AT&T National: Kim Ready to Defend

Made an inauspicious debut here last year when claiming 36th place, but he's a much classier player these days.

The PGA Tour moves to Washington this week for the AT&T National, which is hosted by Tiger Woods.

The Course: Congressional C.C. (Blue Course), Bethesda, MD (par-70, 7,255 yards)
Pretty it may be with its vistas, ponds, rock bridges and foliage, but don't let that fool you - this is one of (if not the most) demanding par-70 courses in the States. The signature hole is the 466-yard par-4 18th with water on three sides, a thick grove of cedar trees for errant shots and bunkers right of the green, requiring a second shot of great courage. There’s also a 218-yard par-3 over a massive lake, while the ninth, at 602 yards, is a hugely demanding par-5 with a deep ravine in front of the green. Most will lay up.

Ross' Top Tip: Anthony Kim @ 25/1 bet365
Tiger Woods is the obvious favourite this week, but 2/1 (Sportingbet) is just too short for my liking, especially as he has the added distraction of being event host, and Kim is one player who won't shirk a head-to-head with the world No.1. Granted, his 2009 has been largely disappointing, but the old swagger looked to be coming back in his last two starts - tied-16th at the US Open and tied-11th at the Travelers Championship, where he was 1st in the putting stats - so he won't be short of confidence this week as the defending champion.

Next Best: Nick Watney @ 50/1 Ladbrokes
Made an inauspicious debut here last year when claiming 36th place, but he's a much classier player these days - witness his superb win at Torrey Pines and his second to Phil Mickelson at Doral - with the only chink in his game being the occasional wayward drive, which is not such a big deal on this track. OK, his form has been a little in-and-out of late with three MC's coming either side of two top-25 finishes, but he's well-rested since the US Open and the 50/1 with Ladbrokes is simply too big.

Outsider: John Senden @ 66/1 Stan James
The Aussie's sweet ball-striking - ranked first in GIR this year - is tailormade for Congressional. It's no surprise then that he finished tied-18th here last year with three rounds in the 60's, and he arrives here on the back of his best finish of the season - tied-4th at the St Jude Classic. It's a slight concern he hasn't played since but, on the other hand, he'll be fresher than most and raring to go.

Tournament Lay (Betfair): Tiger Woods (lay to back)
By far the most likely winner but he's not invincible - just two wins from eight starts since his return from injury - and current odds of 2/1 look skinny. Could trade at bigger odds in-play, which makes him a lay to back proposition.

Ross' 72-Hole Match Bet: Nick Watney to beat KJ Choi @ 10/11 Ladbrokes

Recommended Bets:
Anthony Kim 2pts each-way @ 25/1 bet365
Nick Watney 1pt each-way @ 50/1 Ladbrokes
John Senden 1pt each-way @ 66/1 Stan James

 

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Tags: Anthony Kim,  AT & T National,  Congressional,  Golf Betting,  John Senden,  KJ Choi,  Nick Watney,  PGA Tour,  Tiger Woods