Tiger Woods means Money to Sports Books
By Tony George
The return of Tiger woods is a boom for sportsbooks in Las Vegas and online as well. Here comes some easy cash for the books folks! His popularity far exceeds his talents in my opinion and the sportsbooks are licking their chops at the general public laying down their money on Mr. Woods. This week a 20/1 favorite at Congressional, past host of more than one US Open and a very tough course to master, although the US Open setup is not in play this week at this Quicken Loans sponsored event.
Woods returned from back surgery this week after a long layoff, and many pundits feel he rushed into action too soon, and will be getting back in game shape for the British Open in the near future. Trust me when I tell you, this course this week is a very tough test of golf and perhaps not the best idea, but what do I know, I am a 12 handicap hack!
A Las Vegas Hilton spokesperson said this week that their mutual handle goes up 20% when Tiger is listed on the board. As a matter fact only Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose were above him as favorites this week at this tournament. What I smell is easy money here for the books with Woods being a huge public darling, and in my opinion he is money wasted, especially this week, to think Tiger can come out of a long and serious injury including surgery and contend anytime soon. Yes Tiger rarely sees long odds like 20 to 1 but none the less it is not worth the stretch. As of the writing of this article on Thursday through 17 holes Woods was near dead last at +4, an early morning score that is 9 strokes off the clubhouse leader and the day is half over. Proof is in the pudding, he won’t even make the cut folks.
Tigers time has come and gone. No doubt he is a great golfer, and above average golfer but his days of domination are long past. Is it that he is too old or lost his skill set? Perhaps that is some of it but the young guns climbing the ladder also have simply caught up. Veteran golfer Phil Mickelson looked lost at Pinehurst #2 last week, and Kymer looked like a young Tiger Woods dominating the field. Look at Jordan Spieth and his rise to the top 20, and McIroy, Fowler, Rose, Bradley, Reed, Barnes, Dufner and others too numerous to mention. The new breed is in town and they are damn good, and coupled with some savvy veteran players out there on tour having a good year still contending weekly, Woods is a longshot at best in 2014 in ANY event.
At days end do not waste your money, even a half unit on Tiger Woods to win any major anytime soon. His best chance is at Augusta, because the course sets up well for him, but at days end The Golden Bears 18 majors will remain elusive, and while Tiger Woods may be a contender, he will be never the dominant champion of the past and should be considered a sucker bet no matter the hype ESPN and Golf Channel may subject us all to. Yes he will win some regular tour event titles again before it is all said and done, but picking up 5 more majors and passing Jack is off the table and he is again one of worst bets every week, where sportsbooks cannot wait to take your money.