This week, DownThe18th reflect on what could have been, as illness scuppers Paul Casey's chances at the WGC Match Play
Golf Betting Blog: Defeat Hard to Stomach
It’s just another tournament in this season’s bizarre DownThe18th betting tale. Whilst we’ve had some pretty ridiculous moments (and poor picks), which have held us back in the GM betting competition, the past week may be the most retching. Literally.
One of our main picks Paul Casey (40/1) told reporters after his quarter-final defeat that he “saw his lunch again” the night before. We are undoubtedly full of sympathy for a player we admire greatly but what about that 3-putt on the 17th whilst being 1 up?
It could have been a very different story for him, his lunch, DownThe18th and Rory McIlroy, who could have gone to Vegas for some boxing that was apparently happened that night.
Staying with the Northern Irishman – his performance has just cemented his place at the top of the world rankings. What a consistent effort throughout the five days, although you would have been a bold gambler to back him at 9/1 in such a hectic format.
He seemed in cruise control against Gary Woodland (100/1) in the final, whilst it was particularly impressive watching him dispatch Hideki Matsuyama (33/1) in the first knockout round. Yes, he was one of our bets.
But the over-riding story from a gambling point of view was Danny Willett. What a performance! At 125/1, there will be some happy punters out there – even after his first round victory against Ryan Moore, you could grab him at 100’s.
To finish 3rd overall and beat Ryder Cup stalwart Jim Furyk (33/1) in the process was an outstanding effort.
We will all now move on to the PGA Tour’s flagship event – The Players Championship. The world’s best will all once again tee it up at Sawgrass, while the historic and traditional golfing mecca that is Mauritius hosts a European Tour event.
Current Standings after 16 weeks:
Golf Monthly
European Tour £-68.75
PGA Tour £68.50
Total -£10.25
DownThe18th
European Tour £-53.70
PGA Tour £-84.38
Total £-138.08
Golf Monthly leads by £127.83
