FANCY a bet on the golf this week? Here's what our man Louis Ross (@KingLouis2105) fancies in the Texas Open.
Valero Texas Open | Thursday – Sunday | Sky Sports
Just two weeks to Augusta. Just two weeks.
Those hoping to squeeze into the world's Top 50 in order to qualify for the Masters, or those looking to run into some form, arrive in San Antonio for the Valero Texas Open.
The last four winners at this monster 7,435 Par 72 have returned at 350/1, 100/1, 150/1 and 300/1 odds. You might want to stop reading now.
Defending champion Steven Bowditch is in a very similar position to Matt Every last week. Coming into a tournament won last year, in no sort of form and big odds. Despite his penchant for courses of this type, I am not a fan of the big Aussie this week.
I really like Dustin Johnson and he has been in great form, but like Henrik Stenson last week (who went extremely close) I feel DJ is just too short at 11/1 with Skybet. If you like those odds, I would certainly not discourage any punt.
I have the same issue with Jordan Speith. These two are potential winners no doubt, but give me value. Plenty of players this week have similar chances at much bigger odds.
My first selection this week is a guy who hits the ball long and accurately, which is vital on a course with incredibly tight fairways, and putts really well on these undulating greens. Matt Kuchar is usually on my shortlist where Par 5 scoring is vital and I am happy to take him on at 25/1 EW with Skybet.
There are certain players you can envisage being in the last couple of groups on Sunday. Martin Kaymer is always one of those players. I have to be honest, Kaymer is not in the greatest of form, but I cannot resist 40/1 EW with Sportingbet.
The last time I backed him at those odds, he won the U.S. Open. If he runs into any kind of form, his ball striking could make him one of the stand out bets of the year.
My stand out for a Top 10 this week is Zach Johnson at 5/2 with Betfred. I said earlier that Par 5 scoring was vital around here and few play them as well.
He has also won here before and was close to being one of my main picks this week. Brendan Steele who won here in 2011 is my Top 20 pick at 9/4 with Stan James. Steele is in great form and admits he loves this course.
Best Bets
Valero Texas Open – Matt Kuchar each way (25/1 Skybet)
Valero Texas Open – Martin Kaymer each way (40/1 Sportingbet)
Valero Texas Open – Zach Johnson to finish Top 10 (5/2 Betfred)
Valero Texas Open – Brendan Steele to finish Top 20 (9/4 Stan James)
Bet £10 Get £5
Fair play to Betfair. They'll give you a free £5 in play bet if you stake £10 before the event starts. Decent!
