Online betting fans shouldn’t hang up their golf hats for the year just yet, as the PGA’s FedEx Cup playoffs rage on with the Deutsche Bank Championship this week. Here are some picks to consider.
Tiger Woods (+150)
He’s always part of the discussion and isn’t “slumping” nearly as much some pundits say—he has two straight second-place finishes and five wins on the season. However, because Tiger never gives you good sportsbook value, you shouldn’t bet on him unless he’s a virtual lock to win. Thanks to his battle with short putts, he isn’t.
Padraig Harrington (+1600)
As poorly as he’s played overall in 2009, Padraig Harrington is quietly back on track. It may not seem like it because of his choke jobs, but Harrington has played good golf for three straight weeks, finishing second, 10th and second. Thanks to his excellent scrambling and putting, he’s a very safe pick to contend. Not as safe as the Patriots’ NFL odds, but safe.
Steve Stricker (+2000)
His outstanding overall play this season makes him a legit threat; with two wins, five top-fives and a second-place finish at last week’s Barclays, Stricker has never played better golf. His scoring average ranks second on Tour, reflecting how consistenly well he’s played. However, anyone sports betting online shouldn’t ignore Stricker’s 18th hole last Sunday; he choked and that wasn’t an anomaly, as he nerves often grip him when he competes against elite fields.
Vijay Singh (+3300)
Do you judge Vijay on past or present? The past suggests he’s a great pick this week. He’s Mr. Deutsche Bank, having won the tournament twice and owning both the TPC of Boston course record and the aggregate-score tournament record. The present, however, suggests that betting on him is akin to burning money. He’s playing ugly golf right now and missed the cut last week at the Barclays, a tournament he won the year prior. What does that tell you about his chances of defending his Deutsche Bank title?
Betting services recommend: Padraig Harrington +1600