Betfair Official Blog

Walker Cup betting and odds preview

The top amateur players from Great Britain and Ireland and the United States go head-to-head in the Walker Cup in September, a contest to look forward to for golf betting enthusiasts.

After two straight forward victories for GB and Ireland in 1999 and 2001, the last two clashes have produced memorable encounters with either team winning by a point and the close encounters are likely to be reflected in the odds.

Overall the US hold a comprehensive lead, winning 32 of the 39 contests to date, but the tide has turned in recent years and the home side will provide a popular bet to many betting punters.

The Royal County Down Golf Club will host the 2007 contest, September 8-9, for the first time as GB and Ireland look to win back the trophy they lost 12.5 to 11.5 in Chicago in 2005.

But betting experts will be aware that the US will bring a strong looking team to Northern Ireland. US amateur champion Colt Knost will be joined by highly-rated teenagers Rickie Fowler and Kyle Stanley in the 10-man party.

Knost has become only the second player to win the US amateur and public links titles in the same season and will be a popular bet in the match section.

There will be plenty of betting interest in Rory McIlroy, who came to prominence at the Open Championship when winning the silver medal. The 18-year-old's odds will make interesting viewing after his impressive showing at Carnoustie.

Something else for betting punters to note is that both captains will be in charge of their respective teams for the first time - Colin Dalgleish (GB&Ire) and Buddy Marucci (USA).

Golf Digest ranked the Royal County Down course as the best in the world outside of America in 2007, and those having a bet on the event should be aware that it will pose a stern but fair test for the twenty players on show.