Tiger Woods returns from the golfing wilderness once again this week when he tees up for Jack Nicklaus' Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club.
Despite his recent problems, the world No.1 is the only four-time champion here and Paddy Power clearly expect him to threaten for a fifth title as they are just 6/1, while Betfred and Stan James go a more realistic 15/2. Phil Mickelson, looking to bounce back from last week's missed cut, is a general 10/1 second favourite.
The course is a real brute having played the most difficult par 72 of all non-majors in 2009 (at +1.425 to par) and, like many Nicklaus-designed tracks, rewards power and precision off the tee.
Ross' Three Off The Tee:-
Geoff Ogilvy @ 33/1 Blue Square
Looked to be returning to something like his superb early season form at Colonial on Sunday, with a 64 giving him a share of 13th place, and has posted top-10s here for the last three years. He also leads the Tour in proximity to the hole from the rough and that could be a key stat this week.
KJ Choi @ 25/1 Ladbrokes
Also near the front of the betting, I really like the look of Choi. The Korean is a multiple winner on Tour and has done particularly well here, winning in 2007, finishing fifth (2004), eighth (2005) and 13th last year. This season, he's been in excellent form, not finishing worse than 39th in 12 starts, and is due a win after some near misses (2nd in the Transitions and 4th at Augusta).
Justin Rose @ 80/1 Coral
The final pick is at more speculative odds but is no less fancied. While the Englishman doesn't win as often as he should, he came close to doing just that when runner-up here in 2008, and clearly likes this tough track as he was also fourth in 2004. Recent form is encouraging too with his tenth place finish at Wentworth making it five top-10s this year, including third place at the Honda Classic.
Bubbling Under: Ricky Barnes (125/1 Skybet)
Plays these tough courses well - tied second at the 2009 US Open and 10th at Augusta this year - and caught the eye again when finishing seventh at Colonial. Hard to see him winning, but another top-10 finish at 11/1 with Skybet is realistic.
Punters Beware: Phil Mickelson / Tiger Woods.
I got my fingers burnt backing Mickelson last week (sorry if you followed me in) - but won't be making the same mistake again. The world No.2 played woefully at Colonial, beating just one other player home, and has posted just two career top-10s at Muirfield. As for Woods, I couldn't fancy him at any price right now.
Recommended Bets:-
Geoff Ogilvy 1.5pts @ 33/1 Blue Square
KJ Choi 1.5pts @ 25/1 Ladbrokes
Justin Rose 1pt each-way @ 80/1 Coral