The US Open returns to New York at Bethpage Black after hosting the event in 2002. Since Mike Davis took control of how the US Open courses are to be set up, the focus has changed somewhat from hitting fairways and greens to a more long hitters dream. Since 2006, Ogilvy, Cabrera and Woods have won the US Open, each enjoying great length, sometimes at the expense of accuracy. I am a little disappointed that the advantage has been handed back to the long hitters. Ive complained time and time again that the hazards the pros endue for errant shots are not hazardous enough. I believe the guy who consistently hits fairways and greens, although not as exciting, deserves a chance to win. With reports from Bethpage that the course is playing soft and long, shorter hitters, regardless of their accuracy, could struggle.
At the 2002 US Open at Bethpage, Tiger Woods triumphed and after seeing Tigers hugely impressive win at the Memorial, it is difficult to find any reason in his game not to back him. However, my top tip at the beginning of the year was Woods to win any major at 5/6 and I’m extremely happy with this bet. For this reason, I do not need to go chasing him this week at 2/1 and can instead look elsewhere to try and give you some value for money.
Phil Mickelson is at 20/1 and under normal circumstances, he would certainly be my top tip. He has a good record in the US Open and I would personally love to see him win this week. However, one cannot know what mental state Mickelson is in with his wife Amy, undergoing treatment for cancer. For this reason, it’s too risky for me to part with my money.
David Toms driving accuracy and Greens in Regulation should be ideal for a US Open, but such are the changes since 2006 and the length of Bethpage, he may not quite have enough to win, which is a pity. However, if the course were to dry up and play hard and fast, the likes of Toms and indeed Jim Furyk could be in with a chance.
So if you are not going to bet on the top 2 this week, who will you focus your attention on. For me, the following comprise my top 4:
Geoff Ogilvy: At 20/1, he stands out as a great bet. With 2 wins this season, Ogilvy is having a great season. Whats more is that he is no stranger to winning big events and if you had a choice of picking someone to go head to head with the great Tiger Woods down the stretch, Ogilvy would be your choice every time. His length is an asset but when hot, he also has an incredible putting stroke and is currently second in the putting stats this season. He has to have a great chance this week and I’m happy to recommend him at 20/1.
Paul Casey: No European has won the US Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970 but Casey can change that. He is in the form of his life and his length again off the tee will be vital. I watched him recently win at Wentworth and although he didn’t putt well, he maintained his composure superbly in the final few holes, a sign that the Englishman has matured immensely. He has in the past been an inconsistent player but now looks to be improving in this aspect. At 28/1, he takes my fancy.
Kenny Perry: After enduring such a difficult loss at the Masters, many will think Kenny Perry blew his chance at winning a major. However, moving away from that, Perry is a big hitter with one of the best putting strokes in the business. He is certainly capable of winning if he can find his top form again. 6 top-10 finishes from 14 events and 8th in scoring average this season mean at 55/1, Perry looks way over priced and I think is a good each way prospect.
Nick Watney: He is 5th in Driving distance this season on Tour and 12th in scoring average. In addition, when you consider he has 10 top-25 finishes from 13 events this season, including 1 win and 1 second place finish, Watney should not be dismissed. What really grabbed my attention was the 75/1 price on offer and so, he represents good each way value.
Tags: Tournament Previews/Odds/Reviews, US Open 2009 by admin
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Well, it looks like finally the US Open will get finished today and I don’t know about you but I feel it has been somewhat ruined by the elements. It has been a cruel blow for those who started early Thursday morning and I cannot help but think it has undermined the Championship somewhat. That is not to take away from the excellent performances of Messrs Barnes and Glover however. It will no doubt be a gruelling final round for the pair who will not be able to ignore the long name of Mickelson on the leaderboard and Woods a couple of shots further back.
