US Masters 2009

Well, I'm far from an expert in the old golf, but four times a year, I try to do a bit of research and see if I can pick out someone at a price. So here we go at Augusta as one hundred and something players battle it out for the Green Jacket

Can Woods do it?
Well, obviously he is the most likely to do it and who would actually be surprised if he claims his 13th Major here? He is so far ahead in the world rankings that if he was to retire today, he would probably still be on top for another two years! But in the interest of trying to back someone at a big price, we shall look elsewhere.

The Chasing Pack: Harrington, Mickelson, Els, Goosen
The South Africans always do well here so that bodes well for the latter two although rumours are abound that Els isn't in the best of health this week. Mickelson has done well at Augusta before too so if Woods slips up, there are plenty waiting in the wings. Ireland's Padraig Harrington bids for his fourth major and this is a tournament he has done well in in the past. The last two years he has been in the hunt on the last day and were it not for a disaster at the 15th 12 months ago, it could be a case of what have been. No surprise if Harrington does it again in his bid for what the media have dubbed, The Paddy Slam, but of these four, my vote goes to the Goose as the most likely to emerge victorious. He's been back to form recently and Augusta is a place that brings out the best in him.

Others in with a shout
All the talk appears to be about Geoff Ogilivy and a lot of shrewd people say now is the time, the Australian can show us how good he is. Sergio Garcia is one of the best Europe have to offer but his inability to putt when the pressure is on puts me off. Paul Casey, Adam Scott and last year's winner Trevor Immelman are others in with chances.

Loyal2TheRoyal's two outsiders to keep an eye on
1. Rory Sabbantani - As I have said already, the South Africans always do well here and Sabbatani finished second here last year. He is not the most popular player but at 125/1 he is well worth backing.
2. Anthony Kim had a great 2008 and at 50/1 with PaddyPower, there is a fair chance the young gun will keep his terrific form going until Sunday evening.

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:Well, I'm far from an expert in the old golf, but four times a year, I try to do a bit of research and see if I can pick out someone at a price. So here we go at Augusta as one hundred and something players battle it out for the Green Jacket

Can Woods do it?
Well, obviously he is the most likely to do it and who would actually be surprised if he claims his 13th Major here? He is so far ahead in the world rankings that if he was to retire today, he would probably still be on top for another two years! But in the interest of trying to back someone at a big price, we shall look elsewhere.

The Chasing Pack: Harrington, Mickelson, Els, Goosen
The South Africans always do well here so that bodes well for the latter two although rumours are abound that Els isn't in the best of health this week. Mickelson has done well at Augusta before too so if Woods slips up, there are plenty waiting in the wings. Ireland's Padraig Harrington bids for his fourth major and this is a tournament he has done well in in the past. The last two years he has been in the hunt on the last day and were it not for a disaster at the 15th 12 months ago, it could be a case of what have been. No surprise if Harrington does it again in his bid for what the media have dubbed, The Paddy Slam, but of these four, my vote goes to the Goose as the most likely to emerge victorious. He's been back to form recently and Augusta is a place that brings out the best in him.

Others in with a shout
All the talk appears to be about Geoff Ogilivy and a lot of shrewd people say now is the time, the Australian can show us how good he is. Sergio Garcia is one of the best Europe have to offer but his inability to putt when the pressure is on puts me off. Paul Casey, Adam Scott and last year's winner Trevor Immelman are others in with chances.

Loyal2TheRoyal's two outsiders to keep an eye on
1. Rory Sabbantani - As I have said already, the South Africans always do well here and Sabbatani finished second here last year. He is not the most popular player but at 125/1 he is well worth backing.
2. Anthony Kim had a great 2008 and at 50/1 with PaddyPower, there is a fair chance the young gun will keep his terrific form going until Sunday evening.

