hole leads in his career and becomes just the fifth 54-hole leader to close the deal in 13 events on the PGA TOUR this season. The other eight didn’t break par.
McIlroy should now refer to the final three holes as the "Green Smile" while he awaits the USPGA in August 2017. This was his sixth trip to Quail Hollow and fifth time he’s played the weekend. His finishes are WIN-MC-T2-T10-T8-WIN as the #1 player is also a 'horse-for-course' specialist. His three biggest wins are by eight, eight and now seven shots. They have all come on courses of epic length (Kiawah, Congressional and Quail Hollow) and he’s set the tournament record at all three events.
He entered last weekend three shots off the pace set by Simpson and Robert Streb at 10-under. After Saturday there wasn’t much argument about who was going to win on Sunday as McIlroy made 11 birdies and shot 61. He was so good on Saturday that he admitted in his post-round press chat that he was thinking about shooting 59 on No.14 tee. That’s strong from our wee Rory. His par-par finish saw him settle for 61 and a four-shot lead on Quail Hollow member Webb Simpson. Sunday was a 'coronation' - the golf tournament was for second place. McIlroy, by his own admission, was also concerned about his labouring putter after picking apart TPC Sawgrass tee-to-green but finding no love with the flat stick.
For anyone wondered if there was too much travel and too many high-level events in a row, McIlroy squashed any future concerns in that department as well. A flight on Sunday night for a 'Nike Town' event in London today https://www.nike.com/events-registration/event?id=12919&cp=EUBR_ot_SU15_GOLF... is all part of being numero UNO. Let's see how refreshed he is at Wednesday Pro-Am with Phil Neville, Paul Scholes & Niall Horan.
World #1 set course and tournament records at QHGC in winning the WF Championship for the second time in six years. His 61 on Saturday broke his co-course record, 62, he had shared with Brendon de Jonge; his 267 broke Anthony Kim’s tournament record by a whopping FIVE shots and most surprisingly he didn’t put all four rounds in the 60s (70-67-61-69). Rory has now comfortably closed out seven of nine 54-hole leads in his career and becomes just the fifth 54-hole leader to close the deal in 13 events on the PGA TOUR this season. The other eight didn’t break par.
McIlroy should now refer to the final three holes as the "Green Smile" while he awaits the USPGA in August 2017. This was his sixth trip to Quail Hollow and fifth time he’s played the weekend. His finishes are WIN-MC-T2-T10-T8-WIN as the #1 player is also a 'horse-for-course' specialist. His three biggest wins are by eight, eight and now seven shots. They have all come on courses of epic length (Kiawah, Congressional and Quail Hollow) and he’s set the tournament record at all three events.
He entered last weekend three shots off the pace set by Simpson and Robert Streb at 10-under. After Saturday there wasn’t much argument about who was going to win on Sunday as McIlroy made 11 birdies and shot 61. He was so good on Saturday that he admitted in his post-round press chat that he was thinking about shooting 59 on No.14 tee. That’s strong from our wee Rory. His par-par finish saw him settle for 61 and a four-shot lead on Quail Hollow member Webb Simpson. Sunday was a 'coronation' - the golf tournament was for second place. McIlroy, by his own admission, was also concerned about his labouring putter after picking apart TPC Sawgrass tee-to-green but finding no love with the flat stick.
For anyone wondered if there was too much travel and too many high-level events in a row, McIlroy squashed any future concerns in that department as well. A flight on Sunday night for a 'Nike Town' event in London today https://www.nike.com/events-registration/event?id=12919&cp=EUBR_ot_SU15_GOLF... is all part of being numero UNO. Let's see how refreshed he is at Wednesday Pro-Am with Phil Neville, Paul Scholes & Niall Horan.
The big question this week is will Rory win in a canter again,going to back four players against the field hoping Rory wont win and get abit of value,
First selection,Justin Rose e/w 12/1,great course form,playing superb golf this year,has a win in America already,just hope he dosent have a slow first round,
Second selection,Shane Lowry 50/1,second here last year,the course suits the style that he plays in,big value earlier at 50/1,corals had him as high as 66/1,that price didn't last more than 20 minutes,
Third selection,Grillo 50/1,must be the most consistent player on the European tour his year,was in with a great chance last week,finished joint 6th,
Fourth selection,Olesen 100/1,just back from a long injury,beaten in a play off on his first tournament back,could be value if back to his best,only two years ago he was challenging in the majors,
Best of luck this week lads,
First selection,Justin Rose e/w 12/1,great course form,playing superb golf this year,has a win in America already,just hope he dosent have a slow first round,
Second selection,Shane Lowry 50/1,second here last year,the course suits the style that he plays in,big value earlier at 50/1,corals had him as high as 66/1,that price didn't last more than 20 minutes,
Third selection,Grillo 50/1,must be the most consistent player on the European tour his year,was in with a great chance last week,finished joint 6th,
Fourth selection,Olesen 100/1,just back from a long injury,beaten in a play off on his first tournament back,could be value if back to his best,only two years ago he was challenging in the majors,
Best of luck this week lads,
1. The big-hitting Frenchman, Alexander Levy loves to attack and maybe too one-dimensional for a course like Wentworth which requires strategy and precision. However, Alex finished a fine T12 on debut last year and we hope that experience will stand to him this week. He’s also coming off a T25 and a T3 in two recent events in China so it would be foolish to dismiss his chances and 66's 6 places in most bookies this week. GO ALEX, Go On ya good ting !
2. Justin Rose has had several near misses at Wentworth, finishing runner-up in both 2007 and 2012. He also cracked the T10 in 2010 and was T11 in 2004 while he didn’t challenge when T50 in 2013 and T25 in 2014. He loves this event though “Our family lived close to Wentworth and I was always excited each May to attend the event with my Dad”. A repeat of the form he showed when taking second place at Augusta National and winning the Zurich Classic of New Orleans would give him a golden chance of a first Wentworth win. 10's 6 places may shorten. Spoils ONLY 5 places in Wentworth again while most other bookies are 6 this week.
3. Miguel Angel Jimenez 66's had his usual fun in Spain last week, recording a hole-in-one on Friday, sinking his second shot for eagle at a long par four in the final round and eventually finishing runner-up. At Wentworth, he’s a bit of a stud too with a win in 2008 and top fives in 2006, 2007 and 2013. Patience, guile and experience will always give him an edge here and he said in Spain he 'expected a big week at Wentworth as he was hitting his irons crisply'.
OTHERS also ran......
The course comparisons with Sawgrass bode well for the Welshman, Jamie Donaldson, who plotted his way to a T8 at the PLAYERS a couple of weeks ago. As at Augusta (T33) he closed with a 67 so can shine on difficult tricky courses. He’s made the weekend on his last seven starts at Wentworth and has best finishes of T7 in 2011 and T8 in 2005. Last year he was seventh going into the final round before falling away with a 76.
"I love it around here,” - Shane Lowry ahead of last year’s event and he made a huge run at the title before coming up just short. His eventual second place followed a T12 the year before and T4 in 2011. In five starts he’s never missed a cut and 12 months ago he started out with a 64. After some strong form on the West Coast, his recent finishes on the PGA TOUR have been disappointing but he’d missed three of his four previous four cuts coming here in 2014 so put your faith in a course form horse if having a wee bet.
Thomas Aiken offers bettors a nice mix of current and course form although many will again overlook the rather low-key South African. Thought Huddys would nap him again this week. He was fourth in the Mauritius Open two weeks ago and added a T22 in Spain at the weekend to make it four top 25 finishes on the spin. At Wentworth he had a run of 10-17-39 between 2009 and 2011 and, after two missed cuts, took a share of seventh spot last year. Hits lots of greens which is an important skill-set here.
You’ll struggle to find anyone in the field who can match Marc Warren’s level of consistency at Wentworth. He’s finished in the top 30 six times in his last seven visits and that run includes a playoff loss in 2013 and a T16 last year. He’s played a lot of good golf this year too (2nd Qatar, 9th Malaysia, T17 WGC-Cadillac) so deserves serious consideration.
THERE A WINNER IN HERE SOMEWHERE ! © CM iyc
2. Justin Rose has had several near misses at Wentworth, finishing runner-up in both 2007 and 2012. He also cracked the T10 in 2010 and was T11 in 2004 while he didn’t challenge when T50 in 2013 and T25 in 2014. He loves this event though “Our family lived close to Wentworth and I was always excited each May to attend the event with my Dad”. A repeat of the form he showed when taking second place at Augusta National and winning the Zurich Classic of New Orleans would give him a golden chance of a first Wentworth win. 10's 6 places may shorten. Spoils ONLY 5 places in Wentworth again while most other bookies are 6 this week.
3. Miguel Angel Jimenez 66's had his usual fun in Spain last week, recording a hole-in-one on Friday, sinking his second shot for eagle at a long par four in the final round and eventually finishing runner-up. At Wentworth, he’s a bit of a stud too with a win in 2008 and top fives in 2006, 2007 and 2013. Patience, guile and experience will always give him an edge here and he said in Spain he 'expected a big week at Wentworth as he was hitting his irons crisply'.
