Three Ball Betting: The McGladrey Classic

Dan's having a bet on Blixt this week

Daniel Geraghty selects some promising bets from a lively list of first round three-balls at this weekend's McGladrey Classic...

First round three balls

I was very impressed with young Swede Jonas Blixt's performance in winning the Frys.com Open last week, particularly his fantastic clutch putting. However, I suspect he will have indulged in a little celebrating in the past few days and there will be a greater demand on his time in the near future. Further to that, Blixt has been catapulted into one of the star three balls this week and may find maintaining his excellent form a struggle after his hectic week. The course promises to suit all three members of the three ball (accuracy and putting are favoured), I'm happy to lay Blixt with Jim Furyk and David Toms in opposition on day one.

Roland Thatcher and Gary Christian are more than capable on their day; I can't have John Daly such a big favourite in his opening day's three ball in his current unpredictable fragile state of mind. In fact, I'd struggle to make him favourite at all.

Every man and his dog is tipping Michael Thompson this week, it's turning into a real gamble with top price at the bookies now 30/1 and currently 38.037/1 on Betfair! Thompson's excellent week last time out and superb form here on a tricky course mean that I'm joining the baying mob throwing their wages at the bookies and taking whatever price they're given. In three-ball world, that price is even money to beat Boo Weekley and Nathan Green, who are both, for the most part, struggling badly.

Remember when Brian Gay was the best player in the world for a few weeks in 2009? That was strange. The American has been back to being, well, Brian Gay since. Last week's 29th offered encouragement and, if he's ever going to get back to those heady heights, it's on a course like this. Gay opened with rounds of 68 and 69 here in 2010 and last year's narrowly missed cut came amidst a terrible run of form. Ted Potter Jr and Jerry Kelly oppose in round one.

History tells us that length from the tee is irrelevant this week, so rejuvenated Gary Woodland's USP is null and void and his resurgence will probably have to wait for another week or two. Woodland is joined in his three ball by the irrepressible Vijay Singh and Charles Howell III. 'Chucky three sticks' showed himself to be in fine form last week and has good form figures at the McGladrey Classic, a course that suits him down to the ground on paper and, it seems in practice.

Recommended Bets
2pts Lay Jonas Blixt @ 2.56/4
2pts Lay John Daly @ 2.56/4
2pts Back Michael Thompson @ 2.01/1
1pt Back Brian Gay @ 2.89/5
1pt Back Charles Howell III @ 3.02/1

Season Profit/Loss: -7.47pts

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