Betting tips / Dan Geraghty / 10 August 2011 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

There's no shortage of top-notch American golfers lining up at Atlanta Athletic Club - PGA Tour watcher Dan Geraghty runs through the leading contenders.

The omens weren't good but American golfers put up a strong showing at The Open. Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson and Anthony Kim all held a realistic winning chance at Royal St George's at one stage or another and we can expect an even stronger showing this week at Atlanta Athletic Club, perhaps headed by the born-again Tiger Woods ([26.0] to win).

Ok, so he finished 37th, but at Firestone Tiger's swing looked more controlled than it has done for a very long time and despite reiterating his goal last week was to win, we all know that this is the week that Tiger really wants to peak for. Despite enduring a troubled time of late, Tiger has still managed to finish in the top 30 at each of the last six Majors he's played and he remains the shortest priced American in the field.

Phil Mickelson [27.0] is next best and he showed what a danger he can be in Majors with a fine second placed finish at the Open, a competition in which he has traditionally fared poorly. He's certainly a must for any shortlist at this price.

Dustin Johnson [28.0] is available at just one tick bigger, if he keeps knocking on the door in Majors it will surely open one of these days, however, last year's failures to get over the line in a big one may have played on his mind in Kent and at this moment he's one to swerve for me.

Steve Stricker [28.0] is the same price but may find the course a little long and his record in Majors leaves a bit to be desired.

Rickie Fowler [34.0] is in great form once more and didn't do a lot wrong on Sunday last week. I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised if his debut win was a big one.

Streaky Nick Watney [36.0] looked in fine fettle last week and proved his is a Major Championship game last year. I like him for a top ten, whether he can get over the line is another matter.

Bubba Watson [60.0] was so close in this event last year but has had a strange time of late. He's struggled for form for a little while and his farcical trip to France (where he upset just about everyone) won't have done anything to help. There will be other years for Bubba.

Webb Simpson [100.0] has some fantastic stats this year, the only thing missing is a win. That's a big ask this week but you never know. Top ten however, is a risk worth taking.

Gary Woodland [100.0] continues to impress, after a full year on tour, next year is the time to catch him.

Bill Haas [190.0] shouldn't be that price in my opinion, worth getting him onside in a few markets.

Jonathan Byrd [480.0] made an early move at Firestone last week. It petered out but he's a multiple winner and a monster price.

Chris Kirk [500.0] is highly rated by many, proved himself capable of winning on tour recently and is worth a dabble for a top 20 finish.

Selections

Top Five
Tiger Woods [8.0]
Rickie Fowler [9.2]
Bill Haas [30.0]

Top 10
Nick Watney [4.9]
Webb Simpson [9.0]
Bill Haas [14.0]

Top 20
Bill Haas [4.0]
Chris Kirk [11.0]

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