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World Matchplay Golf 2009 Betting News And Odds
Monday 26 October 2009 at 18:33
 The World Matchplay returns to the European Tour after a one year break with a new sponsor, Volvo, and has moved from Wentworth in Surrey to the Finca Cortesín Golf Club near Málaga in Spain. Also changed is the playing format with the sixteen players playing initially in four groups of four players.
World Matchplay's New Format
Each player will play their group members in a round robin format over full 18-hole matches with points awarded based upon a win, tie or loss. The leading player from each group will qualify for the semi-final knock out stage with aggregate number of holes won used to determine tied positions.
The winner of each group will qualify for the semi finals to be held on Saturday which, along with the final on Sunday, will be played over 36 holes in the traditional head-to-head match play format.
Westwood looking for back to back wins
Bookmakers are struggling to find a clear favourite for this event but the man at the head of most books is Lee Westwood. The 2000 World Matchplay Champion found winning ways again last week when taking the Portugal Masters and will receive plenty of support for back to back winning weeks at 13/2 with Boylesports and Skybet.
Garcia hoping home advantage will inspire
Challenging Westwood for favouritism is Sergio Garcia. The current World Ranked number ten player did not win the Matchplay when it was at Wentworth, managing a runner-up spot to Ernie Els in 2002 as his best ever finish. Perhaps the move of the tournament to his home country will inspire him? Garcia is a best priced 7/1 with Ladbrokes and William Hill to record his first Matchplay victory this week.
McIlroy and Stenson set to do battle again
Also prominent in the betting are Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson. Unfortunately for both they find themselves in the same opening group so a repeat of their match in last month's Vivendi Trophy is on the cards where McIlroy won on the final green. Stenson is 8/1 with Coral and McIlroy is 9/1 with Boylesports.
Injuries Could Play Into The Hands of Sergio And The Goose
Three of the sixteen man field are reportedly carrying injury problems this week so tread carefully if you are thinking of backing Paul Casey, Martin Kaymer or Jeev Milka Singh.
With these players unlikely to be at 100%, players in their groups could find life easier than expected and an interest on the aforementioned Sergio Garcia and also Presidents Cup stalwart Retief Goosen could provide dividends. Goosen has had some great wins in the President Cup singles format over the likes of Woods and Mickleson and obviously enjoys the Matchplay format. The South African is a best priced 12/1 with Betfred and VC Bet.
Whoever you fancy just click on any of the above bookmakers links and it will open up an avenue into literally dozens of bets on this tournament.
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