Rose to break hoodoo?
There hasn't been a European winner of the USPGA Championship since 1930 but if anyone can break the age-old hoodoo it is England's very own Justin Rose. Okay, so he was born in Zimbabwe, lives in America and speaks with a South African accent but such intricacies never bothered us when Lennox Lewis was heavyweight champion, Greg Rusedski was contesting the US Open final and Kevin Pietersen was winning The Ashes. If anything, Rose's lack of Englishness explains why he is flowering so magnificently. Despite missing a large chunk of the season with a back problem the 27-year-old has managed six top-ten finishes this year, coming tenth in the US Open. He was also in the running at the start of Day 4 at Carnoustie and, more significantly, came second to Tiger Woods at Firestone last weekend. Rose's putting is smoother than Paris Hilton's backside and at 28-1 generally is equally as appealing. The fact is, though, Americans tend to fare best of all in this event and Zach Johnson is one who is coming back to the boil nicely. After showing extraordinary nerve to hold off Woods at the US Masters I wouldn't put it beyond him to strike again. He has won again since collecting his green jacket, tied for 20th at The Open, 11th at Firestone and looks ready for another Major challenge. Chris Di Marco is also looking as though he might be ready to win his first big one. Injury has blighted his year but he is returning to form as evidenced by his recent fourth-place at the weekend. 66/1 represents excellent value for the man with the big-game temperament. Hunter Mahan has also offered consistently high performances in recent events. He has managed four top ten's in his last five tournaments, led in Akron after the first round last weekend and will feel at home in the State he now calls home. A proven fast starter Mahan should be thereabouts after the first round. Another American that will excel in the heat of Oklahoma is Boo Weekley. Known for wrestling apes and catching alligators in his spare time, the colourful Weekley is the sort of character with the form and fearlessness to do a Rich Beem and take the Wannamaker trophy home. He can certainly be trusted at 9/4 to outscore Retief Goosen and Darren Clarke in the opening day threeball. Although this was the venue of Goosen's US Open success the South African has been struggling for form, while the Dazzler's putting was so dismal at Firestone, he gave his flatstick away to a spectator. Verdict: 2pts Justin Rose e/w @ 28/1 (General), 2pts Zach Johnson e/w @ 66/1 (General), 2pts Chris Di Marco @ 66/1 (General). Specials: 1pt Hunter Mahan to lead after first round e/w @ 50/1 (Stan James), 2pts Boo Weekley to win three-ball against Darren Clarke & Retief Goosen @ 9/4 (Coral)