Profile / Editor / 09 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Phil Mickelson has disagreed with Tiger Woods' criticism of the Sawgrass signature hole, claiming the 17th adds something to the course.

Both players will be among the field at this week's Tour Players Championship, with the majority of the world's top players doing battle for the tournament commonly described as the 'unofficial fifth Major'.

The 137-yard par three 17th is always the talk of the media and fans ahead of the event, with many players suffering a watery grave over the years.

World number one Woods is not a big fan of the hole, describing it this week as "too gimmicky for a 17th hole" and would prefer to see it on the front nine.

However, Mickelson has defended the Sawgrass set-up, saying: "I think it adds to the most exciting finish in golf combined with 16 and 18."

Those punters who feel the hole, or any of the par threes, will be tamed this week, may want to check out Betfair's 'Hole In One' market. 'Yes' can be backed at 1.45 with 'No' on offer at 2.62.

Meanwhile, Betfair customers see Mickelson as the main threat to Woods in his attempts to win a second TPC title. The left-hander is trading at 15.5 with Woods topping the market at 3.9.