This week's PGA Tour action sees the FedEx St Jude Classic from TPC Southwind, Memphis, with Lee Westwood looking to defend a title he won in bizarre circumstances.
With Robert Garrigus three shots clear playing the last, you would have got huge odds on Westwood winning, but a triple bogey seven from Garrigus meant a playoff was needed and the world No.2 clinched victory on the first extra hole. This week, he's the only player in the world's top 25 in the field and is predictably a single-figure favourite, with Victor Chandler's 15/2 quote the best on offer. Past winner David Toms is next in the betting at 11/1.
The par-70 course is no pushover with the third-highest scoring average of the 14 par-70s used on Tour and cannot be overpowered. Instead the emphasis is very much on hitting greens in regulation and, this week at least, coping with the hot and humid conditions. The Bermuda greens are not everyone's cup of tee either.
My Three Against The Tee:-
David Toms @ 12/1 Blue Square
It may not be the most original pick but Toms has to be a must for any staking plan this week, based on his exceptional form here - two wins and seven top-10s overall in his last nine starts - and some exceptional current form, with his win at Colonial following hot on the heels of a playoff loss at the Players. Of course, that's reflected in his odds but there's simply no getting away from him and it's impossible to imagine he won't be in the mix come Sunday. And a 12/1 winner is never a bad thing in my book.
While you are at it, back him for next week's Tiger-less US Open at Congressional at 50/1 with Boylesports, who are not only top price but are offering an eye-catching six places. Like this week's track, Congressional will place a firm emphasis on GIR and scrambling, so experienced and accurate players like Toms will be in their element.
John Senden @ 40/1 Boylesports
The Irish firm are also a tad generous on the Aussie's chances this week and their 40/1 should be snapped up. Like Toms, he's deadly accurate with his irons - ranked 10th on Tour - and has already shown a liking for the course with two top-10s in his last four starts. His seventh place at Memorial last week was his best finish of the season, so he comes into this week at the top of his game too.
Shaun Micheel @ 125/1 Coral
The 2003 PGA Champion has really struggled for form this season but last week's tied-22nd - would have been much better but for a closing 75 - could be a turning point and he will have some good memories of this place having fourth 12 months ago, to go with two other top-20s. Given he'd missed three cuts in a row previously, there's more than a chance he'll do so again this week but that's worth chancing at the odds. I'm also liking the look of 10/1 for a Top-10 Finish with Stan James.
Recommended Bets:-
David Toms 3pts each-way @ 12/1 Blue Square
John Senden 1pt each-way @ 40/1 Boylesports
Shaun Micheel 0.5pt each-way @ 125/1 Coral / Top Finish 1pt @ 10/1 Stan James
