By Terry Gregory
ADAM SCOTT threw his name deep into the pot of contenders for the Tour Championship in three weeks after claiming his first post-Masters title at the Barclays on the weekend.
The Aussie finished a shot clear of Tiger Woods on -11 and moved to number two in the world off the back of his triumph. His ranking is thoroughly deserved after top-five finishes at the Open and PGA Championship, and with the Tour Champs just around the corner Scott is certainly in-form.
For golf betting fans looking for a good punt, Scott is the obvious choice to clinch the title in Atlanta. He and Phil Mickelson are the two realistic contenders from the world’s top-four, with Woods suffering a back problem in New Jersey and Rory McIlroy continuing to suffer disastrous form.
If anyone is to catch Scott and Mickelson they will come from the pack that lies directly behind the world’s top-four. Brandt Snedeker won the Tour Championship last year and knows how to perform under the pressure this tournament and its prize fund brings, while Matt Kuchar is in need of a good round following disappointing recent outings.
While Australia hasn’t boasted a Tour Championship winner since Scott lifted the title in 2006, no European has ever claimed the accolade. US Open victor Justin Rose is a good outside shout to win the tournament after tying with Woods in New Jersey, while Graeme McDowell may surprise a few punters who bet on golf this September. Apart from this pair it is advised to steer clear of the Europeans.
Scott, however, is certainly the rational choice and he carries a good price to lead the field into the final day at East Lake Golf Club. He has renewed confidence in his putter and attacks the ball off the tee – two vital ingredients when playing for the US$1.44m first prize and US$10 million FedEx Cup bonus.