OTHERS also ran......
The course comparisons with Sawgrass bode well for the Welshman, Jamie Donaldson, who plotted his way to a T8 at the PLAYERS a couple of weeks ago. As at Augusta (T33) he closed with a 67 so can shine on difficult tricky courses. He’s made the weekend on his last seven starts at Wentworth and has best finishes of T7 in 2011 and T8 in 2005. Last year he was seventh going into the final round before falling away with a 76.
"I love it around here,” - Shane Lowry ahead of last year’s event and he made a huge run at the title before coming up just short. His eventual second place followed a T12 the year before and T4 in 2011. In five starts he’s never missed a cut and 12 months ago he started out with a 64. After some strong form on the West Coast, his recent finishes on the PGA TOUR have been disappointing but he’d missed three of his four previous four cuts coming here in 2014 so put your faith in a course form horse if having a wee bet.
Thomas Aiken offers bettors a nice mix of current and course form although many will again overlook the rather low-key South African. Thought Huddys would nap him again this week. He was fourth in the Mauritius Open two weeks ago and added a T22 in Spain at the weekend to make it four top 25 finishes on the spin. At Wentworth he had a run of 10-17-39 between 2009 and 2011 and, after two missed cuts, took a share of seventh spot last year. Hits lots of greens which is an important skill-set here.
You’ll struggle to find anyone in the field who can match Marc Warren’s level of consistency at Wentworth. He’s finished in the top 30 six times in his last seven visits and that run includes a playoff loss in 2013 and a T16 last year. He’s played a lot of good golf this year too (2nd Qatar, 9th Malaysia, T17 WGC-Cadillac) so deserves serious consideration.
THERE A WINNER IN HERE SOMEWHERE ! © CM iyc
Alberto Contador (Giro) & Lehman (Seniors) yankees with Walker, Freddie, Kirk & Ogilvy in Hogan's Alley
AND LET'S NOT FORGET THE SENIOR PGA Championship this week either...
The Senior PGA Championship from the Pete Dye course at FRENCH LICK, Indiana after being held last year at Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
PUT LEHMAN (14's with Ladies) into your doubles/trebles/yankees with ALBERTO CONTADOR for good measure !The Dye Course Preview
The two courses at French Lick Resort are the Donald Ross Course (opened in 1917) which force competitors to focus on the par-3 holes and their short games while the Pete Dye Course is a thoroughly modern layout with dramatic elevation changes that requires more accuracy and distance off the tee. A trio of par 5s and a behemoth par 3 are among the holes that could decide the outcome of the Championship.
An excellent example of what players face at the Dye Course can bee seen at the par-5 third hole. The 574-yard dogleg left is meant to be a true three-shot par 5. The fairway narrows dramatically at 270 yards, pinched by a tremendous fairway bunker on the right. A tee shot played smartly leaves 280-plus yards across a 100-foot deep ravine. "The safe play with the second shot on No.3 is to the corner of the dogleg to leave yourself a short iron in," Dave Harner Resort PGA Director of Golf Operations says. "But I'm sure that at the Championship, some of the bigger hitters are going to try to go at that green - and I don't know that it's going to pay them much dividend."
No. 7, the next par 5 on the Dye Course scorecard, is another difficult test. Players face a 240-yard carry to reach the fairway, followed by an uphill second shot. The best play is to leave yourself 140 yards for an uphill approach to a small green surrounded by bunkers and mounds.
On the back nine, No. 16 could be the site of a final-round lead change. Played from the back tees, the par-3 hole plays 301 yards. However, during the Championship it will play at 215 yards. As Harner says, "I tell Pete all the time it's the first par 3 I can remember that has three fairway bunkers." Rocks and water are perilously close to the right edge of the green, and the prevailing wind blows in that direction.
The home hole at the Dye Course provides one final test - a 568-yard par-5 that gives a leader a chance to play safe and gives a pursuer a last opportunity to make a move. A series of church-pew style fairway bunkers guard the landing area on the tee shot, and the hole has a hard dogleg left as you approach the green.
"It's a great finishing hole, and it's a great view when you're standing out there on the tee looking up at the clubhouse," Harner says. "And there's lots of room around the green for a big crowd to watch the winner come in." Whoever that winner may be, it will be the player who has managed to overcome the challenges of one of the toughest courses the Hoosier State has to offer.
The Senior PGA Championship from the Pete Dye course at FRENCH LICK, Indiana after being held last year at Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
PUT LEHMAN (14's with Ladies) into your doubles/trebles/yankees with ALBERTO CONTADOR for good measure !The Dye Course Preview
The two courses at French Lick Resort are the Donald Ross Course (opened in 1917) which force competitors to focus on the par-3 holes and their short games while the Pete Dye Course is a thoroughly modern layout with dramatic elevation changes that requires more accuracy and distance off the tee. A trio of par 5s and a behemoth par 3 are among the holes that could decide the outcome of the Championship.
An excellent example of what players face at the Dye Course can bee seen at the par-5 third hole. The 574-yard dogleg left is meant to be a true three-shot par 5. The fairway narrows dramatically at 270 yards, pinched by a tremendous fairway bunker on the right. A tee shot played smartly leaves 280-plus yards across a 100-foot deep ravine. "The safe play with the second shot on No.3 is to the corner of the dogleg to leave yourself a short iron in," Dave Harner Resort PGA Director of Golf Operations says. "But I'm sure that at the Championship, some of the bigger hitters are going to try to go at that green - and I don't know that it's going to pay them much dividend."
No. 7, the next par 5 on the Dye Course scorecard, is another difficult test. Players face a 240-yard carry to reach the fairway, followed by an uphill second shot. The best play is to leave yourself 140 yards for an uphill approach to a small green surrounded by bunkers and mounds.
On the back nine, No. 16 could be the site of a final-round lead change. Played from the back tees, the par-3 hole plays 301 yards. However, during the Championship it will play at 215 yards. As Harner says, "I tell Pete all the time it's the first par 3 I can remember that has three fairway bunkers." Rocks and water are perilously close to the right edge of the green, and the prevailing wind blows in that direction.
The home hole at the Dye Course provides one final test - a 568-yard par-5 that gives a leader a chance to play safe and gives a pursuer a last opportunity to make a move. A series of church-pew style fairway bunkers guard the landing area on the tee shot, and the hole has a hard dogleg left as you approach the green.
"It's a great finishing hole, and it's a great view when you're standing out there on the tee looking up at the clubhouse," Harner says. "And there's lots of room around the green for a big crowd to watch the winner come in." Whoever that winner may be, it will be the player who has managed to overcome the challenges of one of the toughest courses the Hoosier State has to offer.
Stellar line-up for Celebrity Pro-Am
Some of the biggest names in sport, music, TV and radio will become part of a very anxious supporting cast on Wednesday (May 21), when more than 50 celebrities tee off alongside many of the world’s best golfers in the BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am.
The stellar mix of celebrities and professional golfers is poised to attract huge crowds to Wentworth Club’s famous West Course, who can see close up just how iconic figures from football, rugby, cricket, racing and showbiz cope with the nerve-wracking business of wielding a golf club in the company of Major Champions and former World Number Ones.
Today’s announcement of the line-ups for Wednesday is sure to provide keen interest for the spectating public, who will watch sporting icons enjoy the thrill of the Pro-Am in a way no other high level sport can achieve.
This prestigious event is now firmly established as the official curtain raiser to the BMW PGA Championship and has provided some classic line-ups.
Some of the biggest names in sport, music, TV and radio will become part of a very anxious supporting cast on Wednesday (May 21), when more than 50 celebrities tee off alongside many of the world’s best golfers in the BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am.
The stellar mix of celebrities and professional golfers is poised to attract huge crowds to Wentworth Club’s famous West Course, who can see close up just how iconic figures from football, rugby, cricket, racing and showbiz cope with the nerve-wracking business of wielding a golf club in the company of Major Champions and former World Number Ones.
Today’s announcement of the line-ups for Wednesday is sure to provide keen interest for the spectating public, who will watch sporting icons enjoy the thrill of the Pro-Am in a way no other high level sport can achieve.
This prestigious event is now firmly established as the official curtain raiser to the BMW PGA Championship and has provided some classic line-ups.
Added Manassero 90/1 e/w,he's slowly coming back into form and he's won he in 2013,
Matteo has been rebuilding after a dramatic slump in form and, although he had to settle for a T61 in Spain, at least it was a fourth cut in a row and a fourth straight event that he’d finished in the top 10 for greens in regulation. As well as his victory in 2013, the Italian phenom was T7 in 2011 and T17 in 2010 and even before his win he said Wentworth had always given him a “special feeling”. Best of luck Huddys, but I know the 'special feeling' around London I'd prefer.
Shane Lowry at 19-10 for top 20 with WH is an absolutely superb price. I was all set to drive to a Ladbrokes shop to take the 6-4. They then cut it to 11-8, but WH offered this up!!
