The opening segment of this week’s post about the 2013 US Masters
comes from my course-mate and golf fanatic Matthew Southcombe.
The Welshman cleaned up at the Ryder Cup, so I have drafted him in,
in the hope of making us all some money on the big event in America this
week.
Selections:
Matt Kuchar 37/1 Betfair
I can’t believe Kuchar’s price is so big!
Kuchar is currently 3rd in the FedEx Cup standings
following his win at the WGC Accenture Mactchplay back in February. The
Butch Harmon student hasn’t missed a cut all year and has 3 top 10’s out
of 7 starts.
The Floridian has proved he has what it takes to hold his own at the
major championships. Last season he came T9 at the Open Championship and
came T3 at Augusta behind winner Bubba Watson and 2nd place Louis Oosthuizen.
I’m a firm believer that to win at Augusta you need to be hitting
fairways, but Kuchar never misses a cut (just 1/22 cuts missed last
season) and if you’re there at the weekend, anything can happen.
Justin Rose 22/1 Betfair
Rose is the finished article with a fantastic, repeatable swing. The Englishman is 18th in the FedEx Cup thanks to no missed cuts from 4 starts this season, he also has 4 top 25’s with 3 top 10’s.
He also has the winning feeling this season after being part of the Lake Albany team that won the Tavistock Cup in March.
The 32-year-old has worked his way to number 3 in the world and last
year he finished T8 at Augusta and T3 in the PGA Championship. He also
played a big part in the European Ryder Cup success, canning a huge putt
on the final day at 17, proving he can do it on the big stage.
Finally in a recent interview at Bay Hill I got the impression that Rose believes he can beat Tiger, and he can.
Keegan Bradley 33/1 Bet365
I’m usually not Bradley’s biggest fan, something about him really bugs me, but there’s no denying the guy can play.
He didn’t really perform too well in the majors last year but managed to get himself T3 at glory’s last shot.
The man from Vermont proved he has what it takes on the big stage by
winning the WGC Bridgestone Invitational last season, he also won 3 out
of 4 points on his Ryder Cup debut.
His season has come alive in recent weeks claiming 4 top 10’s in his last 4 starts and has the 11th best scoring average this year on the PGA Tour.
The man has some serious game and I reckon he’s a solid each way bet.
Those selections were courtesy of Mr Southcombe, and now I am going to add my own for anyone who fancies sticking with me!
My Selections:
Charl Schwartzel – 29/1 Betfair
Schwartzel has really been on top of his game of late, with his last
four starts on the European Tour returning a first, a second, a third
and a fourth placed finish.
His final round 75 eradicated any chances he had when last seen in
America, but when you take into account, that is his worst strokeplay
finish so far this calendar year, it makes the 29/1 seem a marvelous
price.
He has a sensational record in Majors, with a run of seven consecutive top 18 finishes.
He landed the US Masters two years ago and arrives to Augusta in
better form, and arguably a better player than when he won it. All
points towards a big challenge from the South African.
Angel Cabrera – 125/1 William Hill
The ageing Argentinian has a fine record at Augusta including five
top 10 finishes in the Masters, with the highlight being his victory in
2009.
His long, straight drives are key to his success at the course, and
although his form has not been great as of late, he always seems to make
sure he enters early April in top condition for a crack at the big
prize.
Matt Southcombe’s advice:
1 point win: Matt Kuchar – 37/1 (Betfair)
1 point win: Justin Rose – 22/1 (Betfair)
0.5 points e.w: Keegan Bradley – 33/1 (Bet365)
My advice:
0.5 point win – Charl Schwartzel – 29/1 (Betfair)
2 points win: Charl Schwartzel – Top 10 finish – 11/5 (Stan James)
0.25 win – Angel Cabrera – 125/1 (William Hill)
0.25 win – Angel Cabrera – Top 10 finish – 8/1 (Ladbrokes)
Here is a link to Matt Southcombe’s sports blog:
