Golf Central

April 24th is a bittersweet day for one Jerry Lanston "Lanny" Wadkins. Whilst in 1983 he was celebrating a Tournament of Champions victory by one stroke over fellow American Raymond Floyd, exactly five years later he’d be swallowing the bitter pill of defeat when Chip Beck posted a 64 in the final round of the USG&G Classic in New Orleans. Wadkins finished seven strokes behind Beck's 26 under 262.

Peter O'Malley hasn't won a European Tour event in seven years, but when it comes to leading the rankings for driving accuracy and greens in regulation he's never far from top spot. A 67, with six birdies and a solitary bogey on 18 left him atop the leaderboard at 5-under, with Mikko Ilonen, Jeev Milkha Singh, Henrik Stenson and Oliver Wilson just a shot shy on 4-under.

Had to resist backing Anthony Kim (does this count if he does well this weekend?) in favour of this sturdy trio. Big ask for Trev to perform, but I've got a hunch that Poulter might get among them at some point this week:-

Trevor Immelman @ 16/1: welcome back Trev and thanks again for bringing home that 130/1 punt at The Masters. On that basis alone, he's worth an each-way from me this week.

Ian Poulter @ 33/1: after showing both sides of his game at Augusta, he'll be hungrier than ever to perform well. I can't ever picture him as a Major winner, but he is almost bound to throw a few pleasant surprises along the way. If he putts well and stops moaning, I'll be happy.

Fredrik Jacobson @ 50/1: another perennial BD fave - it's amazing what an invitation to a barbecue round a golfer's house can do to his personal judgement. Played well last week, however, and has the happy knack of gaining momentum with every decent week that passes.

Miguel Angel Jimenez @ 20/1: things don't really get rewarding until you get these odds, minimum, before a tournament. That's why I've stuck with one of the few men with a ponytail I'd willingly shake by the hand.

Martin Kaymer @ 28/1: love this guy, in a platonic admiring way, of course. Will continue to back him over the long-term, purely on the basis of his potential and the fact that every respected golf pundit and his budgie rates him very highly indeed.

David Howell @ 33/1: more in hope than expectation, I'd dearly love Howler to get back into Ryder Cup contention with a big win. It's a gamble, though - just as well it's my job then, really.