Good luck this season, everyone. Can't wait to see the warm breezes of Hawaii and some golf again!
PGA Golf Mercedes Championship Selections
Tournament Outright Win
2* Ernie Els +700
2* Retief Goosen +1400
.5* Fred Couples +5000
.5* Rory Sabbatini +5000
Total Outright Units Risked: 5*
Tournament Matchups
1* Els +147 over Tiger
1* Sabbatini -137 over S. Micheel
1* A. Scott +103 over Appleby
1* Goosen -145 over C. Campbell
Total Matchup Units Risked: 4*
Tournament Investment: 9*
Thoughts
Sticking with a couple of old reliables in both outrights and matchups this week. Els is the defending champion here, has prepped himself mentally and physically for a better year (last year was pretty damn good!) and comes into this event refreshed and fit. Always close to the top in tough competition, he seems to handle greens/events like this (large, slow, difficult to read) better than some of the upper tier competition. He is a proven element that is the only chalk I would back at the posted prices. We'll even take a shot at Tiger with him head to head.
Looking for big things from Goosen this season, as his great start in 2003 was interrupted with the birth of a child, and he should be raring to go in '04. He has good course form and is worthy of the number.
Couples has to receive a nod at the big number, as he is essentially the poster boy for Hawaii. Always hanging out at the top, and seemingly returning to good form after a couple of tough years.
Sabbatini is worth a flyer to us, as his near-recent runner-up performance abroad signals an in-form readiness. He has a nice game for this course, although his past falterings when in the lead took our support down to a minimum nod.
In the matchups, carrying over support for our outright selections. Laying some fairly substantial "Hawaiian Punch" with Sabbatini and Goosen, but feel they are well set up to win their match. Taking a reasonable shot with the debutant Adam Scott, who really only needs to sink a putt or two early to score well on this course. His distance and control should make for several birdie and eagle putts, which he will have to make to defeat Appleby (who is tough in GIR and will be on the green most of the tourney).
Good luck this week. The weather and wind should not be much of a factor, but the course is saturated after weeks of rain. Long, straight hitters are at an advantage here, and we have some specialists on our ticket.
PGA Golf Mercedes Championship Selections
Tournament Outright Win
2* Ernie Els +700
2* Retief Goosen +1400
.5* Fred Couples +5000
.5* Rory Sabbatini +5000
Total Outright Units Risked: 5*
Tournament Matchups
1* Els +147 over Tiger
1* Sabbatini -137 over S. Micheel
1* A. Scott +103 over Appleby
1* Goosen -145 over C. Campbell
Total Matchup Units Risked: 4*
Tournament Investment: 9*
Thoughts
Sticking with a couple of old reliables in both outrights and matchups this week. Els is the defending champion here, has prepped himself mentally and physically for a better year (last year was pretty damn good!) and comes into this event refreshed and fit. Always close to the top in tough competition, he seems to handle greens/events like this (large, slow, difficult to read) better than some of the upper tier competition. He is a proven element that is the only chalk I would back at the posted prices. We'll even take a shot at Tiger with him head to head.
Looking for big things from Goosen this season, as his great start in 2003 was interrupted with the birth of a child, and he should be raring to go in '04. He has good course form and is worthy of the number.
Couples has to receive a nod at the big number, as he is essentially the poster boy for Hawaii. Always hanging out at the top, and seemingly returning to good form after a couple of tough years.
Sabbatini is worth a flyer to us, as his near-recent runner-up performance abroad signals an in-form readiness. He has a nice game for this course, although his past falterings when in the lead took our support down to a minimum nod.
In the matchups, carrying over support for our outright selections. Laying some fairly substantial "Hawaiian Punch" with Sabbatini and Goosen, but feel they are well set up to win their match. Taking a reasonable shot with the debutant Adam Scott, who really only needs to sink a putt or two early to score well on this course. His distance and control should make for several birdie and eagle putts, which he will have to make to defeat Appleby (who is tough in GIR and will be on the green most of the tourney).
Good luck this week. The weather and wind should not be much of a factor, but the course is saturated after weeks of rain. Long, straight hitters are at an advantage here, and we have some specialists on our ticket.
