Golf Betting – odds say FedEx Cup still injured Tiger’s to lose
Sportsbook FedEx Cup odds: Ogilvy could be a surprise in 2009
- Woods the favorite despite knee concerns
- Can Mickelson finally make a strong challenge?
- Singh a long shot to repeat
It’s time to start thinking about FedEx Cup betting as the PGA season kicked off last weekend with the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Hawaii. Vijay Singh is the defending champion in the PGA’s version of a playoff, but he will face a string of challengers, including Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Anthony Kim, and a certain injured golfer who comes in as the FedEx Cup betting favorite despite not playing competitively since last June.
Tiger Woods has -200 Fed Ex Cup odds after winning the inaugural Cup in 2007, yet we don’t even know when he will return to the course. Woods shut it down after a heroic performance in the U.S. Open last year and he’s just started hitting balls, notably with his driver and long irons.
Woods targets the Masters in April for his return, which means he is basically missing the first quarter of the year. No matter, though: it’s Tiger Woods, people. I won’t think you're crazy if you pick Woods to bet on the FedEx Cup.
Mickelson is next in FedEx Cup betting at +600, and the world’s No. 4 player will be looking to build upon a solid showing at the Ryder Cup. “Lefty” had a good year in 2008, winning twice and earning eight Top-10s in 21 events, but a player of Mickelson’s caliber should be in contention every time he plays, especially in the majors, and FedEx Cup fans know Mickelson tends to crumble on the big stage.
Garcia has Fed Ex Cup betting odds of +1200, and the Spaniard had one of his best years on the PGA Tour last year, racking up three second-places and a fifth-place finish in his last five tournaments. However, Garcia would love to forget the Ryder Cup, when he had his worst performance in the prestigious tournament.
Singh has FedEx Cup betting odds of +1500 to repeat, and his only two wins in 2008 came in the FedEx Cup as he won The Barclays and Deutsche Bank Championship to kick off the playoffs. Singh finished 27th at the Mercedes-Benz Championship, but he is now on the shelf as he had knee surgery and will miss the next 4-6 weeks.
Anthony Kim opened up his season with a second-place finish at the Mercedes-Benz Championship, and online betting players would do well to grab the 23-year-old with 2009 Fed ExCup odds of +1500. Kim sparked the Ryder Cup win for the Americans with his trouncing of Garcia to kick off the singles on that Sunday. Kim has the right mix of swagger and talent to be a top-notch pro on the Tour for a long, long time.
Garcia and Kim will be the players to watch this season, as Garcia looks to finally cash in on his tremendous potential (if he can keep his head). Kim is almost ready, but he’s not quite there yet. Singh will be rusty after his layoff, and those who bet sports should be aware that he didn’t play consistently all year, he just got hot at the right time.
Fans will wait to see if Mickelson has recovered from his collapse at Winged Foot in the 2006 U.S. Open and, if he wins a major, he becomes the FedEx Cup betting favorite. As for Woods, missing a quarter of the season may be too much for even him to overcome.
MARCO’S PICK: I’m taking a golf betting long shot in Australian Geoff Ogilvy, who is listed at +2500. Ogilvy (who ended up winning the ’06 U.S. Open) won the Mercedes-Benz Championship and he appears ready to put a rough 2008 behind him. Bet on Geoff Ogilvy to win the Fed Ex Cup.
For more on FedEx Cup odds, hit up the Betting Edge every week and get free insight from Marco Sussman, golf’s premier online betting handicapper.
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?
