Golf – Free The Barclays Preview

Tue, Aug 24, 2010

by James Cochrane

The FedExCup Play offs gets underway this week with The Barclays and the world’s best player’s travel to Ridgewood Country Club looking to win one of the season’s most coveted prizes.

Heath Slocum provided somewhat of a surprise winning this event last year but other recent winners include Sergio Garcia, Vijay Singh, Steve Stricker and Padraig Harrington.

There are a number of stats that need looking at to go well this week and when you delve into said stats, one name always stands out. I have advised Matt Kuchar before this season and despite playing the best golf of his life, he is yet to record a win this year. I understand if people feel they can’t back him now but once again, he is set for a good week. Ball striking is important here, he sits 9th on TOUR, a strong GIR percentage is needed, he sits 10th on TOUR, in 2008 putting within 10 feet was a must, he sits 24th on TOUR and 7th for total putting, you get the picture. Matt will be as frustrated as anybody that he is yet to pick up a win but he won’t get down and as he’ll know it’s just around the corner, the play-offs is not better place to start. In 6 of his last 8 starts he has recorded top 10 finishes and looks set to go well this week, he is worth sticking with.

Bettrends Advice
Matt Kuchar – Each-Way – 40/1 (Boylesports)

I have toyed with my second pick for a while but I am siding with Paul Casey as not only is he capable of having a good week, I feel he needs a good week. Peter Hanson’s win at the Czech Open means Casey is relying on a captain pick from Colin Montgomerie to make it to Celtic Manor. Paul will be determined to put in a good performance this week to prove he is worthy of playing for Europe come October 1st. We all know Paul Casey is a player worthy of winning events of this calibre but his stats also bolster his chances. He sits 47th in GIR, 34th in putting average, 11th in scoring average, 29th in driving distance, 2nd in approaches from under 200 yards and 4th from 175-200 yards and 10th in all round ranking, all attributes that point towards a solid week. He comes here after a 12th place finish at the PGA and he should be in a confident mood. He admitted he is determined to win the FedExCup and was prepared to put his Ryder Cup place at jeopardy to play here. I expect him to go out all guns blazing.

Bettrends Advice
Paul Casey – Each-Way – 30/1 (General)

I must admit to being a little uninspired by the top of the market in such a strong event and although players like Steve Stricker fit the bill, I don’t fancy them at 16/1. Therefore I am going through the big priced players and there a couple I feel could cause a shock. The first is Adam Scott. The Australian has been in fairly good form of late and since winning the Valero Texas Open he has recorded finishes such as 27th at The Open, 9th at the WGC and 39th at the PGA. He his 34th in driving distance, 13th in GIR, 5th for ball striking and 1st for approaches form 175-200 yards. He may need to improve his putting but he has improvement in him and at 66/1, he is worthy of an each-way interest.

Bettrends Advice
Adam Scott – Each-Way – 66/1 (General)

The final player on my shortlist looks to be considered a complete outsider who I think is overpriced and after last year’s result I don’t feel it would be much of a surprise. Aaron Baddeley has yet to really fulfil his potential but he is in solid form of late and will be looking to get into his stride in the play-offs. In his last 9 events Aaron has missed only one cut and has recorded finishes such as a 3rd at the Valero Texas Open, 27th at The Travelers and a 16th at the AT&T. He sits 13th for driving distance, 8th for putting average, 54th for sand save average, 6th for three-putt avoidance and 37th for all round. It’s a tough event but I see no reason why the Australian can’t prove his ability and cause a shock this week.

Bettrends Advice
Aaron Baddeley – Each-Way – 175/1 (Skybet)

Following on from the 321pt level stakes profit offered on our FREE golf tips don’t forget to subscribe to our new football service – WEEKEND FOOTBALL FEVER. James Cochrane, Neil Hubbard and Gary Emmerson aim to bring you the best football bets each and every weekend. The trio ended last season with a level stakes profit of over 11pts and enjoyed a World Cup to remember during the summer, once more ending in profit to the tune of 8pts. The FREE ante-post football previews are available to all but don’t miss out on the weekly updates which have had a successful start and provided 5 winners out of 5 last weekend, including a 4/1 winner…..

Leyton Orient travel to Southampton this weekend and their poor start looks set to continue. Southampton have not played since the opening day due to their last game being abandoned and despite the loss to Plymouth they are still strong favourites to take the league one crown. Leyton Orient have made a slow start to the season with two losses and look to be set for a tough afternoon. I won’t be backing the 4/9 about Southampton in a single but I will be backing Ricky Lambert to score first. The striker is set to make his first appearance of the season and the prolific hit-man is sure to be biting at the bit to get off the mark straight away.

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