After the howling winds and biting cold of the so called English summer, the world's greatest golfers travel to Akron Ohio this week for another WGC event at Firestone. Familiar to most of us as a course played on computer games (it's the one with the big golf ball on a giant flagpole), Firestone is one of the longer tracks on the US Tour, with six par fours over 450 yards yet only a rated a par of 70. With one of the two par fives known as the Monster, it was ranked as the most difficult course on the US Tour last year and sure to test the golf game of even this elite field.
Normally, this event wouldn't be a great betting proposition with a certain Mr Woods usually marked up at a very short price. He's won here six times in eight starts after all. But famously, he's not here this week, so the door's wide open for everyone else to help themself to a share of the dollars and importantly the WGC points on offer.
Three tips against the field this week include a man at the top of his and the world's game, a very boring form choice plus a nicely priced outsider with a hint of form.
I can't not tip Padraig Harrington after the way he won at Birkdale. The three wood into 17 was enough on its own but I was struck by the beaming smile and obvious enjoyment on his face coming down the stretch. He played flawless golf racking up five threes in the last eight holes in the Open and there's no reason why he can't keep it going. With no Tiger (or even Greg Norman, who's having a tilt at the US Seniors) to worry about, he could easily run away with this and he's an absolute steal in my book at the 20/1 on offer.
The obvious form choice is Stewart Cink, winner of this event in 2004 and enjoying his best season ever with a win in the Travellers Championship plus two seconds and a couple of thirds already this year. He's on his way to the highest season winnings of his career and sure to be a thorn in the side of the European team come the Ryder Cup. Like Furyk, it's hard to warm to Cink but as a form pick you can't leave him out. Unlike Mickleson who seemed lost and disinterested at Loch Lomond and worse at Birkdale.
Searching through the field for a good each way chance, I'm keen to have a few bucks on Ryan Palmer. He's had a top ten finish at this event before and he's been there or thereabouts this year and currently ranked at 30th in driving distance. He's good value each way at three figure odds and a good bet to make the cut.
Recommended staking guide:
Harrington: 5 points win, 2 points place
Cink: 3 points win
Palmer: 1 point win and place
