WGC Matchplay Odds – Woods favored in return to action
Casual fans and those who bet sports have been anxiously awaiting the return of Tiger Woods. Finally, the world’s No. 1 player will make his 2009 debut this Wednesday in the WGC-Accenture Match Play tournament. Woods won this knockout tournament last year, and online sportsbook odds are putting their faith in him to make a triumphant return, despite sitting out a lengthy time-period thanks to a painful leg injury.
WGC matchplay odds: Choi offers nice value at +4000
- WHO: The top 64 golfers in the world
- WHAT: The WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship
- WHEN: Wednesday, February 25 to Sunday, March 1
- WHERE: The Gallery Golf Club, Mariana, AZ
- KEY STATS: Tiger Woods won this event for the third time last year
- PICK: K.J. Choi
WGC matchplay odds are favoring Woods at +500 in an event he’s won three times, including an 8&7 beating of Stewart Cink in last year’s 36-hole final that was essentially over after the first 18. Woods hasn’t played a competitive round since his courageous performance in the U.S. Open, when he defeated Rocco Mediate in a playoff on a torn ACL and a double fracture in his left leg, but playing partners have said Woods doesn’t look like he’s skipped a beat.
Of course, we’d all love to see Woods against Phil Mickelson in the final of this event, and “Lefty” is coming off a big win in the Northern Trust Open. Mickelson has WGC Matchplay odds of +1400, but he hasn’t fared well at this event, and he was beaten in the second round last year.
Henrik Stenson and Geoff Ogilvy are former winners here, and they are listed at +1800 and +2000, respectively. This will be Stenson’s first tournament in the United States this season, while Ogilvy already has a win and has played solidly so far.
The WGC matchplay usually rewards consistent golfers, such as Ogilvy, Stenson and David Toms. Most of the attention this week will go towards the return of Woods, but it would be a tough ask of Tiger to come back with a win.
- TIGER WOODS +480
- PHIL MICKELSON +1400
- SERGIO GARCIA +1600
- HENRIK STENSON +1800
- GEOFF OGILVY +2000
- ANTHONY KIM +2000
- ADAM SCOTT +2500
- PADRAIG HARRINGTON +2500
- CAMILO VILLEGAS +2800
- ROBERT KARLSSON +3300
- LEE WESTWOOD +3300
- ERNIE ELS +3300
- MIKE WEIR +4000
- PAUL CASEY +3300
- LUKE DONALD +3300
- KENNY PERRY +4000
- MARTIN KAYMER +4000
- VIJAY SINGH +4000
- JIM FURYK +4000
- STEVE STRICKER +4000
- K.J. CHOI +4000
MARCO’S PICK: I like K.J. Choi, who has WGC matchplay odds of +4000. The South Korean keeps his tee shots in the fairway, which is crucial in matchplay golf, and his putting is good enough, especially in pressure situations. Bet online with K.J. Choi this weekend.
For WGC matchplay odds and PGA analysis throughout the season, bookmark 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.
