Viking Classic betting and odds preview

/ Editor / 29 August 2007 / Leave a Comment

Veteran Fred Funk has particularly fond memories of the Viking Classic and is expected to be a popular figure in the betting when the event takes place in Mississippi from September 27-30.

Funk has good reason to have a soft spot for the tournament - formerly the Southern Farm Bureau Classic - after winning in 1998 and 2004 and could be a good-value bet.

The 48-year-old may now be entering the latter stages of his career but his game remains just as sharp and the odds are he will again be in contention after finishing joint-eighth last year.

DJ Trahan was the surprise winner in 2006, eventually defeating Joe Durant in a play-off and don't be surprised if another long-odds player wins again, with the tournament having a record for first-time winners.

Luke Donald claimed his first PGA title on the Annandale course, which betting punters should note tends to reward players who are accurate off the tee rather than the longer hitters.

Heath Slocum claimed victory two years ago from Swede Carl Pettersson and both players are likely to be prominent in the betting if they line-up in the field.

Slocum came joint-second at the PODS Championship in March and he has three other top-ten finishes in 2007 while Pettersson has hit form in recent weeks and, having finished in the top 25 ten times this season, could be worth a bet at inviting odds.

It could also pay to follow the fortunes of duo Jason Gore and Nick Watney, who were in the group of players tied for eighth place last year and have played well enough recently to suggest they may be worth a bet.

Gore found only Brian Bateman too good for him at the Buick Open at the end of June and has followed that with two other top-ten finishes, while Watney tasted victory at Zurich Classic of New Orleans and is likely to be trading at attractive odds in the numerous betting markets.