PREVIEW
This week is the fourth and final WGC event of the year. It takes place in China at Sheshan GC in Shanghai. It is a 7,251 yard Par 72 which definitely favours longer hitters. You can expect a score between -15 and -20 to win this week. Recent history suggests you should side with players who played the week prior to this event perhaps due to jetlag. McIlroy is the favourite this week and with Top 5s at Sheshan in 2009, 2010 and 2011 that isn’t exactly surprising. He is improving and getting back towards his best and though his odds are tempting this week I’m not quite on board yet.
TIPS
Sergio GARCIA 2.0 Points E/W at 25/1 (Widely Available)
A tie for 11th last week was all I needed to see. I’ve had him in mind for this event for a long time. He has largely flown under the radar this year despite the fact he hasn’t missed a cut. He is one of the best ball-strikers out there and now he’s added the ability to putt to his résumé. He isn’t the longest hitter on tour but he isn’t short of the tee and he proved he can win around Sheshan GC in 2008 when he won here before it was a WGC event.
Graham DELAET 1.5 Points E/W at 50/1 (SkyBet)
For my second pick this week I’ve decided to go with the big-hitting Canadian. His first few years on tour he was plagued by injuries but now he’s breaking out. He has had a fantastic year with 8 Top 10s, all he needs now is a win. He hasn’t played in a WGC event before but I fancy his chances here. He played last week and finished in a tie for 7th. I’ve backed him a few times this year and he hasn’t disappointed.
Kiradech APHIBARNRAT 1.0 Point E/W at 80/1 (Stan James)
The big Thai has finished T4 and T3 in the last two weeks. He is long off the tee and has played well in Asia this year. He only missed out on a playoff last week by one shot and played some very strong golf. He started well at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and managed a T40 finish which wasn’t bad for his first start in the US.
Louis OOSTHUIZEN 0.5 Points E/W at 80/1 (Stan James)
He one the first event he played this year but injuries have ruined his year. He is not back to his best yet but I’m happy to place a small bet on him at long odds. He has Top 10’d this event twice and I’ll take a shot on him finding some form this week.
PROFIT/LOSS = +148.89 Points
FMcK's Golf Betting Preview 