The full line-up of professional / celebrity teams is as follows*:
Morning Session - Shotgun start, teeing off at 08.00hrs:
Professional Celebrity/Amateur
Rory McIlroy Niall Horan, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes
Martin Kaymer Richard Hughes, Rory Lawson
Padraig Harrington Mike Tindall, Keith Wood, Andy Nicol
Darren Clarke Nigel Mansell, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Sir Steve Redgrave
David Howell Jodie Kidd, Tom Chaplin, Rick Wills
Paul Lawrie Peter Schmeichel, Teddy Sheringham, Dan Walker
Ross Fisher Jeremy Kyle, Mark Austin, Andrew Cotter
Stephen Gallagher Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Gordon Strachan
Pablo Larrazabal Tim Henman, John Inverdale
Simon Khan Damon Hill, Matt Le Tissier, Greg Rusedski
Shane Lowry AP McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald, Carl Llewellyn
Paul McGinley Sir Clive Woodward
Afternoon Session - Shotgun Start, teeing off at 13.00hrs:
Professional Celebrity/Amateur
Lee Westwood Ant McPartlin, Dec Donnelly, Alan Shearer
Justin Rose Jamie Redknapp, Dwight Yorke, Kevin Pietersen
Marc Warren Ian Wright, Jay Tabb, Ady Williams
Jamie Donaldson Chris Robshaw, Ben Foden, Rob Bonnet
Edoardo Molinari Gianfranco Zola, Andriy Shevchenko, Daniele Massaro
Francesco Molinari Anton Du Beke
Danny Willett Sir Ian Botham, Allan Lamb, Shane Warne
Tommy Fleetwood Tiff Needell, Chris Hollins, Derek Warwick
Brooks Koepka Eve Muirhead
Victor Dubuisson David Ginola
Branden Grace Brian Lara, Glenn Hoddle, Rishi Persad
Thorbjörn Olesen Jamie Roberts
Luke Donald Vassos Alexander
Graeme McDowell Chris Evans
Morning Session - Shotgun start, teeing off at 08.00hrs:
Professional Celebrity/Amateur
Rory McIlroy Niall Horan, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes
Martin Kaymer Richard Hughes, Rory Lawson
Padraig Harrington Mike Tindall, Keith Wood, Andy Nicol
Darren Clarke Nigel Mansell, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Sir Steve Redgrave
David Howell Jodie Kidd, Tom Chaplin, Rick Wills
Paul Lawrie Peter Schmeichel, Teddy Sheringham, Dan Walker
Ross Fisher Jeremy Kyle, Mark Austin, Andrew Cotter
Stephen Gallagher Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Gordon Strachan
Pablo Larrazabal Tim Henman, John Inverdale
Simon Khan Damon Hill, Matt Le Tissier, Greg Rusedski
Shane Lowry AP McCoy, Mick Fitzgerald, Carl Llewellyn
Paul McGinley Sir Clive Woodward
Afternoon Session - Shotgun Start, teeing off at 13.00hrs:
Professional Celebrity/Amateur
Lee Westwood Ant McPartlin, Dec Donnelly, Alan Shearer
Justin Rose Jamie Redknapp, Dwight Yorke, Kevin Pietersen
Marc Warren Ian Wright, Jay Tabb, Ady Williams
Jamie Donaldson Chris Robshaw, Ben Foden, Rob Bonnet
Edoardo Molinari Gianfranco Zola, Andriy Shevchenko, Daniele Massaro
Francesco Molinari Anton Du Beke
Danny Willett Sir Ian Botham, Allan Lamb, Shane Warne
Tommy Fleetwood Tiff Needell, Chris Hollins, Derek Warwick
Brooks Koepka Eve Muirhead
Victor Dubuisson David Ginola
Branden Grace Brian Lara, Glenn Hoddle, Rishi Persad
Thorbjörn Olesen Jamie Roberts
Luke Donald Vassos Alexander
Graeme McDowell Chris Evans
Lot of insecurity in European Tour circles around the event. Seems to be more bigging up the event than usual.
Q & A on the sky sports with Paul McKinley comparing the Players Championship with PGA @ Wentworth.
For me they are not in the same league.
Q & A on the sky sports with Paul McKinley comparing the Players Championship with PGA @ Wentworth.
For me they are not in the same league.
This week is all about the early bird gobbling all the value and leaving the me starving.
Rory's won last year but his overall form makes him easy to leave out.
My shortlist was
Willet
Lowry
F. Molinari
Marc Warren.
I've missed the boat on Lowry & Willet. Both have been shortened considerably. Still think Molinari is a decent shout at 30/1. Course that is really suited to his game and he is coming off a Top 5 in Spain last week. Think 60s on Warren is worth a EW punt as well. Lost in a playoff in 2013 and look overpriced to me.
In Texas I fancy Ian Poulter to go well. A course that should be perfect for him. As good as anyone with his wedges and 45/1 with Cor@ls is my EW play.
Ryan Palmer was my other fancy but his price has collapsed as well. Hoping for a drift tomorrow.
Rory's won last year but his overall form makes him easy to leave out.
My shortlist was
Willet
Lowry
F. Molinari
Marc Warren.
I've missed the boat on Lowry & Willet. Both have been shortened considerably. Still think Molinari is a decent shout at 30/1. Course that is really suited to his game and he is coming off a Top 5 in Spain last week. Think 60s on Warren is worth a EW punt as well. Lost in a playoff in 2013 and look overpriced to me.
In Texas I fancy Ian Poulter to go well. A course that should be perfect for him. As good as anyone with his wedges and 45/1 with Cor@ls is my EW play.
Ryan Palmer was my other fancy but his price has collapsed as well. Hoping for a drift tomorrow.
A few selected tee time Thursday
1 07:30 Felipe AGUILAR Chris WOOD Thomas AIKEN
1 07:40 Pablo LARRAZÁBAL Gary STAL Peter HANSON
1 07:50 Darren CLARKE Miguel Angel JIMÉNEZ Thongchai JAIDEE
1 08:00 George COETZEE Kiradech APHIBARNRAT Anirban LAHIRI
1 08:25 Stephen GALLACHER Lee WESTWOOD Tommy FLEETWOOD
1 08:35 Jamie DONALDSON Martin KAYMER Rory MCILROY
1 10:45 Shiv KAPUR Byeong Hun AN Alex BELT
1 11:45 Kristoffer BROBERG Richard BLAND Emiliano GRILLO
1 12:10 Daniel BROOKS David HORSEY Hao-tong LI
1 12:20 Alvaro QUIROS Francesco MOLINARI Ross FISHER
1 12:30 Thomas BJØRN Joost LUITEN Bernd WIESBERGER
1 12:40 Padraig HARRINGTON Shane LOWRY Branden GRACE
1 12:50 Brooks KOEPKA Luke DONALD James MORRISON
1 13:00 Graeme MCDOWELL Justin ROSE Danny WILLETT
1 13:15 Edoardo MOLINARI Marc WARREN David HOWELL
1 13:25 Matteo MANASSERO Tyrrell HATTON Alexander LEVY
1 13:35 Rafa CABRERA-BELLO Oliver FISHER Alex NOREN
1 07:30 Felipe AGUILAR Chris WOOD Thomas AIKEN
1 07:40 Pablo LARRAZÁBAL Gary STAL Peter HANSON
1 07:50 Darren CLARKE Miguel Angel JIMÉNEZ Thongchai JAIDEE
1 08:00 George COETZEE Kiradech APHIBARNRAT Anirban LAHIRI
1 08:25 Stephen GALLACHER Lee WESTWOOD Tommy FLEETWOOD
1 08:35 Jamie DONALDSON Martin KAYMER Rory MCILROY
1 10:45 Shiv KAPUR Byeong Hun AN Alex BELT
1 11:45 Kristoffer BROBERG Richard BLAND Emiliano GRILLO
1 12:10 Daniel BROOKS David HORSEY Hao-tong LI
1 12:20 Alvaro QUIROS Francesco MOLINARI Ross FISHER
1 12:30 Thomas BJØRN Joost LUITEN Bernd WIESBERGER
1 12:40 Padraig HARRINGTON Shane LOWRY Branden GRACE
1 12:50 Brooks KOEPKA Luke DONALD James MORRISON
1 13:00 Graeme MCDOWELL Justin ROSE Danny WILLETT
1 13:15 Edoardo MOLINARI Marc WARREN David HOWELL
1 13:25 Matteo MANASSERO Tyrrell HATTON Alexander LEVY
1 13:35 Rafa CABRERA-BELLO Oliver FISHER Alex NOREN
See RORY spent the day at The GSK Human Performance Lab is a world class facility focused on applied science, using cutting edge technology to better understand human performance in London http://www.gskhpl.com/
"Good day testing @GSK_HPL in London. Great way to get over jet lag" - Rory.
"Good day testing @GSK_HPL in London. Great way to get over jet lag" - Rory.
Excellent fare in Europe this week for a change, I'm going to stick to America though with 5 selections:
Brendan Todd 45/1
Very tidy and accurate player who would be suited to this course as shown by T5 last year. Sure to go well imo.
