Golf betting blog - Every little helps

See how we got on in our weekly golf betting challenge with bloggers Downthe18th

Golf betting blog, by Downthe19th:

It's safe to say that we'll keep things brief where the European Tour is concerned this week – four days, 18 holes and plenty of sleepless nights for the organisers. It's not exactly been a good couple of years for the Madeira Islands Open event with last year's being cut short to 36 holes. As you would expect, not a huge amount to talk about where betting was concerned.

JB Hansen (33/1), our number-one pick, had taken a one-shot lead after everyone had finally handed in their cards but with half of Europe within a couple of shots it was hard to feel bitter. Consequently, our European slump on the betting front continues.

Now to America – Henrik Stenson (10/1) has looked ominously good in recent weeks with his ball striking going from strength to strength. The Swede was the only person in the top five not to be at triple figures where odds were concerned. Everything was pointing towards the 2013 FedEx Cup champ – until the iceman melted...

A 'rushed' Stenson 3-putted twice on the back nin which left the door ajar for Matt Every (250/1), an unlikely candidate to defend his Arnold Palmer title.

Only Tiger and Every have now defended the Bay Hill crown since the turn of the century. Every was matched at over 500/1 on the exchanges which does make us all think 'what if', amongst other words.

With Augusta and the drive down Magnolia Lane not too far away, Stenson at 28/1 going into the week got slashed in half as he took a 2-shot lead. But with his 3-putts and those infamous greens at The Masters, it certainly makes us tread carefully around his price now.

This week was a gentle reminder to us all that there's so much value to be had in the lower half of any golf tournament as the top 5 was rounded out by Matt Jones (125/1), Morgan Hoffman (200/1) and Ben Martin (250/1).

Even Kiradech Aphibarnrat (175/1) sneaked 6th place if you took advantage of Paddy Power's extra place. It was certainly 1-0 to the bookies.

This week we head to Morocco and Texas respectively and there's value everywhere you look - one for you all to ponder over is Matteo Manassero at 250/1. Short track, 6th here as an 18-year-old - the Italian can't play poorly forever and this track fits him like a glove.

The £10 challenge moves into its 11th week and Golf Monthly still hold a painfully commanding lead. Head over to http://downthe18th.wordpress.com for this week’s preview and picks.

Current Standings after 10 weeks:

Golf Monthly European Tour £-36 PGA Tour £61.75 Total £25.75

DownThe18th European Tour £-16.60 PGA Tour £-37.28 Total £-53.88

Golf Monthly leads by £79.63