Golf Central

Today is all about celebebrating the city of Chicago's contrbution to golf. If there was ever a candidate for Chicago National Golf Day, June 4^th would win hands down. Anyway, on this day in 1943, the Chicago District Golf Association initiated a cunning plan to help the USA’s effort in the Second World War. The Dime-A-Round-Program urged golfers to pop a dime in a milk bottle at the first tee of all golf courses, with all proceeds going towards helping Uncle Sam and his troops. Not sure how well that idea would go down nowadays, however.

Markus Brier @ 20/1
As far as value goes, you won't find many bets better than this. Not only is Fontana GC- venue for this week's stop on the European Tour- Brier's home club, he's got the results to back up his status as one of the favourites, winning here in 2006, 2004 and 2002. Get involved...

Ben Barham @ 66/1
It's fair to say that Ben's had a mixed year so far, but he showed the form we know he's capable of at last week's Celtic Manor Wales Open with an impressive 4th place finish. We're hoping that he'll put a string of good performances as a result, starting this week preferably.

Santiago Luna @ 125/1
Great name, average golf judging on recent form. Like so many golfers from Spain, Luna's capable of some seriously low scoring on his day, but at 125/1, we won't be too upset if he doesn't bring his game to Vienna.

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.