John Senden 66/1
Aussie's often go well in Texas and this Aussie has come back to form last couple of weeks since the Matchplay. Has 3 top 10's here also.
Sean O Hair 66/1
Texan who is back in form after a few years in the doldrums. Has decent form here over the years inc a couple of top 20 finishes.
John Petersson 66/1[/b
Another Texan who has been in good form last couple of weeks. Finished T26 here on only appearance in this event.
[b]Marc Leishman 80/1
Aussie who has returned to form last few weeks after personal problems early in the season. Has decent Texas form and could go well @ a big price.
Good luck all.
Brendan Todd 45/1
Very tidy and accurate player who would be suited to this course as shown by T5 last year. Sure to go well imo.
John Senden 66/1
Aussie's often go well in Texas and this Aussie has come back to form last couple of weeks since the Matchplay. Has 3 top 10's here also.
Sean O Hair 66/1
Texan who is back in form after a few years in the doldrums. Has decent form here over the years inc a couple of top 20 finishes.
John Petersson 66/1[/b
Another Texan who has been in good form last couple of weeks. Finished T26 here on only appearance in this event.
[b]Marc Leishman 80/1
Aussie who has returned to form last few weeks after personal problems early in the season. Has decent Texas form and could go well @ a big price.
Good luck all.
http://www.golfchannel.com/media/2014-european-tour-players-awards/#
Backed
TOP S.African....AIKEN 5's to beat Grace, Coetzee & Els, etc...Huddys & I agree Kate easily wins the Caddie Award.
TOP Frenchman... LEVY 9/2 to beat Dubuisson, Bourdy & Wattel, etc.
TOP Aussie...... HEND 5's to beat Green, Ormsby & Fraser, etc.
Backed
TOP S.African....AIKEN 5's to beat Grace, Coetzee & Els, etc...Huddys & I agree Kate easily wins the Caddie Award.
TOP Frenchman... LEVY 9/2 to beat Dubuisson, Bourdy & Wattel, etc.
TOP Aussie...... HEND 5's to beat Green, Ormsby & Fraser, etc.
One of the only weeks of the year where there is top class action on both sides of the Atlantic, and certainly one to look forward to.
I see Steve Palmer has plumped for Jordan Spieth and Rory this week. Certainly the two stars of golf at the moment, and for the foreseeable future, but I would think there are enough negatives for both this week, to believe they represent little value. And instead shape the market for quite a few others to appear very backable.
Rory had conditions right up his street last week, and though forecast rain will again help him at Wentworth, it is just not a track that sets up anywhere near as well for him. Yes he won here last year, but he is the best player in the world so it was of no great surprise. He was 12-1 then, he is 11-4 now. He is in the 4th week of a 5 week stretch, and I firmly believe he will have next week as a priority, so may not be on full throttle this week. True he may not need to be, but I wouldn't be surprised if he finished a never dangerous top 10/15.
Jordans putting was unbelievable for a few weeks, but unbelievable usually means unmaintainable. That it proved. In his last couple of outings, every 20footer did not drop, and his overall game was not at its brilliant best. After such a rigorous and successful schedule, I imagine he will have done very little in his week off. Everything will now be building towards the US Open, and he may just be a bit off the pace this week. At the prices, I again think he is of no value.
In the BMW, I was chomping at the bit on Sunday for the layers to price up, and price up Shane Lowry in particular. Unfortunately with Rory in action stateside Sunday night, they didn't chalk up til Monday, and work meant me missing the early 66-1 on Shane. Who in their right mind made him a 66-1 shot??!!
Shane could, and probably should have lifted this trophy last year. A poor Saturday, and then a lack of belief in himself on Sunday meant he finished a shot behind Rory. A much more confident player now, I don't think he will be found wanting if faced with a similar opportunity this time around. He started his life on the PGA Tour in good style, and though that initial form tapered off latterly, his display at the Matchplay show that he is still in fine form. Only a freak putting show from Ricky Fowler prevented him from progressing.
He is obviously very comfortable around here, and everything looks in place for him to put up a very bold show. 19-10 offered for top 20 was a gift.
I had intended backing Justin Rose, but I had been sure he would have been a general 14-1. The 11-1 just doesn't seem big enough to me. If he gets off to his standard slow start, and the market overreacts, I may then get involved. Many of his big wins have come from such a platform, but his pre off odds means I will let him run for now.
Danny Willet looks to hold an outstanding chance of atoning for inexperience costing him victory in 2010. I was never a huge fan of the Englishmans closing out ability, but every player can have a turning point, and I believe the end of 2014 may have provided this for Willet. He now looks comfortable on Sundays, and his matchplay performances will have sent him here with confidence sky high. One of the few European Tour regulars that hold the potential to be better than that grade, he now has the opportunity to prove that. This week would be as good a place as a any.
Luke Donald has struggled to rediscover is best, and I was not intending backing him. But 33-1 on a player with such a superb record around here, was just about tempting enough. He seems a little demoralised about his lack of length in a bombers world of late, but he can arrive on the tee here knowing that he has all the tools required. The 8-1 for top 6 is definitely value.
Two others who may be better than standard European grade, are Alexander Levy and Eddie Pepperell.
Levy is still pretty volatile in contention, and may not be one to be lumping on at short odds with a Sunday lead, but at 66-1 as it stands looks chancing. 12th here on debut last year, he showed in a purple patch at the end of 2014 that he is a serious talent, and Wentworth should continue to play to his strengths. He looks a good bet at 9-2 for top Frenchman aswell.
Pepperell has proved a bit of a disappointment so far this year, but signs of late suggest a return to form may be imminent, and this week might be the time it all comes together. He certainly got the hang of things around here fairly quickly, and at 125-1 he has far more chance than some has beens below him in the market.
George Coetzee has seemingly turned a corner in his career. If he has finally discovered how to produce his best on payday, then we may be about to see a much improved set of results from him on the bigger stage, and a realisation of his undoubted potential. Confidence is sure to be flowing after his recent playoff win, and a few fringe results here the last few years may be the platform for a real championship challenge this time around.
I had intended backing Matteo Mannaserro, but expected a bit bigger, and have left him alone at the moment.
In the Crowne Plaza, taking Spieth out of it, the logical place to start was Zach Johnson. I would make him about 10-1, and the opening 18s was a cracking e.w bet. He flopped here last year, but comes here now arriving into form, and looks set fair for another title assault. It will all come down to whether he putts at his best or not. If he does, I doubt he will be beaten. That is not a given at the moment though, so a good start on Thursday with the flat stick will be very important.
Chris Kirk and Chris Stroud have course credentials which demand respect.
Ian Poulter has not got out of this season what his play has deserved, but that may change here at a venue which looks made for him. I expected him to be quite a bit shorter.
Kevin Streelman looked a bit big in a field not packed full of the worlds best, and Boo Weekley has shown more than enough of late to suggest he could repeat his win of two years ago.
Hunter Mahan went into my 'follow for the forseeable' book during his performances in the Matchplay. I haven't backed him since, but only because the tracks didn't suit. I believe he will go very close if still in similar form this week, and that looks likely IMO. 60-1 looks a cracking wager, and a bit insulting to be honest.
I may have a few quid on Jerry Kelly on the machine.
Quite a few selections in both events, but with both jollies on the short side, there are plenty offering value.
2pts e.w Shane Lowry 45-1(6 places)
1pt e.w Danny Willet 50-1 (6 places)
.5pt e.w Alexander Levy 66-1 (6 places)
.6pt e.w George Coetzee 50-1 ( 6 places)
1pt e.w Luke Donald 33-1 ( 6places)
.3pt e.w Eddie Pepperell 125-1 ( 6 places)
3pts Levy Top Frenchman 9-2
8.5pts Lowry Top 20 19-10
2pts e.w Zach Johnson 18-1
.8pt e.w Ian Poulter 40-1
.9pt e.w Chris Kirk 35-1
.4pt e.w Kevin Streelman 80-1
.3pt e.w Chris Stroud 100-1
.4pt e.w Boo Weekley 80-1
.7pt e.w Hunter Mahan 60-1
Best of Luck all....few e.w doubles done on a week that has proved very profitable on that front for me in the past!!
I see Steve Palmer has plumped for Jordan Spieth and Rory this week. Certainly the two stars of golf at the moment, and for the foreseeable future, but I would think there are enough negatives for both this week, to believe they represent little value. And instead shape the market for quite a few others to appear very backable.
Rory had conditions right up his street last week, and though forecast rain will again help him at Wentworth, it is just not a track that sets up anywhere near as well for him. Yes he won here last year, but he is the best player in the world so it was of no great surprise. He was 12-1 then, he is 11-4 now. He is in the 4th week of a 5 week stretch, and I firmly believe he will have next week as a priority, so may not be on full throttle this week. True he may not need to be, but I wouldn't be surprised if he finished a never dangerous top 10/15.
Jordans putting was unbelievable for a few weeks, but unbelievable usually means unmaintainable. That it proved. In his last couple of outings, every 20footer did not drop, and his overall game was not at its brilliant best. After such a rigorous and successful schedule, I imagine he will have done very little in his week off. Everything will now be building towards the US Open, and he may just be a bit off the pace this week. At the prices, I again think he is of no value.
