US Open Golf Betting Preview

TIGER TO ROARThe US Open is no place for the weak hearted, with the annual United States Golf Association brief possibly being "make the course as tough as possible and make these guys suffer." Winged Foot in Mamorenek, New York is the venue on this occasion, and has already been described as "the toughest members course I have ever seen" by none other than Tiger Woods. The fairways are narrow, the rough penal, and the greens deadly. To end up on top of the pile at the US Open takes a special type of golfer.Consistency is always important, but a cool head is the key to glory at this Championship. Errors will be made, but an ability to consolidate and deal with set backs in a controlled way is vital. There will be times where chipping the ball back, ir even backwards into play is preferable to taking on a 200 yard draw around a tree from 6 inch rough, and there will also be times where a 3 putt from 15 foot is not a bad result.This is an event that no European player has won since Tony Jacklin did so in 1969, and so there is a clear argument for swerving any such entrants this week. The reasons for this plague are unclear, but seeing that European Tour stalwarts Retief Goosen (twice), Ernie Els (twice) and Michael Campbell have all taken the title in the last 12 years makes us consider that there is every chance for a Euro born player to be victorious. All three of these players possess a strong, and more importantly solid game that is able to remain consistent under tough conditions for four days. Unfortunately there are precious few European personnel with these qualities.Colin Montgomerie did have, and came infamously close to glory on two occasions when runner up in 1994 and 1997. However Monty is having a poor season, especially on the greens and this will act as an irreparable handicap at Winged Foot. Perhaps the best bet would be David Howell who is playing fantastic golf. The Englishman won the BMW Championship at Wentworth two weeks ago, on a course specifically toughened up to provide better preparation for the US Open.This form has travelled with him to America and his relaxed approach could be just what is required to prosper in this tournament. Already a Ryder Cup certainty, the 29 year old is comfortable in the winner's enclosure and is not fazed in the company of greatness. Brits may have a poor record but at 50/1 we cannot resist a small each way punt.So what about Woods. The world number one is not averse to taking some time off the Tour, but never before has he taken 9 weeks off. The last time he played was at The Masters, where his ball striking was superb, and only an uncharacteristic lapse with the putter prevented the Green Jacket going his way.Since then though, his father has passed away, and this is the reason that he has not been seen in a tournament. To try and guess what the impact of this could be on his game is fruitless, but reports suggest his focus remains very much on golf. The man himself is quoted on his website saying "no matter what happens, it won't be from any lack of effort on my part", referring to this tournament. A trip to Winged Foot with his coach Hank Haney, proves his dedication and could be important. In the 1997 PGA Championship at the course, Woods was 29th but we are confident he can improve on that markedly.His longest previous break was 8 weeks, and it is interesting to note that on that occasion, following knee surgery in 2002, he took the title at Torrey Pines. And earlier during this season the two time US Open winner won at the same Californian set-up after a 6 week lay off.The romanticists amongst you will also be spurred on by the fact that Sunday also happens to be Fathers' Day. 6/1 is a price that is not often seen for the 30 year old Maestro at any tournament, and this makes it a bet worth taking. There is no man more focussed in the sport, and the recent adversity could just as easily be turned into his advantage as otherwise.Certain men demand a mention in the US Open. One such player is Retief Goosen who has twice been crowned champion, in 2001 and 2004. The South African has been typically solid during 2006, not missing a cut in 10 US outings, but his form has slightly dipped of late. In addition, his final round of 81 last year dropped him to 11th when a hat trick of wins was a huge possibility. We shall avoid the 14/1.One of his compatriots does appeal though, and we are not talking about Ernie Els. Tim Clark is perhaps not the most fashionable player and many will be put off by his lack of power, especially from the tee. However, he is a proven performer at the top level and has acquired some impressive Major results over the past three seasons, which is as long as he has qualified to compete in the Big Four. At the PGA Championship is 2003 he came 3rd when right in the mix until the final stages. The same year 13th place was claimed at the Masters, and this season the runners up cheque was claimed at Augusta. Of most interest though is a fine record at this Championship with 13th in 2004, and 3rd last season.Current form gives further encouragement. 7 of 14 starts this year have seen top 25's recorded, and although his two victories have come outside of America a whole clutch of each way finishes have been achieved on the PGA Tour, with the most notable ones being those already mentioned in the Majors. Clark is a fine player who, on his week, has the type of consistency in his game that could well prosper in a tournament such as this. 66/1 is available.Our final selection is Adam Scott. The Australian has been in superb form of late, recording results of 2nd last week (Barclays Championship), 4th (Memorial), 3rd (Byron Nelson) and 3rd (Wachovia) in successive tournaments since coming 23rd at The Masters. This run cannot be ignored, and few players will line up this week in better spirits.Although no victories have been claimed this term, three have come in America previously. The most significant of these was the Players Championship in 2005, against what is well established as the strongest field in the sport. This is a clear indication that Scott has the nerve to triumph against the very best. His short game is one of the best on the Tour, and perhaps the most compelling argument is that he tops both the scoring averages and all round rankings for 2006.With all this in mind, we see 28/1 as a fine offering this week.Verdict5pts Tiger Woods to win @ 6/1 (Stan James); 1pts Adam Scott e/w @ 28/1 (Coral); 0.50pts e/w David Howell @ 50/1 (Coral); 0.50pts e/w Tim Clark @ 66/1 (Ladbrokes).