Golf Events / Editor / 01 August 2007 /

The Johnnie Walker Championship has been a happy hunting ground for Paul Casey since he turned professional and the Englishman will be a popular bet to record his third victory in the event, when it takes place in Scotland at the end of this month.

Casey recorded his maiden European Tour victory in the tournament in 2001 and added a second title to his mantelpiece last year - one of three victories in 2006 as he narrowly missed out on the European Order of Merit crown.

The Englishman has so far failed to reach the same heights this season, but he has enjoyed a solid year and his decision to return to Gleneagles to defend his title is likely to be reflected in his prominent position in the betting.

Casey's odds fluctuated dramatically during the final day last year when, having led the field by four strokes at one stage, he saw his lead whittled away to eventually win by only one shot from Soren Hansen and Andrew Marshall.

But, with five par-fives still included in the par-73 layout, Gleneagles' PGA Centenary Course still rewards the big hitters which will again suit Casey and make him an attractive betting proposition in the market.

The course has undergone changes since last year, with the par four 13th hole having been lengthened by 80 yards to 481 yards and now a right-to-left dogleg, but the odds are that it will again attract low scoring.

Last year, the top 50 players finished under par and it's a fair bet that the same thing will happen again, with some of Europe's best players trying to deny Casey a historic hat-trick.

Colin Montgomerie went close last year finishing joint fourth and, with the support of the Scottish crowd and having ended his 20-month winless spell, could be a good bet to register a popular win on home soil.

Ryder Cup colleague Lee Westwood has also won in 2007 and may be available at attractive odds, while Irishman Paul McGinley has shown improved form over the last two months and looks to be an inviting bet after coming in the top 20 at last month's Open Championship.

Hansen should not be written off having already managed three top-ten finishes this season, while 2003 champion Soren Kjeldsen has also enjoyed a good year and may be a good bet at an inviting price.

Don't be surprised to see Swede Robert Karlsson featuring heavily in the betting after he finished in a tie for ninth place in 2006 and the course should suit his big-hitting game.

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