In the BMW, I was chomping at the bit on Sunday for the layers to price up, and price up Shane Lowry in particular. Unfortunately with Rory in action stateside Sunday night, they didn't chalk up til Monday, and work meant me missing the early 66-1 on Shane. Who in their right mind made him a 66-1 shot??!!
Shane could, and probably should have lifted this trophy last year. A poor Saturday, and then a lack of belief in himself on Sunday meant he finished a shot behind Rory. A much more confident player now, I don't think he will be found wanting if faced with a similar opportunity this time around. He started his life on the PGA Tour in good style, and though that initial form tapered off latterly, his display at the Matchplay show that he is still in fine form. Only a freak putting show from Ricky Fowler prevented him from progressing.
He is obviously very comfortable around here, and everything looks in place for him to put up a very bold show. 19-10 offered for top 20 was a gift.
I had intended backing Justin Rose, but I had been sure he would have been a general 14-1. The 11-1 just doesn't seem big enough to me. If he gets off to his standard slow start, and the market overreacts, I may then get involved. Many of his big wins have come from such a platform, but his pre off odds means I will let him run for now.
Danny Willet looks to hold an outstanding chance of atoning for inexperience costing him victory in 2010. I was never a huge fan of the Englishmans closing out ability, but every player can have a turning point, and I believe the end of 2014 may have provided this for Willet. He now looks comfortable on Sundays, and his matchplay performances will have sent him here with confidence sky high. One of the few European Tour regulars that hold the potential to be better than that grade, he now has the opportunity to prove that. This week would be as good a place as a any.
Luke Donald has struggled to rediscover is best, and I was not intending backing him. But 33-1 on a player with such a superb record around here, was just about tempting enough. He seems a little demoralised about his lack of length in a bombers world of late, but he can arrive on the tee here knowing that he has all the tools required. The 8-1 for top 6 is definitely value.
Two others who may be better than standard European grade, are Alexander Levy and Eddie Pepperell.
Levy is still pretty volatile in contention, and may not be one to be lumping on at short odds with a Sunday lead, but at 66-1 as it stands looks chancing. 12th here on debut last year, he showed in a purple patch at the end of 2014 that he is a serious talent, and Wentworth should continue to play to his strengths. He looks a good bet at 9-2 for top Frenchman aswell.
Pepperell has proved a bit of a disappointment so far this year, but signs of late suggest a return to form may be imminent, and this week might be the time it all comes together. He certainly got the hang of things around here fairly quickly, and at 125-1 he has far more chance than some has beens below him in the market.
George Coetzee has seemingly turned a corner in his career. If he has finally discovered how to produce his best on payday, then we may be about to see a much improved set of results from him on the bigger stage, and a realisation of his undoubted potential. Confidence is sure to be flowing after his recent playoff win, and a few fringe results here the last few years may be the platform for a real championship challenge this time around.
I had intended backing Matteo Mannaserro, but expected a bit bigger, and have left him alone at the moment.
In the Crowne Plaza, taking Spieth out of it, the logical place to start was Zach Johnson. I would make him about 10-1, and the opening 18s was a cracking e.w bet. He flopped here last year, but comes here now arriving into form, and looks set fair for another title assault. It will all come down to whether he putts at his best or not. If he does, I doubt he will be beaten. That is not a given at the moment though, so a good start on Thursday with the flat stick will be very important.
Chris Kirk and Chris Stroud have course credentials which demand respect.
Ian Poulter has not got out of this season what his play has deserved, but that may change here at a venue which looks made for him. I expected him to be quite a bit shorter.
Kevin Streelman looked a bit big in a field not packed full of the worlds best, and Boo Weekley has shown more than enough of late to suggest he could repeat his win of two years ago.
Hunter Mahan went into my 'follow for the forseeable' book during his performances in the Matchplay. I haven't backed him since, but only because the tracks didn't suit. I believe he will go very close if still in similar form this week, and that looks likely IMO. 60-1 looks a cracking wager, and a bit insulting to be honest.
I may have a few quid on Jerry Kelly on the machine.
Quite a few selections in both events, but with both jollies on the short side, there are plenty offering value.
2pts e.w Shane Lowry 45-1(6 places)
1pt e.w Danny Willet 50-1 (6 places)
.5pt e.w Alexander Levy 66-1 (6 places)
.6pt e.w George Coetzee 50-1 ( 6 places)
1pt e.w Luke Donald 33-1 ( 6places)
.3pt e.w Eddie Pepperell 125-1 ( 6 places)
3pts Levy Top Frenchman 9-2
8.5pts Lowry Top 20 19-10
2pts e.w Zach Johnson 18-1
.8pt e.w Ian Poulter 40-1
.9pt e.w Chris Kirk 35-1
.4pt e.w Kevin Streelman 80-1
.3pt e.w Chris Stroud 100-1
.4pt e.w Boo Weekley 80-1
.7pt e.w Hunter Mahan 60-1
Best of Luck all....few e.w doubles done on a week that has proved very profitable on that front for me in the past!!
Total Staked......682.1pts
Total Returned....650.42pts
Running Total....-31.68pts
R.O.I............-4.64%
Total Returned....650.42pts
Running Total....-31.68pts
R.O.I............-4.64%
Volvo China Open 26/04/2015 6 place
Shenzhen International 19/04/2015 2 place = Hao-tong LI[china] only 19years old , 540/1 here must be worth a fiver at that price, i have to admit i know nowt about the lad, his profile is interesting to read for one so young, goodluck with your bets lads ,and TY for another excellent post Callit.
Shenzhen International 19/04/2015 2 place = Hao-tong LI[china] only 19years old , 540/1 here must be worth a fiver at that price, i have to admit i know nowt about the lad, his profile is interesting to read for one so young, goodluck with your bets lads ,and TY for another excellent post Callit.
The 19 year old Hao-tong Li is China’s number one ranked golfer with 4 Wins in his last 15 starts. Played opposite Bubba at the SHENZHEN INTERNATIONAL posting a 71 to Bubba's 72 in the opening round. ONLY three other 65's were posted that week, one from Frenchman Julien QUESNE, on 'moving day' from Spain's Pablo LARRAZÁBAL and also from my new favourite China man Hao-Tong LI.
China’s Hao-tong Li played the round of the week, a flawless seven under par 65, on day three of the Shenzhen. Li, aged just 19, shot 39 places up the leaderboard thanks to seven brilliant birdies, including four in his first five holes. Li played alongside two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson for the first time and said: “He's pretty nice guy, so I very much enjoyed playing with him. “I hit a lot of greens and made a lot of birdies. I was pretty lucky also.”
Watson, who started the day on level par but went round in two over, praised Li, saying: “He's hitting the ball really well. He's making a lot of putts. The key around a golf course is a lot of putts and he made a lot of putts today.”
He followed with a 67 on Sunday only to lose out in a play-off to the burly Kiradech APHIBARNRAT.
Last September, Hao-tong Li won his first professional title when he captured the PGA TOUR China’s Jianye Tianzhu Henan Open. A week later, he played in the OneAsia Tour’s Nanshan China Masters and won that. He then returned to PGA TOUR China action and tied for fifth at the Nine Dragons Open outside Shanghai.
As if things weren’t already going exceedingly well already, it was the next week when his fun really began.
At the Hainan Open in Sanya, the small island just south of China’s mainland, Li completely dominated the field, double-bogeyed his 72nd hole and still won by six shots. A week later, he won the Series’ Order of Merit and earned Player of the Year honors by taking the title at the season-ending Tour Championship in Shenzhen. Winning the Order of Merit was key for Li because it gave him a full Web.com Tour exemption this season. He can play any event he wants and intends to take advantage of his exemption, knowing the Web.com Tour, as the slogan reads, is the “pathway to the PGA TOUR.”
“I will mostly be sticking to the Web.com Tour except for maybe a couple of early China events,” Li said of his playing schedule. The two tournaments that will take him back home will be the Shenzhen International and the Volvo China Open in Shanghai—two European Tour tournaments in April.
“I didn’t really want last season to end,” Li admitted with a laugh following his practice round. “I didn’t expect to have such a great finish to my season, so I’m hoping my good play can continue.”
At the close of 2012, Li, still 16 years old, was ranked No. 1,390 in the Official World Golf Ranking. By late-September of last season, after winning that first tournament, he had moved inside the top 500. By the end of the year, he had jumped all the way to No. 190 - his high-water mark. This week, ranked 192nd, Li moved past Ashun Wu to become the second-highest-ranked player in China behind only Wen Chong Liang.
As for the 292 other Web.com Tour members in 2015, only Australia’s Greg Chalmers, at No. 173, is ahead of Li in the OWGR.
