US OPEN 2012: How the odds have changed
In an opening round that saw many of the favourites fall out of contention for the US Open title, bookmakers all over the world were rapidly re-assessing their odds ahead of the second round, which begins this afternoon.
So how exactly has the first day’s action affected the prices, and where should you put your money now?
Luke Donald (Yesterday: 12/1; Today: 150/1)
To call Donald’s opening round at Olympic a disaster could be considered an understatement. The World No 1 finished nine over and, in one round, has all but blown his chances of winning. The Englishman was well fancied at 12/1 but today can be backed at 150/1. Pray for a miracle if you’re expecting Donald to make you any money this week.
Tiger Woods (Yesterday: 8/1; Today: 5/2)
The pre tournament favourite is still the man to beat.
Before the tournament Tiger’s odds sat at around 8/1, but following a thrilling one-under par round yesterday his odds have shortened to 5/2. Backing the former champion from here onwards won’t make you millions without a sizable stake, but it is very hard to see Woods dropping away completely so any bet should hold through the tournament and see a good chance of a return.
Michael Thompson (Yesterday: 500/1; Today: 25/1)
Anybody who was brave enough to back Thompson before the tournament must be feeling very happy this morning. The unknown American is three shots in front of the field after a wonderful opening round yesterday. Few will back him to keep this form over four days but even so the odds have shortened massively.
Matt Kuchar (Yesterday: 28/1; Today: 12/1)
Kuchar is my tip for the tournament and someone who still represents good value for money at 12/1. He played extremely well yesterday to finish level par and will grow in confidence as the tournament progresses. With a £5 stake potentially bringing a £60 return, the Players’ champion is someone who is still worth considering putting your money behind.
Ian Poulter (Yesterday: 66/1; Today: 25/1)
Poulter is someone who always strikes me as a ‘nearly man’, but to finish level par yesterday proved that he is more than capable of cutting it at the US Open this year. The Englishman represented long odds yesterday and even with dramatic shortening today still represents a good price for anyone fancying a slight gamble. A daring, bold golfer might be the kind of player to triumph this week, and out of all those at the top of the field, Poulter is as daring and bold as any.
Justin Rose (Yesterday: 25/1; Today: 17/2)
After carding a round of one under to finish tied for second after the opening salvo, Justin Rose described playing the Olympic Course as ‘sadistic fun’. However the bookies make him second favourite now behind Woods and he still offers a good return at 17/2.
Lee Westwood (Yesterday: 12/1; Today: 18/1)
A first round card of three over par means that Westwood has just about done enough to remain in contention, but it will be hard work from here. Still searching for that elusive first major, prices today have slipped to 18/1. Personally not a favoured option for me but has won tournaments before coming back from behind. 18/1 is a much more reflective price of Westwood’s chances.
