US Money List - Stan James Analysis

With the opening salvo behind them the US Money List prices at Stan James haven't moved significantly after Stuart Appleby's win in the Mercedes Championship.The only difference is that Tiger Woods had support in the week's running up to the first event due to the noises coming out about how he's ironed out the adjustments to his swing. He nudged Vijay Singh off the favourite's berth at Stan James but there is very little between the two currently in the market. Tiger is currently 5/4 with Singh at 11/8. On the face of it, it's difficult to see a contender coming from out of these two, but with a whole season in front of them a lot can happen. The two market leaders had reasonable starts as well, as did Ernie Els who tied with Tiger for third spot in Kapalua. The key to the Money List is about how many tournaments the players will play and whether they can bag a Major. Vijay played 29 times last year, 13 more than Goosen and Els, ten more than Woods and 7 more than Mickelson. Take nothing away from Vijay, he was sensational last year, but it'll be difficult to sustain that level of quality again this year. He might but it was a demanding schedule. You suspect that he'll take it slightly easier this year. Woods is still a tad erratic at times, but he's working on upping his game and is desperate to become the force he once was again. Even if it's to meet his own exacting standards. But you suspect this level of perfection sometimes plays against him. He puts too much pressure on himself possibly. Phil Mickelson is a definite runner though. He's currently keeping his powder dry and doesn't intend to play until Scottsdale at the end of the month. So you could say he's created a slight disadvantage for himself, but his form last year has proved that he's got what it takes. Breaking the Major millstone he's had around his neck could signal the revival in Mickelson's fortunes. He'll be refreshed after a very decent break, the crowds will love him wherever he plays (especially in Scottsdale) and he doesn't have any mental barriers anymore. It could be a very big year for Phil. At 12/1 with Stan James he looks a decent bet. Ernie Els is still a force. There's no doubt that he'll be contending wherever he plays, but he'll need to win a Major at the very least, purely because he doesn't play in enough PGA Tour events. He does play well in the early season and a good start last week has set him up nicely. Perfectly capable of winning Majors he will continue to contend. The same goes for Retief Goosen who could struggle without at least a Major win. But there is no doubting the resolve of the man and the respect he's held in by his fellow pros. He's quiet in manner but it belies a gritty interior, as he proved in the US Open and the Tour Championship last year. He's showed he can win under extreme pressure and his game is as solid as anyone's. Nobody should underestimate just how capable the guy is. Sergio Garcia seems to have been around forever but he is still only 24, and has been bubbling behind the Big Four. You sense a return to form with the Spaniard and he just might come out guns blazing in the early west Coast Swing. He's had a decent start in Kapalua, and he's only got to win a few events to trigger the revival we know will come.Adam Scott is a name on many tipster's lips for great things. When it will come is hard to call, but there is no doubt that the boy is good. He played the same amount of tournaments as Els and The Goose last year, but if he ups his quota of events this year he could burst onto the scene in spectacular fashion. Maybe it's too soon to talk of great things but you never know. Everything suggests it will happen.Mike Weir has worked on his game in the break, especially his putting and he could be a force this year. He was bitterly disappointed in not winning his own Canadian Open, and you sensed that the experience will actually do him some good. He's a determined character and he's knows his weaknesses have to be ironed out before he has a realistic chance of usurping the Big Four. He had a good start in Kapalua as well. Worth an outside chance. Open an account with Stan James and get a free bet worth twenty five pounds!