AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Tiger Woods will the focus of everyone’s attention when he kicks off his US campaign this week at an event in which he has not competed for 10 years. The focus seems to be back on his golf after the trials and tribulations of the last couple of years and he is beginning to look more like his former self. If Tiger brings his A-game, watch out! But at around 5/1 he does not represent much value.

Big Bet 1 – Rickie Fowler
Current odds 25/1

This betting blog thinks it could be time for young gun Rickie Fowler to finally lose his US tour maiden tag and lose the tag of ‘promising youngster’ and join the men who win golf tournaments.

Although successful at the backend of last season in Korea he has yet to get over the winning line in the states, sometimes spurning winning opportunities and sometimes showing signs of bad decision making. That win though could be the making of him and there is nothing like a win to give a player confidence (although Fowler doesn’t seem short on that) and it could be the platform for a stellar season.

Nobody is in any doubt as to the young American’s all-round talent and the relaxed atmosphere and easier setup this week can see him take advantage and claim a first tour title.

Big Bet 2 – Zach Johnson
Current odds 33/1

Our second pick this week is former Masters Champion Zach Johnson. Unlike Fowler, Johnson is a proven performer on the circuit and has 7 tour victories to his name including the Masters in 2007.

Surprisingly he failed to win last year despite having numerous chances and in fact only posted 4 top ten finishes. He started this season with a lowly 54th place finish in Hawaii but followed up with a much improved 8th place finish in the Humana Challenge and he seems primed for good run at the title in an event in which he has only competed once and that was in 2004. It could be significant he has chosen to play this week.

Big Bet 3 – Chez Reavie
Current odds 125/1

Our third pick this is a player we are a big fan of, Chez Reavie. Already twice a winner on tour he did admittedly throw away a third title when displaying bad course management in the FedEx Cup playoffs last season. That blip aside he played some solid golf and proven his ability to go low when necessary.

He has only competed at Pebble Beach on three occasions and has no course form to shout about, but has shown signs of improvement this season and can give a good account of himself at decent odds.

Big Bet 4 – Mike Weir
Current odds 400/1

Another player worth a mention is Canadian Mike Weir. Although out of sorts to all intents and purposes the last couple of seasons he has 7 top ten finishes at Pebble in his last 12 appearances. If he steals a place on Sunday night don’t say you weren’t warned!