HSBC World Matchplay: Woods prepares for next week’s Ryder Cup
As you are no doubt aware, the Ryder Cup takes place next week, and the HSBC World Matchplay ought to provide the perfect build up to it, as well as ideal preparation for those taking part. It is the only European based match play event of the entire season, and so there really could be no better way for players to get in the groove for this format.
Every other week of the season, with very few exceptions, the competitors on the European and US Tours are competing essentially against the course in stroke play tournaments with 18 holes per day simply trying to post the best score they can. Matchplay throws up a different set of consideration and each match is contested over 36 holes.
Rather than taking on the scorecard, you are taking on an individual, and it is not uncommon for the player with the higher score to win the match. Some players relish the format, and some simply never seem comfortable in it.
The entry criteria for this well established event was altered three years ago, and since these changes, this is the first time that Tiger Woods will take part.
Woods will be the principle draw for fans to the Virginia Water estate this week, and anyone who does manage to make the journey will be expecting to see in a man in the full pomp of form. The last five times that the 30 year old has entered a tournament, he has ended the week in possession of the title, and a hefty pay cheque.
There is no such thing as an easy draw this week, and Colin Montgomerie in the first round is clearly not likely to be a walkover for Howell. It is a match we would expect him to win though, and with Woods, Donald, Els and Furyk all in the opposite half, the toughest man to beat will probably be Retief Goosen. The South African has a decent match play record, having made the semi-final here last year, and coming 5th at the Accenture this year.
Current Odds to win the 2006 Ryder Cup
Europe 5/6
USA 10/11
Tie 37/4
The Europeans have won four of the last five Ryder Cups.
PGA Golf Betting, Open and Championship Golf Lines
Ryder Cup is just around the corner. The top players from the USA battle it out against Europe’s best for ultimate bragging rights. The Bodog Sportsbook is your home for all your Ryder Cup odds.
Ryder Cup Odds: BET on Team USA to beat Team Europe.
