Golf Betting Blog: walking away from $240k

Tiger Woods’ miserable chipping, lip outs, some returns and ‘Rahmbo’, the first amateur for 17 years to finish in the top 5 of a PGA Tour event

Golf Betting Blog

Ryan Palmer's 2^nd place at the Phoenix Open signalled our first real knock on the door of the winner's enclosure in 2015. Still reeling from Bill Haas' Humana success, Palmer placing at 33/1 gave us a much needed bit of profit.

But by no means was there a sour taste in our mouths on Sunday evening (despite a few lip outs) as America saw the arrival of 'one of our own' Brooks Koepka (50/1). It signalled recognition not only for the new generation in the game but also the European system which has seen the American climb through the ranks from Challenge Tour to Final Series success last year.

Tiger's 82 and miserable chipping aside, the real story line of the week came in the form of 20-year-old Spanish amateur Jon 'Rahmbo' Rahm (500/1). He became the first amateur since Justin Rose at the '98 Open to accomplish a top 5 finish on the PGA Tour.

Sadly for him, that also meant he had to walk away from a cheque of $240,000. Ouch. Although his nickname has to walk straight into the top 10 all-time in golf.

Bubba Watson (16/1) Hideki Matsuyama (28/1) and Martin Laird (70/1) rounded out the top 5 having all been in with a sniff on the final day.

In Europe it was a much more predictable outcome with Rory (7/2) looking imperious as ever at the scene of his first professional win in 2009. In that win, McIlroy only found 45% of fairways which does make you shiver at the thought of when he does find a few more.

It did mean however there was a bit of a procession behind with rejuvenated Swede Alex Noren (66/1) the only person making Rory glance over his shoulder. Stephen Gallacher (25/1) put up a stout defence of his title with a 3^rd while Madsen (175/1), Stal (80/1), Sullivan (80/1), Kaymer (14/1) and Wiesberger (28/1) rounded out a jam-packed top 5. Louis Oosthuizen, our number 1 pick, withdrew before play had even commenced on Thursday...

Our £10 battle with Golf Monthly rolls into its 4^th week with them still holding a comfortable lead but as we all know in the game of golf – anything can happen.

Current Standings after 3 weeks

Golf Monthly

European Tour £-20

PGA Tour £54

Total £34

DownThe18th

European Tour £-19.20

PGA Tour £-5.38

Total £-25.08

Golf Monthly leads by £59.08

Head over to https://downthe18th.wordpress.com for this week's preview and picks.