Good work Loyal. Here's hoping that padraig will win-but Tiger Woods is playing very well, even though he has only recently returned to golf following his knee injury. TBH, I dont mind iof Padraig doesnt win, it's not the end of the World-The British open and PGA championship are the ones I focus on the most!!! I'm a keen golfer myself and I watch golf alot. Check out padraig's website at
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] pretty impressive site

Zach Johnson is worth an e/w bet i think

arrrrrrrrrr

just wrote a big reply full of insightfull comments and brillient analysis but then i deleted the lot arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr


anyway my big tip is ADAM SCOTT at aroun 80/1 he knows this course well, playe |USA alot and at that price an e/w bet looks very apealing.

would love to see young rory mcalroy get on well, have been watching his career now for about 4 years since i seen him in the west of ireland open, i would be a little worried about him this weekend though as his big power aggressive game if not played to perfection will get eaten up on those big undulating greens at augusta, if played right though

As Mark Twain said - A good walk spoiled!

Harrington must hate the 15th hole by now.

He was robbed if you ask me.

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:Harrington must hate the 15th hole by now.

He was robbed if you ask me.

How many did he drop Loyal?

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:Harrington must hate the 15th hole by now.

He was robbed if you ask me.

Why, what happened? He's still -3 through 15 according to the web?

RMDrive wrote:

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:Harrington must hate the 15th hole by now.

He was robbed if you ask me.

Why, what happened? He's still -3 through 15 according to the web?

he addressed the ball and walked away-according to the rules thats not allowed-i think its a load of crap tbh

Par-ed it.

But the ball rolled in the wind while he was standing over it and he lost a shot. I'm not up to date on the rules but some sort of technicality cost him. Seemed very harsh to me.

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:Par-ed it.

But the ball rolled in the wind while he was standing over it and he lost a shot. I'm not up to date on the rules but some sort of technicality cost him. Seemed very harsh to me.

Jesus that sounds crap alright! Is Maurice Deegan reffing it?

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:Par-ed it.

But the ball rolled in the wind while he was standing over it and he lost a shot. I'm not up to date on the rules but some sort of technicality cost him. Seemed very harsh to me.

'tis very harsh-too harsh! According to the rules, if you address the ball(touch the ground ready to putt it) and walk away theres a shot peno-a load of crap. out of the 98 players playing he had to be the one-

Its too late for this now but if anyone is interested for Saturday and Sunday:

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Amen Corner, Holes 11 - 13
Coverage starts at 12pm (Irish time

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Holes 15 and 16
Coverage starts tomorrow at 1pm (Irish time)

Looks like McIlroy is in bother for kicking the sand in a bunker!

They are about to disqualify McIlroy now - for kicking the sand in one of the bunkers.

I'm not messing. It looks as if they are to get the Irish in Augusta.

Graeme McDowell, be warned.

RMDrive wrote:Looks like McIlroy is in bother for kicking the sand in a bunker!

How did they notic him kicking sand into a bunker - sure there's loads there aready!

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:They are about to disqualify McIlroy now - for kicking the sand in one of the bunkers.

I'm not messing. It looks as if they are to get the Irish in Augusta.

Graeme McDowell, be warned.

are you serious, setanta are only focusing on those flippin americans!

Did he kick it in some puny 6 stone weakling's face or something??

He will be disqualified, kicked the sand in frustration and apparantly, that could be deemed as giving himself an advantage.

He was -4 at one stage on the back nine and triple bogey-ed the 18th which left him +1. It was an awful way to end but at least, he would have been back to tomorrow. Now he won't.

Loyal2TheRoyal wrote:He will be disqualified, kicked the sand in frustration and apparantly, that could be deemed as giving himself an advantage.

He was -4 at one stage on the back nine and triple bogey-ed the 18th which left him +1. It was an awful way to end but at least, he would have been back to tomorrow. Now he won't.

are you serious-cause i'm just about to inform everybody in my house?!!!

Whether to trust Loyal2TheRoyal?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Pity, wanted Rory to do well. Ah well, he's a long career ahead of him. Who's the best newcomer now then, Kim is it? Didn't he break a birdie record or something?

well i'm away to watch the rest of the golf-g'night all!!

Paddy back to -2. Bogey on 17.

So this is what it comes down to.

A three way play off.

Perry's shot to win it was agonising but I'll be cheering him in the playoff.