Canadian Open Odds - Why safe players and risk takers should both pick Luke Donald
The Canadian Open odds will likely fall under the radar among golf betting fans this week. After all, the British Open was just last week and many of the Tour’s top players are resting and getting over their jet lag this week. However, Glen Abbey Golf Club is one of the storied courses around and still makes for exciting golf. Let’s have a look at some contenders.
Canadian Open odds: Medium-length Abbey should reward ball striking, scrambling
- WHAT: The Canadian Open
- WHERE: Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario
- WHEN: Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26, 2009
- KEY STAT: Luke Donald’s scrambling percentage is 4.96 points higher than the Tour average
- THE PICK: Luke Donald
We can’t discuss the top Canadian Open picks without mentioning Canada’s two favorite golf sons, Mike Weir and Stephen Ames. Because of his Canadian name value and 2003 Masters title, Weir’s Canadian Open odds always get a bit inflated. But the truth is that he hasn’t finished better than 10th in a tournament since February and he seems to crack under the pressure at home. Remember his infamous choke against Vijay Singh a few years back? Ames will get some offshore sportsbook traction too but isn’t playing well either.
Luke Donald could be a prudent pick for the Canadian Open odds. With five top-10s this year, including a fifth-place finish at the British Open, he’s on his game. On a medium-length course like the Abbey, which rewards good shot making and scrambling, Donald’s in good shape, as he ranks in the Tour’s upper half in scrambling and scoring average.
If you’re seeking the big name plays, you can’t go wrong with Retief Goosen or Anthony Kim. Goosen has cracked the top 25 in four of five starts and looked sharp at Turnberry, tying Donald for fifth. Kim bombed at the British Open but was really heating up before that; his shotmaking ability makes his Canadian Open odds worth a look.
If you want a deep sleeper for sports betting online, consider Mark Calcavecchia. His odds to win should give you Tom Wastonesque value. He’s a huge long shot, but consider that (a) He quietly finished 27th at the British Open and (b) He won the Canadian Open in 2005.
MARCO’S PICK: The best combination of track record and value this week is Luke Donald. He’s playing better golf than the likes of Weir and Ames right now but he won’t get the big name value of a Goosen or Kim. Bet on Luke Donald.
For more Canadian Open odds and golf lines, visit the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
Marco Sussman isn't too bad on the links, reportedly a five handicap. But, he's great in the sports betting game. He'll watch just about anything you put in front of him, but golf is what really gets his juices flowing. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
