PGA Betting Predictions
The PGA pros will head to Asia this week in search of valuable FedEx Cup points – the first time that a FedEx tournament has been played on that continent. The CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will be contested in a no-cut tournament that could lead to invitations to the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, the Masters, THE PLAYERS Championship and the PGA Championship.
2013 CIMB Classic
Location: Seri Kembangan, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Course: The MINES Resort & Golf Club
Date: Oct 24-27, 2013
Total Purse: US $ 6,100,000
Winner’s Share: US $ 1,300,000
Defending Champion: Nick Watney ($1,300,000)
The MINES Resort & Golf Club is a relatively short 6,967 yards Par-72 with forgiving greens and ample room on the fairways. A global field will tee it up this week on a new venue to the tournament with a decent group is set to go in the tropical winds of Malaysia – bombers should have an advantage on the shortish Par-5s and a hot putter, as always will certainly help.
So who should we keep an eye on this week?
Let`s break it down.
The Favorites:
Phil MICKELSON 8/1
The current #3 golfer in the world rankings is the class of the field this weeks and he has done very well in his recent trips overseas – two wins in Scotland. He was first in Par Breakers and sixth in Par 5 Birdie or Better in 2013 and on a track in which driving may not be the key, his irons and putter could be the difference.
Keegan BRADLEY 14/1
We last saw Keegan at the President’s Cup where he went 2-2-1 but has failed to record a victory in 2013. He ranks inside the top 30 in Par 5 Birdie or Better, Par Breakers and GIR from 200+ in 2013 and has the all around game to do well. He is a young guy looking to better his buddy Phil this week – don’t be surprised to see them playing together Sunday.
Sergio GARCIA 14/1
Has top 25s in 23 of his last 29 starts worldwide and was 17 for 17 on TOUR in 2013 and finished top 20 in his last 3 TOUR starts. He is eighth on the 2013 PGA TOUR in strokes gained-putting and should contend here.
The Contenders:
Hideki MATSUYAMA 16/1
Withdrew from the Shriners but the rest may have done him some good. He’s recorded 11 top 10s in 17 starts worldwide and although I don’t love the price, I do like his game heading into this week.
Nick WATNEY 20/1
Defending champion in this event shouldn’t have much of an advantage as this year’s CIMB is on a different track. He was great during the FedEx playoffs – three top 15s but is coming off a T48 at the Shriners. He had been hot before his last start and will be looking to rebound this week. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Ernie ELS 25/1
Hasn’t been great on TOUR – no better than a T20 in his last eight starts but he has looked OK overseas since – a T17 (Dunhill Links) and T3 (Macau) since.
Jimmy WALKER 28/1
Win in Vegas at the Fry’s.com and followed that up with a T12 at TPC Summerlin – he is playing some good golf. Finding the fairways continues to be an issue for Walker. He hasn’t finished worse than T12 in his last three starts and just may be the hottest player in the field.
Ryan MOORE 28/1
His last two starts have resulted in a T9 at TPC Summerlin and aT11 at the BMW in his only other recent start. We all know he has the talent but his lack of activity scares me a little.
Bubba WATSON 28/1
Who knows? The bomber should eat up the short Par-5s this week but his recent form is far from stellar. He sneaks in a tad under-the-radar this week and could emerge.
Bill HAAS 33/1
Played well in the President’s Cup going 2-2-1 and was a picture of consistency during the 2013 season – PGA TOUR leading nine top 10s. He has proven tough on any type of course and deserves a look this week.
Charley HOFFMAN 40/1
Finished fourth at the Shriners. His 2013 PGA TOUR season rankings were eighth in Par Breakers, ninth in Par 5 Birdie or Better and 15th in GIR 200+ – terrific stats ahead of this week. He had five top 10s in 2013 on TOUR and based on last week’s result is an intriguing name to watch this week.
The Sleepers (50/1 or higher)
David LYNN 50/1
Englishman that many of you may not have heard of. He won the Portugal Masters Oct 13 – his second win on the European Tour in 2013. He is a terrific putter which makes him a threat in any event he plays.
Kiradech APHIBARNRAT 50/1
Thai golfer should thrive in familiar surroundings this week. He won the Malaysian Open on this track and finished T4 in South Korea two weeks ago. He has been good on the European Tour and has been one of the best on the Asian Tour – his familiarity on this track should bode well this week.
Scott HEND 66/1
Big hitting Aussie has two wins in the last three weeks. including last week in Macau. He has been terrific albeit against lesser competition.
The Pick:
The pick this week is Keegan Bradley at 14/1. He will be looking for his first win of 2013 and this course should serve him well – his stellar iron play should also prove beneficial. Bradley is due!
My sleeper is Kiradech Aphibarnrat at 50/1 He has been one of the best on the Asian Tour and won the Malaysian Open on this track against a good field. In rounds 1 and 2 he will play alongside Phil Mickelson and Nick Watney which should help elevate his game.
