WHO should we back in the Top 10 and Top 20 US Open markets? We asked Louis Ross (@KingLouis2105).
US Open | Thursday – Sunday | Sky Sports
If I did not exhaust you with Part 1 of my US Open preview, I wanted to point out some value in markets away from Outright Winner. I always play a few Match Bets and Groups at the Majors. There is usually some good value and if it is one of those unpredictable results, it at least gives you a four day interest.
It's been interesting looking at reports from the course as players encounter this place for the first time. Whilst some arrived on Monday, others like Brandt Snedeker have been here since last week. My 45/1 choice on the main picks has been going very well and says himself that he loves the place. That has to be a positive. Surely you don't want to invest in a player who's beaten before he starts. Step forward Ian Poulter.
I also thought it worthwhile pointing out some each way shots, as there is usually a big price in the Top 5 of a major. These are not tips (any more than four would be a bit unfair) but if you are looking at the long odds, certainly ones to consider.
Ok, so a few suggestions. Basically where I have my £1 EWs. Kevin Na (SO talented) at 110/1. Na has eight Top 20s in nine starts. Morgan Hoffman 250/1. He's not been in great form the last six weeks but oh so capable. Marc Leishmann. The big Aussie was third at Augusta in 2012 and has been ripping it in practice. Thomas Aiken. Most accurate driver on tour which will be huge here is a ridiculous 300/1. Those four make up my 1st Round Leader bets as well.
One of the best markets I have looked at this week, has been Top Asian, Top Ameican etc. The bet that stood out was in the Top Asian market where Hideki Matsuyama is almost odds on. Ryo Ishikawa is THE superstar Asian golfer, even more so than Hideki. I will gladly take him on EW at 16/1. I have paired him with Martin Kaymer as Top European at the same odds. Kaymer won this by a country mile last year. He started at 40/1. I had him in a double with Argentina for the World Cup (damnit!!). To make a nice treble, I have added Bubba Watson at 20/1 for Top American.
This course, and I'm sorry if I am repeating myself, will demand real imagination with shot making. If you think of those players with the skills to pull off what appear to be ridiculous plays, then probably only Phil Mickleson would come before Bubba. The guy is a complete freak. From the way he dresses, the clubs he uses to his entire game. His swing should not work, but it does. There is a clip online of him putting this week. 75 feet with his back to the hole. Nails it. He's normally around the Top 20 and I love the odds.
Finally, a couple of Top 20 selections. I have been chatting to a few guys on Twitter this week. Some great knowledge out there and a really nice guy, Ross McIntosh pointed out a couple of anomalies in this market. I'm too late to pass on his 6/4 spot on Phil which was huge really. 6/5 still not too shabby if you like those kind of odds. Marc Leishman and Kevin Na (7/2 and 3/1 respectivley) for me. Reasons above.
Best Bets
US Open Top Asian – Ryo Ishikawa each way (16/1 Coral)
US Open Top American – Bubba Watson each way (22/1 Betfred)
US Open Top European – Martin Kaymer each way (14/1 888 Sport)
US Open Top 20 Finish – Kevin Na 3/1 (Bet365)
US Open Top 20 Finish – Marc Leishman 7/2 (888 Sport)
