Back him and we'll soon know our fate but he's worth a small play at massive odds.
The four-leg FedEX Cup Play-offs (to determine how the eye-watering $35m bonus fund will be distributed) begin with The Barclays at a new venue for the event, Liberty National in Jersey City.
The Course: Liberty National, Jersey City, NY (par-70, 7,400 yards)
This Robert E. Cupp (who?) and Tom Kite-designed track is being used for the first time on Tour so little is known about it, apart from the fact it cost a fortune to build and has stunning views over Manhattan down the mile long waterfront, meaning wind could be a factor. One thing's for certain, though, with thick rough bordering the fairways and a plethora of difficult pin placements, it's going to play tough. As you'd expect from a par-70, there are just three par-5's, the 6th, 8th (the longest at 611 yards) and 13th.
Ross' Top Tip: Padraig Harrington @ 22/1 Skybet
All bar two (the injured Paul Casey and Tom Watson) of the 125 qualifiers for this event will tee off this week - that's the lure of the dollar for you - and they are headed by Tiger Woods of course. You don't need me to tell you he's the most likely winner, but YE Yang showed the rest he can be beaten down the stretch and on a brand new course (which won't necessarily suit him), I will not be backing him at the general 15/8.
Phil Mickelson isn't second favourite this week, which isn't that surprising considering his recent form of 73rd in the PGA and 58th at Bridgestone. Instead, that honour goes to Harrington, who looks a knocking good bet at 22/1 now he's discovered his best form. Only single hole disasters in his last two events have arguably cost him victory and, being the fighter he is, I fully expect him to bounce back and post a victory before long. With the raucous New York crowd sure to be on his side, it could easily come this week.
Next Best: Lucas Glover @ 55/1 Blue Square
Tiger's presence in the field means there is value to be had further down the betting list and Glover's odds are most appealing. Here we have a player who is having by far his best season on Tour having landed the landed the US Open and finished fifth in the USPGA Championship on two difficult courses like this one, yet he is still not getting the respect from bookmakers he deserves. Of course, you won't hear me complaining.
And let's not forget, the players are competing for FedEX Cup points this week so Glover, who is currently fifth in the standings and in with a real chance of scooping the big prize, has an added incentive to play well. Need any more convincing?
Outsider: Kevin Streelman @ 200/1 Stan James
I thought I'd throw in a real wild-card and Streelman is certainly that. He's a real hot-head who can throw his toys out of the pram when things aren't going well, but when he gets on a roll he can contend with the best - finished fourth in this event last year, albeit on a different course - and we know his game is in good nick as his recent eighth in the John Deere Classic shows. Back him and we'll soon know our fate but he's worth a small play at massive odds.
Tournament Lay (Betfair): Tiger Woods
In a tournament he has never won before and on a tough par-70 course, which is far from ideal for him, Tiger's a solid lay this week.
Ross' 72-Hole Match Bet: Padraig Harrington to beat Sergio Garcia @ 5/6 William Hill
Recommended Bets:
Padraig Harrington 2pts each-way @ 22/1 Skybet
Lucas Glover 1pt each-way @ 55/1 Blue Square
Kevin Streelman 1/2pt each-way @ 200/1 Stan James