GOLF
****

HOWELL WORTH ABU DABBLE AT 12/1
Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

Th Jan 19 – 06.30 BST (SS1)
Fr Jan 20 – 06.30 BST (SS1)

Sa Jan 21 – 08.30 BST (SS2)
Su Jan 22 – 08.30 BST (SS2)

The European Tour is normally low-key at this time of year, but that’s
not

the case with this week’s ‘new’ Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, where world
No.2 Vijay Singh heads a high-class field. Anyone thinking of backing the

golf-a-holic Fijian will be encouraged by his performances in Hawaii over
the last two weeks (2nd and 6th) but, at 7/2, I would prefer to look

elsewhere for the winner.


At nearly three-times the price, David Howell must have an excellent
chance

this week, although it’s hard to be too confident with no course form to
go

on. The 12/1 shot is a genuine title contender every time he tees up, and
he’s played particularly well in the Middle East, where he has finished

in
the top-ten in each of the last two Dubai Desert Classics, and the last

three Qatar Masters (played next week). That augurs well for yet another
high finish from the player who already sits at the top of the European

Order of Merit - 5/1 to finish top money earner here at bet365. And,
don’t

worry if you miss the start, as we’ll have live ‘In-Play’ betting,
including ‘End of Round Leader’. In fact, you might be better off waiting

a
couple of rounds to see who’s playing the course best before placing your

bet.


Abu Dhabi Pick: David Howell @ 12/1


PHIL A CLASSIC WINNER AT 23/4
Bob Hope Classic

We Jan 18 – 21.00 BST (SS2)
Th Jan 19 – 20.00 BST (SS2)

Fr Jan 20 – 20.00 BST (SSX)
Sa Jan 21 – 20.00 BST (SS2)

Su Jan 22 – 20.30 BST (SS2)
The US PGA Tour hits mainland America for the Bob Hope Classic and, here

again, bettors should be aware that there will be a new host course, the
Classic Club, which will be played twice. However, this marathon

five-round
pro-am is still a specialist’s event, and for that reason, it could pay

to
stick with players who’ve already shown they enjoy the format. As a

two-time winner, Phil Mickelson stands out from the pack, and he
thoroughly

deserves to be in all staking plans this week at a best-priced 23/4 with
bet365 (‘Enhanced Win Only’ market). That price will disappear as soon as

the event gets under way, but you can still get on via our live ‘In-Play’
service, available throughout the five days.


Each-way backers could do worse than back Tour veteran Mark Calcavecchia

at
a standout 50/1 with bet365 (1/4 odds 1.2.3.4.5). He’s tried and tested

here, having rewarded supporters on four occasions in the past, and a
top-20 spot in last week’s Sony proves he’s till in good enough form to

contend this week. There’s also a lot like about Jonathan Kaye this week
(especially his price of 80/1!). Like the other selections, he’s played

well here before with finishes of 4th and 8th.


Bob Hope Classic Three Off The Tee … Phil Mickelson @ 23/4 (EWO), Mark
Calcavecchia @ 50/1, Jonathan Kaye @ 80/1


Bet here now