Li played a pair of nine-hole practice rounds Monday and Tuesday then played in the pro-am Wednesday. He gave the Panama Golf Club high praise and a “so-so” when asked about his game. He did say the month he spent in December working out with the Chinese national team, made a big difference in preparing him for this season. “Last year, there were a lot of good players on PGA TOUR China, but from the top to the bottom, it wasn’t maybe so strong at the bottom. But on the Web.com Tour, all of the players are good, and here everybody, I think, has a chance to win.” Li is now up to #125 in the OWGR.
China’s Hao-tong Li played the round of the week, a flawless seven under par 65, on day three of the Shenzhen. Li, aged just 19, shot 39 places up the leaderboard thanks to seven brilliant birdies, including four in his first five holes. Li played alongside two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson for the first time and said: “He's pretty nice guy, so I very much enjoyed playing with him. “I hit a lot of greens and made a lot of birdies. I was pretty lucky also.”
Watson, who started the day on level par but went round in two over, praised Li, saying: “He's hitting the ball really well. He's making a lot of putts. The key around a golf course is a lot of putts and he made a lot of putts today.”
He followed with a 67 on Sunday only to lose out in a play-off to the burly Kiradech APHIBARNRAT.
Last September, Hao-tong Li won his first professional title when he captured the PGA TOUR China’s Jianye Tianzhu Henan Open. A week later, he played in the OneAsia Tour’s Nanshan China Masters and won that. He then returned to PGA TOUR China action and tied for fifth at the Nine Dragons Open outside Shanghai.
As if things weren’t already going exceedingly well already, it was the next week when his fun really began.
At the Hainan Open in Sanya, the small island just south of China’s mainland, Li completely dominated the field, double-bogeyed his 72nd hole and still won by six shots. A week later, he won the Series’ Order of Merit and earned Player of the Year honors by taking the title at the season-ending Tour Championship in Shenzhen. Winning the Order of Merit was key for Li because it gave him a full Web.com Tour exemption this season. He can play any event he wants and intends to take advantage of his exemption, knowing the Web.com Tour, as the slogan reads, is the “pathway to the PGA TOUR.”
“I will mostly be sticking to the Web.com Tour except for maybe a couple of early China events,” Li said of his playing schedule. The two tournaments that will take him back home will be the Shenzhen International and the Volvo China Open in Shanghai—two European Tour tournaments in April.
“I didn’t really want last season to end,” Li admitted with a laugh following his practice round. “I didn’t expect to have such a great finish to my season, so I’m hoping my good play can continue.”
At the close of 2012, Li, still 16 years old, was ranked No. 1,390 in the Official World Golf Ranking. By late-September of last season, after winning that first tournament, he had moved inside the top 500. By the end of the year, he had jumped all the way to No. 190 - his high-water mark. This week, ranked 192nd, Li moved past Ashun Wu to become the second-highest-ranked player in China behind only Wen Chong Liang.
As for the 292 other Web.com Tour members in 2015, only Australia’s Greg Chalmers, at No. 173, is ahead of Li in the OWGR.
Li played a pair of nine-hole practice rounds Monday and Tuesday then played in the pro-am Wednesday. He gave the Panama Golf Club high praise and a “so-so” when asked about his game. He did say the month he spent in December working out with the Chinese national team, made a big difference in preparing him for this season. “Last year, there were a lot of good players on PGA TOUR China, but from the top to the bottom, it wasn’t maybe so strong at the bottom. But on the Web.com Tour, all of the players are good, and here everybody, I think, has a chance to win.” Li is now up to #125 in the OWGR.
Backed him before and also again this week @125 6 places also in accums with Lehman + Walker/Ogilvy.
Added Bello 100/1 and Larrazabal 80/1 both e/w,theses spainish golfers will the death of me
Li on the tee - Lowry 12.40, Donald 12.50, Rose + Willet 13.00, Warren 13.15 & Levy 13.25 yet to go out.
Chris Wood #192 OWGR, #95 in Race to Dubai (R2D) - "Fighting fit and ready to go".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E--gwAmCEI
'I know you are nervous' incident 1991 CLASSIC !
'I know you are nervous' incident 1991 CLASSIC !
Is there a FIVE under score out there this afternoon ?
First round leader...KARLSSON 2/1, ROSE 20/1, LOWERY 33/1, WILLET 45/1, LEVY 66/1, RAFA 100/1 ?
First round leader...KARLSSON 2/1, ROSE 20/1, LOWERY 33/1, WILLET 45/1, LEVY 66/1, RAFA 100/1 ?
HALF the Field in the clubhouse with 69 players at even par or better.
Molinari even money with 365 for FRL...surely gets it to -6.
Added Manassero 90/1 e/w, he's VERY VERY slowly coming back into form and he's won he in 2013
Matteo +5thru12 not having that 'special feeling' today.
Matteo +5thru12 not having that 'special feeling' today.
What are the two hardest things to do when betting on golf ?
1. Get off a guy who’s playing well and 2. get back on a guy before he starts playing well !!!
Backed Francesco Molinari on his debut at El Prat last week and ended up second. The Two Time Ryder Cup winner had lifted the Spanish trophy in 2012. His half a point in the match against Tiger Woods at the 'Miracle at Medinah' secured the Ryder Cup for Europe.
Francesco's wrist injury had obviously cleared up before the Match Play in San Fran where a first-round exit didn’t reveal too much anyways, beating Adam Scott 5/4 before bowing to Kirk 2/1 & Casey one down. A three-time winner on the European Tour, with one of those wins being the WGC-HSBC Champions in 2010, Molinari is something of a course specialist here at Wentworth with his strong tee-to-green play. The Turin native made the top 10 in each of the last three years (7-9-7) and today's score matches the 65 he shot in round three when T7 last year. #coursehorse this Inter Milan Fan.
The Italian brothers are London-based so my good buddies over at 'The Wisley' will surely have had their money down. Eddie the brother, withdrew with a wrist injury on 17 which is the only downer at the house tonight. A tough ask/task we thought last week as putting lessons were required to win, so it's a surprise these bad greens this week have somehow helped him today.
Question to Mick Doran - What is your greatest memory as a caddie? - "Winning at Wentworth for the PGA Championship on the European tour, as I started my caddying around there from 12 years old" - one guess who he is caddying for this week ! http://theaptc.com/caddies/mick-doran/
Will his coach Denis Pugh be smiling on Sunday night ?
1. Get off a guy who’s playing well and 2. get back on a guy before he starts playing well !!!
Backed Francesco Molinari on his debut at El Prat last week and ended up second. The Two Time Ryder Cup winner had lifted the Spanish trophy in 2012. His half a point in the match against Tiger Woods at the 'Miracle at Medinah' secured the Ryder Cup for Europe.
Francesco's wrist injury had obviously cleared up before the Match Play in San Fran where a first-round exit didn’t reveal too much anyways, beating Adam Scott 5/4 before bowing to Kirk 2/1 & Casey one down. A three-time winner on the European Tour, with one of those wins being the WGC-HSBC Champions in 2010, Molinari is something of a course specialist here at Wentworth with his strong tee-to-green play. The Turin native made the top 10 in each of the last three years (7-9-7) and today's score matches the 65 he shot in round three when T7 last year. #coursehorse this Inter Milan Fan.
The Italian brothers are London-based so my good buddies over at 'The Wisley' will surely have had their money down. Eddie the brother, withdrew with a wrist injury on 17 which is the only downer at the house tonight. A tough ask/task we thought last week as putting lessons were required to win, so it's a surprise these bad greens this week have somehow helped him today.
Question to Mick Doran - What is your greatest memory as a caddie? - "Winning at Wentworth for the PGA Championship on the European tour, as I started my caddying around there from 12 years old" - one guess who he is caddying for this week ! http://theaptc.com/caddies/mick-doran/
Will his coach Denis Pugh be smiling on Sunday night ?
Just a note on the SENIOR PGA Championship this week as players are playing the back nine as their front nine, on the Pete Dye course at FRENCH LICK - so that 'great finishing hole' as described earlier is the ninth this week, just to confuse us - as if Pete Dye didn't try to confuse us enough.
http://news.travel.aol.com/2014/02/14/french-lick-indiana-a-visit-to-larry-b...
There you go.
Accurate description of conditions at Colonial.
"like a dartboard"
Accurate description of conditions at Colonial.
"like a dartboard"
The Crowne Plaza Invitational from Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.
The third event of Adam Scott’s "Texas Slam" - after the Valero Texas Open from TPC San Antonio, Shell Houston Open (SHO) from Humble outside Houston and now the 68th time Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth plays host to the Crowne Plaza Invitational - The first part of another TEXAS TWO STEP, with the AT&T Byron Nelson from TPC Four Seasons Resort in Irving to follow next week.
THIS week we again honour Ben Hogan at Colonial C.C. - designed by Perry Maxwell and John Bredemus - it's also known as “Hogan’s Alley” after the legendary 5 times champion with narrow fairways and dramatic dog-legs shaping this course from the tee, it goes down as a classic shot-maker's layout without question.
Not to be confused with the 6th hole in Carn-nasty or Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades - The PGA Players voted this as one of their top 5 courses to play on TOUR.
Flooding has been a big concern for Dallas this week, and the trend will continue as we head into Memorial Day weekend holiday in the USA.
