2009 PGA The Barclays Championship Preview/Picks
PGA Betting – The Barclays Predictions/Picks
Turns out the UFC 102 fight card isn’t the only event loaded with big names this weekend. The Barclays marks the start of the PGA “playoffs,” better known as the FedEx Cup, and features as good a field as you’ll see in a tournament today.
Let’s explore a few intriguing names to consider in your sports picks this week.
THE ELITE – A.K.A. THE TIGER WOODS CATEGORY
Tiger Woods
Barclays odds: +185
As I’ve said all season long, there are weeks when you pick Tiger simply because he’s Tiger and weeks when you pick him because the course suits his game. This week, if you pick him, you’re taking a leap of faith on his name, as he’s not necessarily set up to dominate. The Barclays host course, Liberty National, is long but not so long that Tiger will have a huge advantage on the field. It’s also no guarantee that he’ll return mentally strong after his collapse in the PGA Championship. What if the defeat is still weighing on him? I’d pick someone who offers better value if I were you.
THE CONTENDERS
Phil Mickelson
Barclays odds: +1850
It’s been an odd year for Lefty, a mix of spotty success and hiatuses for family time. Could he finally break through for a victory this week? We know he can handle Liberty National’s length. We also know he can still go low, as he ranks fourth on Tour in birdie conversion percentage. Better yet, he has a nice intangible on his side; he’s a member at Liberty Village, so he should know the course like no one else. That means he’ll know when and when not to be aggressive. He’s an excellent pick this week.
Hunter Mahan
Barclays odds: +2250
If there’s a golfer ready to explode into the Tour’s elite, I dare you to name someone before Hunter Mahan. He’s been consistently strong all season, ranking high in greens in regulation and scoring average. His driving accuracy, however, could hurt him and we still don’t know just how well he can perform if he has a lead late on Sunday.
SOLID PICKS
Steve Stricker
Barclays odds: +3050
Stricker will be a popular pick this week thanks to his good all-around play this season, which includes two wins. However, he hasn’t beaten any deep fields and he’s short off the tee, so your money may be better spent elsewhere.
Kenny Perry
Barclays odds: +4550
+4550 is darned good value for a guy with two wins this season. Kenny’s ball striking gives him a shot to win almost every week, but he’s struggled of late, finishing outside the top 40 in three of four tournaments. It’s quite possible that he’s simply tired; it’s late August, he’s in his late 40s and he’s played a ton this season.
THE SLEEPER
Jim Furyk
Barclays odds: +5250
It feels weird to call Furyk a sleeper, but his +5250 value makes him one. He’s been rock-solid for much of the season, cracking the top 10 seven times, and his fundamental stats are sound in putting, scrambling and proximity to hole. You have to consider him strongly.
2009 PGA – The Barclay’s Championship Pick:
Best betting management pick: Phil Mickelson +1850
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This will be one week I’m actually going to stay away from picking Tiger Woods. While he is the ultimate professional and has an uncanny ability to bounce back from adversity, I still think that loss in the PGA will be on his mind.