Betcirca enjoyed a returned to tipping form last week when we successfully predicted DJ would clean up at Cadillac. While, Johnson is only the second winner we’ve picked all year, we’re proud because it should have been wrapped up by J.B Holmes.
Nevertheless, another week, another chance, and this week its the Valspar Championship in Florida.
Golf’s unofficial road to the Masters, the Florida Swing is in full…well, swing, and the Valspar Championship, much like Augusta will suit crisp ball strikers and creative short game exponents.
The Course
Innisbrook Resort (known as Copperhead) is unlike other stops on the swing. It’s significantly tighter than most, and features plenty of undulation – a trait not always seen on Resort style courses. Players who position the ball well of the tee, or alternatively, can shape it either way will flourish at Innisbrook, as the course features plenty of double dog legs. It is 7,340 yards, par 71.
The Sound Bites
“I don’t mind taking a drug test at all. When I’m sitting out here Thursday and Friday thinking I’m going to get drug tested, holding my (urine) for two hours, it affects your golf game.” – The issue of drug testing has been swirling and John Daly is clearly irked.
“John Daly has never been targeted for testing and his claim that players know when they will be tested is simply not true” – The PGA Tour responded.
The Defending Champion
John Senden was one of six Australians to win on the PGA Tour last season. He took out the Valspar Championship by a single shot over Kevin Na. Interestingly, Na has been tipped heavily to feature again this year. Sender roared into contention last year with a third round 64, for his first win anywhere in eight years.
The Contenders*
Adam Scott – $15.00
Jordan Spieth – $16.50
Henrik Stenson – $17.50
Justin Rose – $36.00
Ryan Moore – $44.00
Will MacKenzie – $130.00
*Valspa Championship odds courtesy of Betfair Australia.
The Winner
Adam Scott showed enough with the short putter last week to suggest he’ll still compete and this course suits ball-strikers; Spieth has bounced back from a missed cut with two top 10’s and a top 20 in his last three events; Stenson enjoyed a T4 last week despite obvious rust; MacKenzie is the outsider after a strong week in Peurto Rico. We like Stenson the most.
