The FedEx Cup is done and dusted – Vijay Singh is so far clear in the points standings that he has only got to turn up this week to collect the trophy and a whopping cheque for $10million. However, this is a megabucks tournament in its own right, with a total purse of $7m ($1.26m to the winner), and serious bragging rights of course.
The Course: East Lake GC, Atlanta, Georgia (par-70, 7154 yards)
A tough test which, at just over 7,100 yards, is long for a par-70 track. There are only two par-5’s, which are by far the easiest holes, but plenty of long par-4’s compensate. The 18th, the last of four par-3’s at 232 yards, provides a thrilling finish. In the past, low scores had to be earned on the tricky Bentgrass greens, but these have been re-laid with Bermuda since last year due to complaints about their condition. The course is hosting its seventh Tour Championship since 1998, so there’s plenty of course form to go on.
Ross’ Top Tip: Vijay Singh @ 6/1 Paddy Power
bettingpro followers have made a packet backing Singh in recent weeks and they should fill their boots here. The Fijian is the only player to finish in the top ten of this event in each of the last five years. The winner in 2002, his East Lake CV here reads: 2-3-10-4-8-7; and he stands an incredible 57 under par for his 28 rounds around here. Enough said.
Next Best: Camilo Villegas @ 14/1 William Hill
Again, bettingpro followers would have been celebrating after the Colombian won the third FedEx Cup competition at Bellerive at 33/1 – hope you were on! I doubt we’ll get that price again for a while, but 14’s is not to be sniffed at in this limited field. The fact that he’s already had a look at this track – finished ninth on his debut last year – is encouraging, and he’s a much better player now.
Outsider: Trevor Immelman @ 35/1 bet365
The temptation is to throw in a US Ryder Cupper, but there has to be a limit on how much adrenaline any player can drum up, and they may have nothing left in the locker. I could be wrong of course and the obvious one to back is young gun Hunter Mahan (20/1 Boylesports), especially as he placed fifth on his East Lake bow 12 months ago. However, at nearly double his odds, Masters winner Immelman gets the nod. He too was fifth here on his debut (2006), and has progressive form coming into this – 70th, 50th and 13th in his last three starts.
Tournament Lay: Sergio Garcia
Looked out of sorts last week and I doubt he can pick himself up so quickly after that disappointment. Lay him for a place on Betfair – 3.65 at the time of writing.
In-Play Notes:
The winner is nearly always in the first three (including ties) after the third round, so don’t expect anyone to come from too far off the pace on Sunday.
Ross’ 72-Hole Match Bet: Camilo Villegas to beat Sergio Garcia @ 10/11 Ladbrokes
Recommended Bets:
Vijay Singh 2½ pts @ 6/1 Paddy Power
Camilo Villegas 1½ pts each way @ 14/1 William Hill
Trevor Immelman 1pt each way @ 35/1 bet365