Golf Events / Steven Rawlings / 05 November 2008 /

Steve has made his early selections for the two big golf events this week and big-priced players are the order of the day.

As its still November 2008, it's a bit odd that the 2009 European Tour starts tomorrow. Even odder is the fact that it starts in China and will end in Dubai! Add to that the fact that this week's event, the HSBC Champions and that next week's Hong Kong Open will both feature twice this season and it's all a bit confusing. It's going to be good though.

What a way to start the season, with seven of the world's top-eight turning up for what should be a great tournament, the only downside is the loss of sleep required to enjoy it fully.

I haven't got a great feeling about anyone towards the head of the market. The weather forecast is horrendous which puts me off getting too involved and then there's the travel and time difference for those that endured a long draining weekend in Spain.

The favourite is defending champion Phil Mickelson, a multiple winner year after year and one I hold in high regard, but he's a point or two too short this week for me. Others I looked at but didn't quite back were Robert Karlsson, Graeme McDowell and KJ Choi, again just a shade too short.

The selection I'm most excited about this week is young Korean Sang-Moon Bae who recently held off Ian Poulter and Anthony Kim to win the Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open. He did it in fine style and that was his second title. I've a feeling we'll be hearing a fair bit about him in the future.

Another one very much for the future is 17-year-old Noh Seung-yul (pictured), who's already won a title, the Midea China Classic. He's also qualified for the second stage of the US PGA Tour Qualifying School. It may all be a bit too much for such a young player this week but he's also worth a few bob to emulate fellow countryman Yang's achievement two years ago.

The rest of my selections are all at big prices, if there's value towards the head of the market I can't see it.

Selections:

Alvaro Quiros @ [120.0]
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano @ [140.0]
Seung-Yul Noh @ [170.0]
Sang-Moon Bae @ [190.0]
Hennie Otto @ [500.0]

It's the final event of the season across the pond, the Children's Classic, an event staged at the Disney resort where Mickey Mouse presents the victor his trophy.

It's a pro-am event staged on two easy courses, a real birdie party which usually results in a surprise winner at about 25 under par.

Last year's victor was one of my favourites, Stephen Ames. I latched on to him in 2007 during round two as he carved his way through the field. But he's plenty short enough to defend at only [25.0].

Looking back at my records I see I backed last week's winner Ryan Palmer in the event last year. No surprise in that really as he's a former winner back in 2004 and he also finished in a tie for third when he defended the following year.

He looked very emotional and frankly knackered after his win last week but after doing me a good turn I couldn't let him go un-backed at [75.0].

Two years ago this week Korean Y E Yang was upsetting Tiger Woods at the HSBC and I still think he could nick one on the USPGA tour, I've backed him at an average of [500.0].

There are a few other bets including the almost obligatory Ben Crane wager. We all have our weaknesses and Ben's just one of mine, but after a few weeks trading at around [30.0], a couple of flat performances have seen his price rise to one that appeals.

Selections:

Ryan Palmer @ [75.0]
Ben Crane @ [95.0]
Peter Lonard @ [120.0]
Frank Lickliter II @ [370.0]
Y E Yang @ [500.0]

I've picked out some juicy prices for small stakes this week so the chances are I'll be getting more involved as the two events progress and I'll post an update on Saturday.

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