Golf This Week(Japanese + Asian Tours)

[Beanie]

No PGA or European Tour this week, but a couple of tournies in Asia.

A weak field in Japan on the Japanese Tour for the Taiheiyo Masters, while most of the HSBC Champions Field make the journey to Singapore for the Barclays Singapore Open.

Will try to get previews up for both tomorrow morning.

[TopDog]

Singapore Open

Couple of value MATCH Bets

Scott to beat Mickelson @ Evens [Bet 365] 2pts
Poulter to beat Mickelson @ 6-4 [Coral] 1pt

[Beanie]

Poulter just withdrawn TD, for having his driver nicked of all things...

Singapore Open

Last week's event was a little unpredictable as a result of dodgy weather, but nonetheless it was the cream that rose to the top, with Mickelson, Scott, Ogilvy, Garcia and Kim(pre DQ) all making it a top heavy leaderboard, and so I don't think I'll be trying to overcomplicate things this week with any speculative outsiders.

Working through the big game players - Mickelson looks like a weak fav to me here - he has already said he didn't enjoy the heat here last time, and hasn't shown any course form that would tempt me at 7/1. Harrington has seemed very patchy since his Major wins - and a consistent 4 rounds seems to continue to elude him. Seems to still be stuck in a slight mental lull after his achievements this year and I'm not ready to back him with any hard earned yet.

Ernie has some for here with a 2nd spot a few years ago, but over the past year he doesnt seem to have the hunger for the game that he once did. Did win a low key event in Morocco last week but not for me at the price. Poulter withdrawn. Choi has a great record in Asia, but his performance last week was very rusty...admittedly its not a place he's ever done well, but I expected a lot more from him in Shanghai.

So for me it's Scott this week - his form here is absolutely fantastic - 1st in 2005 and 2006, and 3rd in 2007. He played very well at the HSBC last week in bagging a top 10 after a layoff, and while doubts remain about his consistency over 18 holes, he's the one to beat imo this week.

One outsider worth a look is Kane Webber - played very well here last year, including leading after 18 holes, he's in decent form recently and overall is a very lively young talent, and 2009 could be something of a breakthrough year.

Win Market

3pts Scott @ 8/1 with totesport
3pts Scott To Beat Mickelson @ Evens with Bet365(good spot TD)
0.5pts Kane Webber @ 140 with Betfair

Will sort out Top 10 bets later today.

[TopDog]

Cheers Beanie

Good Luck

[Beanie]

Bad start - Scott was out in the very tough early conditions and stumbles round in +5 - better start from Webber who was -1 through 3 when storms stopped play(got 17.5s on BF for a top 10 on the young 'un). Mickelson also out in the tough conditions - rallyed to finish +2.

[TopDog]

Scott missed the cut

[Beanie]

Out in the bad conditions early on on day 1, and instead of rolling up the sleeves and working to get back into it(as Phil did), didnt look like he fancied another 2 days play for the small money. Webber struggling after a bright start too. Onto next week, altho I'll be glad when this Asian swing is over.