Golf Betting St. Jude Classic Predictions/Pick
With the Magic trying to survive in the NBA Finals odds and Phil Mickelson returning to golf betting after a leave of absence, it’s safe to say comebacks is the theme of the week in sports betting. Heck, even this weekend’s UFC betting event is called “The Comeback.”
Let’s take a look at Mickelson versus the field at the St. Jude Classic.
Phil Mickelson
Sportsbook line: +705
Rejoining the tour after taking time off to be with his ailing wife, Mickelson will try to overcome personal adversity this week. Will he be extra motivated or extra distracted? Only time will tell, but the bottom line is that neither factor will play a big role this week. Though his scrambling and overall play are improving, Lefty still isn’t at the top of his game right now. It’s hard to justify picking him as a favorite when so many other golfers offer better value plus better history at the St. Jude Classic. Remember, Mickelson missed the cut there in his only start at TPC Southwind.
Justin Leonard
Sportsbook line: +1050
Can’t go wrong with the defend champ. The TPC Southwind is tough for both drives and approaches – 56 per cent of drives found the fairway and 53 per cent of approaches found the green in 2008 golf betting – so an accurate ball-striker like Leonard has a leg up on the field this week. He ranks in the top 20 in driving accuracy and scrambling, so he’s well-equipped to compete again.
David Toms
Sportsbook line: +1550
Everything about Toms screams “2009 St. Jude Classic Champion.” Two-time winner? Check. First on the PGA Tour in driving accuracy? Check. Fourth in scoring average and ninth in proximity to hole? Double check. He also offers pretty solid value at +1550, so he has to be your radar if you bet on golf this week.
Sergio Garcia
Sportsbook line: +1550
2009 golf betting has been a year to forget for the Spaniard, but he’s too good so stay down for long. He did finish fourth at the St. Jude Classic last year and his average approach shots land less than 30 feet from the pin, so he could have a shot to surprise this week. However, if you like the +1550 value, I don’t see how you could choose him over Toms.
Padraig Harrington
Sportsbook line: +2850
2008 seems a million miles away for last season’s Player of the Year; Amazingly, Harrington has 0.0 top-10s in 11 starts the season. On the bright side, though, he offers some pretty great sportsbook value thanks to his struggles. He did finish fourth at TPC Southwind last year, so you never know.
Based on past history, current golfer peripherals and the course set up, though, David Toms is far-and-away the best golf betting pick this week. And his money line ain’t half bad, either.
Online wagering pick: David Toms +1550
One reply on “2009 St. Jude Classic Preview/Picks”
I agree, there is just too much pressure for Lefty to win this one. He just has to hope for a good showing to get his mind right heading into the big prize on the line- the US Open.