Having a bet on Phil Mickelson
Bill Elliot reveals the strategy behind his betting, and explains why his money is on Phil Mickelson.
I DON'T know about you but I enjoy a flutter at the Open. It adds a bit of interest and keeps the focus going when slumped in front of a TV set.
Now there are various betting methods and I'm not trying to persuade you that I am any kind of expert - well, maybe a bit of an expert at losing money - but I do have one tried and mostly trusted method of laying a few pounds down.
Here it is...wait until the second round has gone and the cut has been made, then look down the list at somebody of real pedigree lying not ridiculously far off the lead but probably in 25th to 35th place. Then have an each way bet.
This has worked more often than it has failed for me over the years and that man who has come up trumps more than anyone else is your old friend and mine, Phil Mickelson. What you know is that he will be going for it over the last 36 holes. Winning is all that matters to him and though he doesn't often pull that off, he frequently blasts his way into the top ten and often into the top four.
In the second round Mickelson shot a two under par 70 but it could have been at least three or four shots lower. That's how well he played. "I'm close to being real good, really close, " he said. "I'm striking it really well and if I putt the way I putted over the back nine for the weekend then I'm going to have a good chance. Having won already takes the pressure off. I'm not trying to force it and I'm much more accepting of being on the poor end of tee times. I'm looking forward to what comes next."
When I placed my bet on Mickelson yesterday he was available at 50/1 and was lying tied for 34th place. Twenty minutes later he had moved up to 29th as the field stumbled and his price had drifted to 40/1. I'm not encouraging you to bet or to follow my template, but you might want to keep an eye on how my hero does from here on in.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Tom Clarke joined Golf Monthly as a sub editor in 2009 being promoted to content editor in 2012 and then senior content editor in 2014, before becoming Sports Digital Editor for the Sport Vertical within Future in 2022. Tom currently looks after all the digital products that Golf Monthly produce including Strategy and Content Planning for the website and social media - Tom also assists the Cycling, Football, Rugby and Marine titles at Future. Tom plays off 16 and lists Augusta National (name drop), Old Head and Le Touessrok as the favourite courses he has played. Tom is an avid viewer of all golf content with a particularly in depth knowledge of the pro tour.
-
Cobra Fly XL Speed Package Set vs vs Strata Golf Package Set: Read Our Head-To-Head Verdict
How do these golf club package sets from two of the top brands stack up for 2024? Find out, here!
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
7 Cheapest PGA Tour Green Fees
These courses all offer the PGA Tour experience for prices that won't break the bank
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Who Has Won The Most Money At The Masters?
Jack Nicklaus has won the most Green Jackets in history and Tiger Woods is the most successful champion in the modern era - but the answer is neither of those two...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Phil Mickelson What’s In The Bag? 2024 Update
Lefty is no stranger to tinkering with his equipment line-up and playing with older clubs. Let's see what he's using in 2024
By Michael Weston Published
-
Who Hit It Further - Tiger Woods Or Phil Mickelson?
Both Woods and Mickelson are considered greats of the game - but we look at who hit the ball further using average driving distances and their outright longest drives
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Where Is The 2024 US Open?
The 2024 tournament takes place at a venue that has become synonymous with the Major over the past quarter of a century
By Mike Hall Published
-
Which LIV Golfers Have Won The US Open?
The six LIV players to have won the US Open - and a look back at their victories
By Michael Weston Last updated
-
Which LIV Golf Players Have Qualified For The US Open?
A total of 15 LIV Golf players are eligible for the 2023 US Open at The Los Angeles Country Club
By Michael Weston Last updated
-
Report: LIV Golf Trio Interviewed By US Justice Department
The three LIV golfers have been interviewed along with lawyers from the PGA Tour
By Michael Weston Published
-
Which LIV Golfers Have Won The Masters?
Six LIV Golf players have worn the Green Jacket after claiming victory in the Augusta National Major
By Mike Hall Published