The real golf season starts here?

The expat romantic in me can't get over years of watching the PGA Championship from Wentworth. It's the start proper of the UK sporting summer, usually followed by the first Lords test and then before you know it, we're into the Open championship, the greatest tournament in golf. Wentworth is almost as famous as Augusta to the Brits and has the same telegenic qualities, beautiful, challenging and best of all, with two par fives to finish.

This year's field boasts eight (count em) major winners, although that does include Ben Curtis and Paul Lawrie and this year the course has been tweaked (is nothing sacred?) by none other than Theodore Ernest Els. Which is why it's a shame that they are having a terrible spell of bad weather at the moment and this week looks no better. Starting on a Friday, the tournament organisers are hoping that the clouds will at least have cleared by the weekend.

All our tips this week are people who have been brought up playing golf in really crap conditions. Step forward the massed ranks of Celtic golfers!

We really like Darren Clarke's chances this week. After his much publicised honesty (and a six at the last that cost him a home win), it would be instant karma if the golfing gods let hin win here. Of course he's got the game, he knows the course as he's got a house there (as have half the field), and whilst he's not a generous price, he'll be there on the last day.

You'll get much bigger odds on a US Tour player who grew up in one of the world's rainiest towns. Recently back on the European circuit, Philip Price is from Pontypridd, famous for being the birthplace of Tom Jones and goal kicking machine Neil Jenkins and easily the wettest place I have ever lived. Pricey had a tough time in the USA after doing brilliantly at tour school and he's ridiculous value at 300/1 with Betfair. He's very solid and might have his eye on a late run towards Ryder Cup points following his singles win over Amy's husband last time round.

We'll not be taking prices on some of the people who have blown winning positions over the last few weeks, especially Scott and Immelman, who are both being tipped by some of our competitors, but we might have a few bob on old favourite Monty if we can get three figure odds. We'll be looking to back all three to finish in the first ten. Friday start, don't forget. Hope it blows a gale!