Normally a warm week for Dallas area with several days making a run at 90 degrees F. The Texas winds usually stand up as the first line of defence on this par 70 but only moderate breezes are expected throughout the week. The very wet conditions with preferred lies have completely changed the outlook to pick a winner.
Another Par 70 course with only two Par 5s - the 1st Hole and 11th hole. The course opens with a friendly Par 5 which is usually the easiest hole on the course.
However that’s where the birdie chances also ends - then the fun starts - from Hole 3 onwards, with a 247 yard Par 3 fourth hole and the extremely tough 481 yard 5th hole, likely to take back any shots that were gained earlier.
It is a tight tree lined track with small greens, numerous doglegs, very well placed fairway bunkers and water in play on six holes.
This is a real test of ball striking and driving accuracy is even more important this week. Course management in finding those small greens will also be crucial (within the Top 30 in GIR will be required) as will scrambling stats when the greens are missed. Strokes Gained Putting another important stat as those putts must drop.
Remember US OPEN places are still up for grabs...for the top 60 in the Official World Golf Rankings.
The third event of Adam Scott’s "Texas Slam" - after the Valero Texas Open from TPC San Antonio, Shell Houston Open (SHO) from Humble outside Houston and now the 68th time Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth plays host to the Crowne Plaza Invitational - The first part of another TEXAS TWO STEP, with the AT&T Byron Nelson from TPC Four Seasons Resort in Irving to follow next week.
THIS week we again honour Ben Hogan at Colonial C.C. - designed by Perry Maxwell and John Bredemus - it's also known as “Hogan’s Alley” after the legendary 5 times champion with narrow fairways and dramatic dog-legs shaping this course from the tee, it goes down as a classic shot-maker's layout without question.
Not to be confused with the 6th hole in Carn-nasty or Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades - The PGA Players voted this as one of their top 5 courses to play on TOUR.
Flooding has been a big concern for Dallas this week, and the trend will continue as we head into Memorial Day weekend holiday in the USA.
Normally a warm week for Dallas area with several days making a run at 90 degrees F. The Texas winds usually stand up as the first line of defence on this par 70 but only moderate breezes are expected throughout the week. The very wet conditions with preferred lies have completely changed the outlook to pick a winner.
Another Par 70 course with only two Par 5s - the 1st Hole and 11th hole. The course opens with a friendly Par 5 which is usually the easiest hole on the course.
However that’s where the birdie chances also ends - then the fun starts - from Hole 3 onwards, with a 247 yard Par 3 fourth hole and the extremely tough 481 yard 5th hole, likely to take back any shots that were gained earlier.
It is a tight tree lined track with small greens, numerous doglegs, very well placed fairway bunkers and water in play on six holes.
This is a real test of ball striking and driving accuracy is even more important this week. Course management in finding those small greens will also be crucial (within the Top 30 in GIR will be required) as will scrambling stats when the greens are missed. Strokes Gained Putting another important stat as those putts must drop.
Remember US OPEN places are still up for grabs...for the top 60 in the Official World Golf Rankings.
Hunter Mahan may still be stuck in ‘nappy land’ as he’s scored nothing better than T20 since his son was born in early Feb. A Texas winner of the 2012 'SHO' it may be time to put the foot down with sweet Kandi, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, and as callit says ‘leave her do the night feeds’. He’s played eight weekends from 11 starts here but only one finish has been T26 or better and that was a T10 in 2011. Will take some more time for that haze to clear me tinks.
T9 at the Masters was encouraging but couldn't break 70 at the Wells Fargo to finish T47.
A six time tour winner and has a couple of WGC Championships, maybe he's one for the US Open shortlist - generally 66's but been nibbled on Betfair to 47.
Only Ben Hogan has defended his title at Colonial. He did it twice. There’s not much wonder why this place has the nickname “Hogan’s Alley”.
Course Architect in 1936 was Perry Maxwell – he was the driving force behind Augusta National after Alistair Mackenzie’s death and it’s not a coincidence that two of the last three winners here have been green jacket winners. Of the last seven winners here, five have been major champs while in the last six events on the PGA TOUR, a player ranked in the top 15 OWGR has won. SO WHO WINS THIS WEEK ?
Course Architect in 1936 was Perry Maxwell – he was the driving force behind Augusta National after Alistair Mackenzie’s death and it’s not a coincidence that two of the last three winners here have been green jacket winners. Of the last seven winners here, five have been major champs while in the last six events on the PGA TOUR, a player ranked in the top 15 OWGR has won. SO WHO WINS THIS WEEK ?
Mahan has some good finishes in US Opens.
4th in Merion in 2013.
6th in Bethpage in 2009.
The way he is striking the ball he is a contender.
4th in Merion in 2013.
6th in Bethpage in 2009.
The way he is striking the ball he is a contender.
Win or lose this week, I definitely feel Mahan has hit form, and will contend at suitable venues for the foreseeable. US Open will be one of those. Does he have the bottle to win a major though? I would be doubtful on that front.
This is much more like it from Shane today.
If he can grab a couple of birdies on the 3 Par 5s then he is nicely in this.
If he can grab a couple of birdies on the 3 Par 5s then he is nicely in this.
Yeah, that would cap a great round. 4 birdies on par 3s so far. Suggests his irons are in fine fettle. A bird on the 12th would set him nicely to hopefully get to 5 under, though I would definitely settle for 4 as it stands.
Mol doesn't seem to be going to get past 9 at the most. Hopefully doesn't get past 7.
Mol doesn't seem to be going to get past 9 at the most. Hopefully doesn't get past 7.
Lesser Irish lights,Peter Lawrie,Mc Grane and newbie Niall Kearney not too far off the lead at the moment either here.
Gmac really cannot get to grips with this venue at all.
He is not playing great at the moment anyway but struggles here every year. Surprising to some extent given that it is a thinking mans course and his record at Le Golf National.
He is not playing great at the moment anyway but struggles here every year. Surprising to some extent given that it is a thinking mans course and his record at Le Golf National.
3 superb pars from Shane from 13 through 15. Just a shame the bird didn't drop on 16.
Ya would think they could show a few more of his shots in fairness. Load o G Mac, sweet fu ck all from Shane.
That Levy is a head banger!!
Ya would think they could show a few more of his shots in fairness. Load o G Mac, sweet fu ck all from Shane.
That Levy is a head banger!!
Disappointing couple of puts to finish for Shane. Two birds would have put him in nice position.
13 under to win it??
13 under to win it??
-13 could easily win it if we get some wind at the weekend.
Francesco does not strike me as player to really kick on and he could stumble across the line over the weekend.
Grillo is as likely to bogey as many times as birdie when Sunday pressure kicks in.
Other than that, it would take a very good couple of rounds from some others (assuming the likes of Rory is -6 or worse at end of day) to trouble the -13 score.
Francesco does not strike me as player to really kick on and he could stumble across the line over the weekend.
Grillo is as likely to bogey as many times as birdie when Sunday pressure kicks in.
Other than that, it would take a very good couple of rounds from some others (assuming the likes of Rory is -6 or worse at end of day) to trouble the -13 score.
Greens are crap . Would put me off backing Rory .
Molinari is well away , and with greens so poor he might just have enough good shots in his locker to stay in front ( given that putting is his weak point ) .
Molinari is well away , and with greens so poor he might just have enough good shots in his locker to stay in front ( given that putting is his weak point ) .
Yeah, if winning score is any lower than 13 under, then it would really look like Molinaris. 10 under winning total would suit me fine at the moment.
Can anyone recall roughly what price was McIlroy to win tournament outright on wednesday evening on Betfair exchange?
3.8ish as far as i remember Reb,looks like he may have the weekend off and judging by his demeanor won't be too bothered either.
Absolutely pa , must say I wouldn't blame him . Karlson hit a putt there that jumped about 4 inches in the air over bumps .
Thanks pa, that sounds right.
I asked because I was in a bookies, locally, on wed evening chatting to the cashier. This guy, about 50, came over and enquired, "What price is Rory for the golf". Cashier checked and told him 5/2. "I'll have 2 on it so", he said, and took 200 out of his pocket (I thought he was going to take out 2 euro!). When I got home, I checked the price on Oddschecker and saw that he could have had his bet on at 11/4 if he'd walked about 250 metres to the next bookies. Foolish man, given the level of his stake and regardless of whether his bet won or lost.
I asked because I was in a bookies, locally, on wed evening chatting to the cashier. This guy, about 50, came over and enquired, "What price is Rory for the golf". Cashier checked and told him 5/2. "I'll have 2 on it so", he said, and took 200 out of his pocket (I thought he was going to take out 2 euro!). When I got home, I checked the price on Oddschecker and saw that he could have had his bet on at 11/4 if he'd walked about 250 metres to the next bookies. Foolish man, given the level of his stake and regardless of whether his bet won or lost.
No probs Reb.
Yeah it kinda showed in his after round interview Kelly,he seemed a fella that just wanted to go home and i wouldn't be that harsh on him there.As you are there Kelly i,d imagine he would be very familiar with Royal County Down,how familiar? Probably will be overbet but with this weekend off he nearly should have the right head on him for this with local crowd/course etc,some shocking shots today but a different ball game for him Thurs i think.
