YTD:
Matchups:: 4-3-1 (+0.85*)
Outrights: 0-2 (-0.80*)
I like to keep track of those well done pushes.
These are the matchup plays I already have down for 1*, and the long-winded discussions that go with them.
McCarron(+100) over Allenby
Allenby has a trend of poorly defending his titles (or trying to repeat an exceptional showing from the prior year), resulting in a bizarre looking record that has you wondering how he did so well in the first place. McCarron's game appears suited to Riviera old or new, he's a perfect 2-0 in finishing ahead of Allenby this year, and Allenby's play remains suspect off his two recent outings in Australia. Seriously considering adding another unit.
Olazabal(+105) over Furyk
I don't see the virtues that made Furyk the favorite here. Some were quicker than me during the 30 minutes on Monday when Olazabal's odds fell from +110 to +100.
Langer(+105) over Verplank
Expecting Langer to play well this week at Riviera, and I am not as sold on Verplank. I see value in this matchup.
Couples(-120) over Cink
Last fall I had heard or read Couples discuss rededicating himself this season, confessing that while his days as an elite player were probably behind him, further miserable play would drive him from the tour. My search for more info today regarding his goals and efforts uncovered only a partial column from two weeks ago that mentioned his devotion in helping his second wife, Thais, survive breast cancer, and embracing his role as father to her two elementary school age children. The suicide of his ex-wife, Deborah, may have also contributed to a more sobered perspective. And then a belly putter has also been added to the arsenal. Some fits and starts are to be expected, but his talent and some drive behind it should yield multiple top ten finishes, at a minimum. As for this week, while it may be a little early for his efforts to bear fruit, this may also be exactly the right spot (Think: Mark O'Meara). On the other side, Cink is accustomed to his own extended periods of indifferent play. Value or not, I like Couples this week.
Kenny Perry(-165) over Parnevik
Perry clearly has a hot hand, and he has a noteworthy record of keeping his form after a layoff. Parnevik does not strike me as a horses for courses type of player, and he has yet to find his groove for this season. But, I liked this play a lot more at the opening line of Perry(-135). WOW! If I don't go broke first, finding another sports book for golf action is going to be a necessary investment.
Enough of that, but I still have at least three remaining matchups under consideration.
Outrights in @ 0.40* on the Roulette Wheel (and Big Congrats to the old pros that shared in Olazabal's triumph last week):
Langer(50-1)
Couples(45-1)
Chamblee(75-1)
I knew I would take a close look at the mass of humanity from last year's finish, but before I could even get started, the chorus here steered me directly to this too easy choice.
GL
