Phil Mickelson continues his request to be world No.1 when he tees of as Paddy Power's 8/1 favourite for the Crowne Plaza Invitational, the final leg of the PGA Tour's Texas Swing at Colonial Country Club.
Measuring only 7, 204 yards, Colonial's defence is its tree-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers, meaning shot-shapers and ball-strikers are rewarded. While the par is 70, you can still expect plenty of birdies this week and par on some holes is going to feel like a dropped shot
Ross' Three Off The Tee:-
Phil Mickelson @ 8/1 Paddy Power
I usually like to take on the favourite but the Masters winner has a massive chance of victory this week and, even at single-figure odds, is a must for the staking plan. He's already a two-time winner of this event, shooting a 65-68-65-68 on his way to victory the last time he teed up here in 2008, and, after a slow start to the year by his standards, he's hit form with a vengeance, following up his Augusta win with second place at Quail Hollow - we can forgive him his 17th place at Sawgrass last time out as he's never been a fan of the course. What really makes him a standout bet this week, though, is the added incentive of being able to usurp Tiger at the top of the official world golf rankings, while the fact tournament officials are planning several initiatives to help back his wife Amy's cancer fight will only make him even more determined to win.
Kenny Perry @ 40/1 bet365
After tipping Perry up last week at 50/1, it was disappointing to see him shoot 73 in the final round and drop down to 16th. However, after an indifferent start to 2010, his name is at least starting to appear on leaderboards again and he has always played his best golf at his time of year. In fact, he's won this event twice already and in the hope he can find a little more consistency with his putting (his downfall on Sunday), he should be thereabouts again.
Davis Love III @ 100/1 Boylesports
From one veteran to another and one who looks to have been seriously under-estimated by Boylesports - Ladbrokes go a more realistic 66/1. While Love has never won here and must have teed up on many occasions in his career, he does have four top-five finishes to his name, including a pair of seconds, and arrives here with some decent form under his belt, having finished tied-17th at Quail Hollow and tied-4th at Sawgrass. OK, he might not win, but 25/1 a place will do very nicely.
Bubbling Under: Ryan Palmer (150/1 Coral)
On his home course so knows it like the back of his hand and was a winner of the Sony Open back in January. Has been generally out of form since - hence his price - but his tie for 9th in the Texas Open two starts ago was a much better effort.
Punters Beware: Golfers with a late tee time on Thursday
The wind is always a factor in the State and as it tends to freshen in the afternoon, an early tee time is a big advantage.
Recommended Bets:-
Phil Mickelson 5pts @ 8/1 Paddy Power
Kenny Perry 1pt each-way @ 40/1 bet365
Davis Love III 1pt each-way @ 100/1 Boylesports