Yeah it kinda showed in his after round interview Kelly,he seemed a fella that just wanted to go home and i wouldn't be that harsh on him there.As you are there Kelly i,d imagine he would be very familiar with Royal County Down,how familiar? Probably will be overbet but with this weekend off he nearly should have the right head on him for this with local crowd/course etc,some shocking shots today but a different ball game for him Thurs i think.
Not really surprised at all that Rory didn't dig in. Next week on the horizon, playing a track that doesn't suit....by the 9th hole today a weekend off would have seemed a much better idea than another 36.
Not too sure he will be hugely overbet Pa. I think he will be a bigger price next week than this.....after extra days off, no transatlantic flight, on a track that will suit much better, and in a field that will likely be slightly weaker. This was the week where he was definitely too short.
Kevin Na seems very short stateside.
Not too sure he will be hugely overbet Pa. I think he will be a bigger price next week than this.....after extra days off, no transatlantic flight, on a track that will suit much better, and in a field that will likely be slightly weaker. This was the week where he was definitely too short.
Kevin Na seems very short stateside.
Rory knows RCD well ,pa . Plus the Walker Cup was there before he turned pro , although he did not play particularly well in the Walker Cup as it happened . The greens will be good though , the unknown factor will be the wind if any . If the weather is rough anyone can win next week provided they stay out of major trouble . Calm weather would suit Rory , but reckon that is probably asking too much for Ireland in May .
Weather meant to be pretty decent next wk. No heat wave or anything, cloudy, but dry and high teens.
Chris Doak may be of interest at a massive price.
Danny Willet looks a good bet at 4-5 to account for Alvaro Quiros tomorrow morning. AQ is always likely to throw in an 80, and make it easy pickings, and either way, I quite fancy DW to go pretty low tomorrow. 1.82 on here in a market with little liquidity, closer to 1.9 may be available by morn.
Chris Doak may be of interest at a massive price.
Danny Willet looks a good bet at 4-5 to account for Alvaro Quiros tomorrow morning. AQ is always likely to throw in an 80, and make it easy pickings, and either way, I quite fancy DW to go pretty low tomorrow. 1.82 on here in a market with little liquidity, closer to 1.9 may be available by morn.
Thanks Kelly.
Wouldn't be a Na fan either statesside,forecast is breezy with thunderstorms today and tomorrow though they are out early today to try and counter that(Na 3.10 GMT).
Small interest at treble figures on Nick Taylor for me,hasn't really done a lot since taking last Autumns Sandersons Farm,but near enough on the leaderboard to hopefully be at least fighting for a place.
Wouldn't be a Na fan either statesside,forecast is breezy with thunderstorms today and tomorrow though they are out early today to try and counter that(Na 3.10 GMT).
Small interest at treble figures on Nick Taylor for me,hasn't really done a lot since taking last Autumns Sandersons Farm,but near enough on the leaderboard to hopefully be at least fighting for a place.
Just looking at Poulters card.
He had a 16ft putt for birdie on the 10th.....and made Double Bogey. Happy Gilmore would have got it in the hole quicker. Missed from 3ft then 2ft. Gypsy!!
Another good round from Shane, just a shame he was so far adrift after Thursdays effort.
He had a 16ft putt for birdie on the 10th.....and made Double Bogey. Happy Gilmore would have got it in the hole quicker. Missed from 3ft then 2ft. Gypsy!!
Another good round from Shane, just a shame he was so far adrift after Thursdays effort.
Just looking at Poulters card.
He had a 16ft for birdie on the 10th, and managed to make Double Bogey!! Happy Gilmore would have got it in the hole quicker. Missed from 3ft, then 2ft. Feckin gypsy!!
Another good round from Shane today, just a shame he was so adrift after Thursdays effort. Hopefully can finish off with another 67 or better. At least nick the top 6. Leaderboard looks frail, he might get some help from the top.
He had a 16ft for birdie on the 10th, and managed to make Double Bogey!! Happy Gilmore would have got it in the hole quicker. Missed from 3ft, then 2ft. Feckin gypsy!!
Another good round from Shane today, just a shame he was so adrift after Thursdays effort. Hopefully can finish off with another 67 or better. At least nick the top 6. Leaderboard looks frail, he might get some help from the top.
Hopefully it doesn't cost him!
He said it has never happened to him before from that length.
Have Molinari in the mix in Surrey as well so hopefully one of them gets over the line.
He said it has never happened to him before from that length.
Have Molinari in the mix in Surrey as well so hopefully one of them gets over the line.
Looking at the weather forecast I'd say it is unlikely they will get the final round completed today.
Lots of rain and thunderstorms.
http://www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/USTX0474:1:US
Lots of rain and thunderstorms.
http://www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/USTX0474:1:US
Looking at the weather forecast I'd say it is unlikely they will get the final round completed today.
Lots of rain and thunderstorms.
http://www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/USTX0474:1:US
Lots of rain and thunderstorms.
http://www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/USTX0474:1:US
Hats off the An.
He's been threatening to win the last few months and what a stage to get it done.
He's been threatening to win the last few months and what a stage to get it done.
Amazing the amount of times Jordan birdies the 18th. Class act.
Kirks drive on 18 is not making it easy. Playoff looks likely now IMO. And if Kirk gets too cute with second shot....he may not even be in it.
Chris Doak worth a few pound of anyones money at 1000 for next week.
WD callit.
Disappointing Sunday for my team.
Molinari failing to close again and Poulter comes up short in a strkeplay event again.
Disappointing Sunday for my team.
Molinari failing to close again and Poulter comes up short in a strkeplay event again.
Cheers Apple.
Poulters driving was horrendous. How he finished within two is a mystery. And hugely infuriating for backers.
Poulters driving was horrendous. How he finished within two is a mystery. And hugely infuriating for backers.
Catch Me ifyoucan • May 19, 2015 12:19 AM BST
Alberto Contador (Giro) & Lehman (Seniors) yankees with Walker, Freddie, Kirk & Ogilvy in Hogan's Alley
Kirk and Jimenez in the bag with 4 stages to go for Alberto to collect doubles/trebles.
Had this typed & ready to post but it never made it to press. Only Ben Hogan has defended his title at Colonial. He did it twice. There’s not much wonder why this place has the nickname “Hogan’s Alley”. Course Architect in 1936 was Perry Maxwell – he was the driving force behind Augusta National after Alistair Mackenzie’s death and it’s not a coincidence that two of the last three winners here have been green jacket winners. Of the last seven winners here, five have been major champs while in the last six events on the PGA TOUR, a player ranked in the top 15 OWGR has won. Had Spieth and Scott in mind but they didn't make the cut as we went for the four above in the end.
Chris Kirk 75 on Sunday saw his 54-hole lead at THE PLAYERS evaporate and T13 might have taken him off the radar. Not me. He likes Colonial as he closed with 65 here in 2012 for T5 and fired a second round 64 last year (T14) to make him a perfect five-from-five in his career.
Last time in Texas at SHO Chris posted T8 result and he played well last time out at THE PLAYERS (T13). His recent record at Colonial is good with three top 16s in his last four starts including a T5 in '12. Chris went cold in February and March but now has top 35s in each of his past four stroke-play events. He doesn't rely on distance or scoring on par 5s, so short par 70 tracks are right up his alley. His record of 5-for-5 cuts here with three top 25s doesn't hurt either, when it comes to striking a bet.
Alberto Contador (Giro) & Lehman (Seniors) yankees with Walker, Freddie, Kirk & Ogilvy in Hogan's Alley
Kirk and Jimenez in the bag with 4 stages to go for Alberto to collect doubles/trebles.
Had this typed & ready to post but it never made it to press. Only Ben Hogan has defended his title at Colonial. He did it twice. There’s not much wonder why this place has the nickname “Hogan’s Alley”. Course Architect in 1936 was Perry Maxwell – he was the driving force behind Augusta National after Alistair Mackenzie’s death and it’s not a coincidence that two of the last three winners here have been green jacket winners. Of the last seven winners here, five have been major champs while in the last six events on the PGA TOUR, a player ranked in the top 15 OWGR has won. Had Spieth and Scott in mind but they didn't make the cut as we went for the four above in the end.
Chris Kirk 75 on Sunday saw his 54-hole lead at THE PLAYERS evaporate and T13 might have taken him off the radar. Not me. He likes Colonial as he closed with 65 here in 2012 for T5 and fired a second round 64 last year (T14) to make him a perfect five-from-five in his career.
Last time in Texas at SHO Chris posted T8 result and he played well last time out at THE PLAYERS (T13). His recent record at Colonial is good with three top 16s in his last four starts including a T5 in '12. Chris went cold in February and March but now has top 35s in each of his past four stroke-play events. He doesn't rely on distance or scoring on par 5s, so short par 70 tracks are right up his alley. His record of 5-for-5 cuts here with three top 25s doesn't hurt either, when it comes to striking a bet.
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