US Open Top European: Open and Shut Case for Casey

With Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia in poor form, PAUL CASEY looks a decent bet to be Top European at 6/1 (Sportingbet).

For my money, Casey has been the best player in the world so far in 2009, kicking off with victory in Abu Dhabi before a stunning putting display gave him his breakthrough first win on the US Tour in the Houston Open. That was followed by victory in the European tour's flagship event, the Volvo PGA at Wentworth, which was remarkable for his nerveless, front-running performance. That jumped him up to No.3 in the world rankings, so winning a Major has to be the next step up now.

And if he's going to bag one, it's more likely to be the US Open, which requires players to plot their way around a tough course, an attribute recently acquired by the Englishman. A few year's ago, his reckless streak would often get the better of him, but now it's all about course management, making par when required and moving on. He's already made the top-15 in both 2006 and 2007 but is a much more accomplished player now and Bethpage Black will suit his power game down to the ground.

With Henrik Stenson (12/1 Totesport) looking out of sorts last week in Memphis, where he missed the cut, and Rory McIlroy (9/1 Skybet) lacking in experience, Casey's nearest challengers could be Ian Poulter (14/1 Sportingbet) and Lee Westood (16/1 general). The latter so nearly made it into that thrilling play-off between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate 12 months ago, but hasn't been in the same form this time around, although his long, straight driving will be an asset this week. Poulter on the other hand has become a very consistent contender on the US Tour finishing fifth and second at Quail Hollow and Sawgrass respectively.

Luke Donald (12/1 Betfred) and Justin Rose (28/1 Paddy Power) have shown promise in US Majors before and could go well, but at 20/1 with Stan James I can't resist an each-way punt on Graeme McDowell. The Northern Irishman finished top European at the Masters in April and his magnificent bogey-free seven-under-par 63 at Southwind on Sunday - the lowest score of the day to finish in a tie for seventh - will give him plenty of confidence to take on Bethpage Black.

With doubts surrounding Harrington and McIlroy, McDowell also looks a shoe-in at 3/1 with Victor Chandler to be the Top Irish player.

Recommended Bets:

Paul Casey 2pts @ 6/1 Sportingbet
Graeme McDowell 1pt each-way @ 20/1 Stan James
Graeme McDowell (Top Irish) 4pts @ 3/1 Victor Chandler

 

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Tags: Bethpage Black,  Graeme Mcdowell,  Ian Poulter,  Justin Rose,  Lee Westwood,  Luke Donald,  Padraig Harrington,  Paul Casey,  Rory Mcilroy,  Sergio Garcia,  US Open