How do you spice up betting on the PGA Championship, which some golf fans consider the ugly duckling of the four majors? How about making the host course, Hazeltine, longer than any track in major championship history? With three 600-plus yard holes and a 518-yard par four, Hazeltine clocks in at a mammoth 7,678 yards. Who are the top names to consider at your sportsbook this week? TIGER WOODS (+150)
BOOM: There’s oh-so-much to like about Tiger’s golf odds this week. Not only has he won two straight tournaments, he’s done so on courses that favor long hitters. Hazeltine is thus a perfect fit for him.
BUST: There’s no reason to avoid Tiger unless you’re bored with the limited return he gives you on your money.
PHIL MICKELSON (+2000)
BOOM: An aggressive player like Lefty Mickelson could flourish at Hazeltine. Mickelson has the length off the tee and won’t be punished for mistakes the way shorter hitters will. If he hits an errant drive on a 600-yard hole, he can still get on in regulation.
BUST: After his hiatus, he really sputtered on the weekend at last week’s Bridgestone and was clearly fatigued. It’s hard to imagine him being back up to speed just a week later.
STEVE STRICKER: (+3300)
BOOM: Stricker always cracks sleeper lists because of his superb putting, accurate ball striking and solid course management. 2009 could be his year, as he already has two wins this season.
BUST: He’s a popgun off the tea and, worse yet, he crumbles against strong fields. Most of his wins come from bullying the competition in no-name events.
ANTHONY KIM (+3300)
BOOM: You have to love Kim’s skill set for this tournament. He’s a big hitter and he makes the kind of bigtime shots that make fans pay per head. He’s a good putter and that helps him convert birdies more often than just about anyone on Tour.
BUST: Youth is on his side in everyday life, but it hurts his chances on the course in a major. He’s likely to be jittery if he’s leading this Sunday.
ANGEL CABRERA (+5000)
BOOM: He’s probably my favorite sleeper this week. He’s a big bopper off the tee who doesn’t get fazed in pressure situations, as he showed in winning the 2007 U.S. Open by a stroke and 2009 Masters in a playoff.
BUST: Accuracy could trip him up. He looked good last week but he’s generally very erratic. While Hazeltine still gives any long hitter a hope regardless of accuracy, you still have to put some shots in the fairway to win.
Best sports pick: Tiger Woods. He’s peaking at the right time and you don’t want to go against Tiger when he’s hot.
