The second event in the FedEx Cup series is starting a day later than usual to allow a Bank Holiday Monday finish in the States. It has been played at the TPC of Boston since 2003.
The Course: TPC of Boston, Norton, MA (par71, 7,207 yards)
The Arnold Palmer-designed track is characterised by several forced carries over water and wetlands. There are just three par-5’s: the 2nd, which has water in front of the green; the 600 yard 7th; and the excellent closing hole, which offers eagles and disasters in equal measure. The bentgrass greens are smaller than average and tricky to tread. The course favours power over accuracy.
Ross’ Top Pick: Vijay Singh @ 14/1 Paddy Power
Singh’s play-off win denied bettingpro followers a winner in last week’s Barclays, when he defeated Sergio Garcia after extra holes. That makes it two wins from his last four starts for the Fijian, which is not bad considering he’s supposed to be ‘struggling’ with his putting. I don’t like tipping players to win back-to-back, but such is Singh’s record here – a win and two other top-four finishes - that he could go in again, and at 14/1 he’s an each way steal.
Next Best: Camilo Villegas @ 45/1 Boylesports
The Colombian is still looking for his first win on Tour, but that will come sooner than later. He’s played some excellent golf this year, including at this year’s Open where he shot a brilliant third round 65. True, he missed the cut last week, but his long hitting style is much more suited to this week’s track and I expect him to improve on last year’s performance when he finished tied ninth. Oh, I nearly forgot, he won $220,000 in a skins game on Tuesday!
Outsider: Martin Laird @ 150/1 BetDirect
For my outsider pick, it was a toss-up between Scotsman Laird and American Kevin Streelman. Both are in excellent form: Streelman has made 11 cuts in a row and has finished sixth and fourth in the last two weeks; Laird is 4-4-7 for his last three starts. Best price on Streelman is now 90/1 (bet365), but Laird is still a whopping 150/1 with BetDirect and a tasty 12/1 with the same firm to finish in the top-10.
Tournament Lay (Betfair): Padraig Harrington
The dual Major champion needs a break judging by his tired-looking performance last week when missing the cut.
Ross’ Match Bet: Sergio Garcia to beat Padraig Harrington @ 5/6 Stan James
Recommended Bets:
Vijay Singh 2pts each way @ 14/1 Paddy Power
Camilo Villegas 1p each way 45/1 Boylesports
Martin Laird 1pt each way @ 150/1 BetDirect
Martin Laird (Top 10 Finish) 1pt @ 12/1 BetDirect