US OPEN
US Open Spread Betting Preview
The cream of the golfing world is in for a treat over the coming months as they take to two of the world's finest courses for the next two majors. The Open will be won and lost over the exquisite undulations of St. Andrews' Old Course in July, but before that the players will tussle for the US Open at California's Pebble Beach Golf Links.Spread bettors will also be aware that performances in these two tournaments will also contribute to the selection decisions of Ryder Cup captains Colin Montgomerie and Corey Pavin. (Europe are currently spread favourites for 38th contest in October, with a point supremacy spread of 0.5-1.1). The likely suspects feature at the top of Sporting Index's leaderboard spread index, with Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington expected to lead the European charge against Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
Spread sellers of Tiger Woods' finishing position have much to encourage their decision, as he will be going for his fourth US Open title, having won two of his previous titles on the West Coast. This includes his victory at Torrey Pines in 2008, the last time the event was contested in California and his 2000 triumph on this very course when his 12-under par 272 equalled the lowest event score. However, buyers of the spread and sellers of Tiger's leaderboard index will note how his performances since returning from his break have been mixed. He followed up a fourth at the Masters by missing the cut at Quail Hollow and withdrawing from the Players Championship.
It's staggering to think that the event hasn't seen a European winner since Tony Jacklin won at Hazeltine forty years ago, which may be a concern for sellers of the finishing position spreads of recent tour winners Luke Donald and Justin Rose. Spread bettors considering a punt on the Europeans may prefer to focus instead on Sporting Index's Top European index spread markets, where 50 points is awarded to the top player in the group. Sporting Index's traders expect plenty of buying interest in Rory McIlroy's spread, but buyers of his friend and compatriot Graeme McDowell's spread could be set for larger profits. Aside from winning at Celtic Manor, and most likely securing his place in Monty's team, the Ulsterman finished leading European at last year's US Open.
The South Africans have been extremely well represented this year, with a resurgent Ernie Els in great form and Charl Schwartzel contributing to the coffers of a number of shrewd European Tour spread punters. Four times in the last sixteen years has a member of the Rainbow Nation lifted the US trophy - two each to Els and Retief Goosen - and spread bettors on the Top South African index will expect an exciting four days. Schwartzel is duelling with Ian Poulter for the lead in the Race to Dubai, while Tim Clark recently pocketed $1.7m from his sensational victory at the Players Championship.
