American Express Championship

FINAL RESULT: 1-2; +0.00pts

Woods 9th
Garcia 4th
Donald 11th

Strong performance from the selections who had been in the top-10 virtually all week. Didn't know about Tiger's injury on Monday else he would not have been a selection, but would not have picked Els anyway!

Outright plays (1.5pts):

Tiger Woods to win 11/2 @ BetInternet, Sportingbet and Sporting Odds
Mickelson has withdrawn, Vijay has withdrawn and Els is struggling with his game. It is all set up for Tiger to win his fourth American Express Championship in five years. His game has been improving recently with 2nd place finishes in his last two events, he played better than his foursome/fourballs record suggests at the Ryder Cup and he embarrassed the host course two years ago with his winning score. At 5/1 and above, there is value here.

Sergio Garcia to win 20/1 e.w. @ BetInternet
The joint leading point winner for the European side two weeks ago, Garcia played an instrumental, Sevvy-like, role at Oakland Hills. If he can retain some of that form, which he had already displayed in finished 3rd earlier this month in the European Masters, he will be a strong contender this week. His record in Ireland is also in his favour. It was at Druid's Glen in 1999 that he earned his first professional win and two years ago he closed with a final round 62 to finish 7th.

Luke Donald to win 50/1 e.w. @ Paddy Power
Another star performer at the Ryder Cup. But that was always expected from the rookie. He had already won on the PGA Tour and had won two of his last three starts on the European Tour. He did not play in 2002, but he has emerged a world class player and will not be out of his depth in this field.