US OPEN 2012: Betting guide
Don’t pay too much attention to 1998
The US Open returns to the Lake Course at The Olympic Club for the first time since 1998. As to be expected there is not a great deal to take away from the event, with regards to determining this weeks result.
Even the most noteworthy names covering the Top 20 back then, Steve Stricker, Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar and a certain Tiger Woods, would struggle to claim an advantage from that week 14 years on.
Recent form + US Open record = key to picking a winner
My main focus turns to extracting value from players’ most recent form combined with their overall US Open form.
It could be luck, judgement or pure coincidence, but a host of past US Open Champions and good US Open players are all enjoying timely spurts of good form.
Tiger Woods’ win a fortnight ago, and Lee Westwood and Dustin Johnson’s wins last week, combined with their good US Open track record, means they’re hard to overlook.
Don’t discount the defending champ
Into the mix add an apparent return to form from defending champion Rory McIlroy. After a very patchy couple of months, he’s back to his best. As is a resurgent Sergio Garcia, who could easily break his Major duck.
Steely veterans worth a look
I also feel Jim Furyk and Ernie Els cannot be ignored. Both are past US Open champions who have a habit of getting in contention and winning when there.
My picks this week
Lee Westwood to win at 14/1
Jim Furyk to finish in the Top 10 at 7/2
Ernie Els to finish in the Top 10 at 6/1
Jim Furyk and Ernie Els Top 10 double – this means if both are successful the winnings from the first bet go on the second bet.
For example, let’s say we stake £10 on Ernie Els, who is around 6/1 to finish Top 10, that would return £60. That amount will then automatically go on Jim Furyk also finishing Top 10. He is around 7/2 to do so. If both are successful your £10 would return over £200.