Rookies Roll Call

Firstly, an apology: sorry for the brief hiatus last week, I was on holiday in the Carribean with the missus and kids (which was lovely, thanks for asking). I'm now completely refreshed and raring to go, and in the Stanford St Jude Classic, I've come back home to a real belter. With the small matter of the US Open next week, this little tester in Memphis should give us an indication as to who's hit form at the right time. Should being the key word, because quite frankly, anything could happen...

David Toms @ 15/1
Justified favourite, Toms has got great previous in this tournament, finishing 3rd last year, 2nd in 2005 and, get this, he only won the bleeding thing in 2004.... and 2003. He's coasted along pretty comfortably so far in 2008, but if he's going to jump onto the winner's circle, this will be the week. And at 15/1, he ain't half good value.

Camilo Villegas @ 33/1
The IGWT perennial favourite, we're going to go with him again this week, if not for his obvious golfing ability, then his enviable good looks and fashion sense. Finished 3rd at the recent AT&T Classic and we're hoping, as was the case with Anthony Kim, the Colombian youngster will reward our loyalty with at least an each way finish.

Ryan Palmer @ 66/1
Not a name you'll see pop up often around these parts, but has finished 15th and 10th in his last two events, which is solid enough in my eyes to justify a few quid.

Runaway mine train just out of shot

 The Mercedes Benz Championship's prohibitively elite field ensured that the rookies were all kicking their heels last week. Not literally hopefully as we want them to do well at the British Masters this week.

Zane Scotland @ 66/1
Sam Walker @ 125/1
Kyron Sullivan @ 200/1
Mark Pilkington @ 250/1
Marcus Higley @ 250/1

 

Last time out, only two of the rookies managed to make the cut. Marcus Higley fared the best with his tied 21st score of five under while Mark Pilkington finished tied 43rd at minus one. It's the second week in a row that the pair have finished towards the top and surely only a matter of time before we win big. Well, big-ish, we're not betting our houses or anything.

 

Sam Walker 100/1

Marcus Higley 150/1

Eirik Tage Johansen 150/1

Matthew Zions 200/1

Kyron Sullivan 200/1

Mark Pilkington 200/1

 

Last time out, the rookies' performances were something of a mixed bag. Sam Walker and Mark Pilkington went quite close whereas Matthew Zions and Kyron Sullivan bith missed the cut. This week, Pilkington's odds in particular are starting to look more attractive, especially for an each way bet.

 

Matthew Zions last week +3 missed cut this week not playing

Sam Walker last week tied 27 minus 3 this week 80/1

Kyron Sullivan last week +3 missed cut this week 175/1

Mark Pilkington last week tied 27 minus 3 this week 200/1

Marcus Higley last week tied 37 minus 2 this week 250/1

Eirik Tage Johansen last week tied 150 plus 12 this week 250/1

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power