Arch-rivals Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson lock horns for the first time since the Masters in the Quail Hollow Championship in North Carolina, along with a further 10 of the world's top-20 ranked players.
The Quail Hollow course has everything: length (7,400 yards+), tree-lined fairways, water in play on many holes, firm greens and an evil closing stretch (holes 16-18) known as 'The Green Mile'. It's tough, so expect the cream to the rise to the top as it has done for the past five seasons, with Sean O'Hair (09), Anthony Kim, Tiger, Jim Furyk and Vijay Singh making up the roll-call of champions.
Ross' Three Off The Tee:-
Anthony Kim @ 25/1 Boylesports
Didn't exactly cover himself in glory last week in Korea (tied-16th), but you can't argue with his previous form; winning the Shell Houston, third at the Masters and runner-up at the Honda Classic. What makes him a standout bet this week, though, is his course record as he can also count on a fifth here in 2007, in addition to his victory in 2008. Another strong week looks most likely and thanks to the presence of the big two (and Boylesports' generosity), we can back him at a tasty 25/1.
Nick Watney @ 35/1 Paddy Power
Like Kim, Watney has quickly got the hang of playing this tough track as he's yet to finish outside the top-40 in five appearances (four top-25's) and he will be fresher than most having not played since the Masters, where he was a solo seventh. This week's track is not dissimilar to Augusta in many ways and most of the previous winners also have excellent Augusta records, so that's another pointer to his chances. His price is right too.
Stewart Cink @ 70/1 bet365
For my final pick, I'm going to delve a little deeper down the betting list and was surprised how far I had to go to reach our Open champ Cink, who no way should be 70/1. For one, he has already shown his liking for the course with top-10 finishes in 2007 and 2008, while in finishing tied-14th at Harbour Island two weeks ago he gave every indication that he was finding his form again after a quiet start to the year. A superb ball-striker, he just needs his putter to get hot to contend.
Bubbling Under: Stuart Appleby (80/1 Blue Square)
The Aussie lost the plot in 2009, but a change of caddie and some added confidence on the greens has seen this former class act post eighth and sixth on his last outings. Don't bet against another top-10 finish here.
Punters Beware: Tiger Woods
The world No.1 looked far from happy with his game at Augusta, yet he's less than half his price of three weeks ago in what is one of the strongest fields of the year outside the majors. Sportingbet might have some takers for their standout 7/2, but I won't be one of them.
Recommended Bets:
Anthony Kim 1.5pts each-way @ 25/1 Boylesports
Nick Watney 1pt each-way @ 35/1 Paddy Power
Stewart Cink 1pt each-way @ 70/1 bet365