Memorial

FINAL RESULT: 2 out of 6 winners:  +74.44pts

Thank God for betfair and hedging! which rescued 38pts on Couples (after commission) - otherwise it would have been a real sickener to watch Couples go so close and lose - and even worse to a player that had been backed, but only for top 10.  I should have had more faith in Bryant as a winner, but I'm still very surprised he did it, showing incredible nerve to hole his par putt on the last. Nice to get back on track with profits after a barren spell recently.

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Update after r3:

In a strong looking position now. With a 3 shot cushion to the players at 10th, hopefully Bryant can hold on for a top 10 finish at least. And still a chance that Haas or Owen could fire a low round to make the top 10.

The main source of excitement though has to be Couples. Tied for the lead, his score improving with each round, ranked first in the field for GIR - simply he is playing great and playing on a course he loves and has won before on. He is playing for the first time with a back brace on and he stated in interview after his round yesterday that that has really helped him. He also gave the impression that he genuinely believes he can win this. Being out in the last group with Toms should be an advantage, as in all likelihood, Toms is his real competition here. Although I wouldn't dismiss Sluman, who has found a new lease of life after switching to the claw putting grip.

Hopefully Couples will go on to win, but with a lot of points profit riding on him, it is sensible to try to guarantee profit by looking to hedge at low odds.

Lay Fred Couples 10pts @3 at Betfair  -matched

Lay Fred Couples 10pts @2 at Betfair  -matched

Lay Fred Couples 20pts @1.5 at Betfair -matched

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Back Fred Couples 0.75pts e/w @125/1 at Boylesports

Few players boast as good records at Muirfield Village than Couples. a past winner, and second last year, he has also shown glimpses of form in events like the Bay Hill and the Honda this season to suggest that he can still contend in fields like this. Seems to have been on a little 'holiday' to Asia in recent weeks, but still managed to fit in competitve golf and put in some decent showings including a 2nd place at the SK Telecom Open in Korea. With most bookies pricing him at half these odds, this price probably won't last too long.

Back Jose Maria Olazabal 1pt e/w @80/1 at Boylesports  - price now available at Stanleybet

There aren't many players who can boast form like him this season. He's been outside the top 15 just once in his last six events on this tour. In his previous appearance in this event two years ago he sat in 3rd place entering the final round - a poor finish took him out to tenth, but it shows that he can play the course and again this is a big price which will probably not last till Thursday.

Back Greg Owen to finish in the top ten 1.75pts @12/1 at Stan James

Still isn't being priced according to his consistent level of performance. He has two top tens in his last three tournaments in America. Prepared to ignore his missed cut at Wentworth as the conditions he faced there are different to those he has thrived on all season in the states where he hasn't missed a cut since January.

Back Jay Haas to finish in the top ten 1.5pts @14/1 at Stan James

Hasn't had a great season by the standards he set last year, and missing the cut at the seniors US Open isn't encouraging, but this is an event where some players seem to do well year in year out and Haas is one of them. Clearly an event he enjoys playing as he comes back every year and has had six top 25s in the last 9 years.

Back Bart Bryant to finish in the top ten 0.8pts @25/1 at Stan James

Another consistent performer who has regulalry made the top part of the leaderboard this season. His first appearance here, but his solid ball strking game should steer him well on this relatively short course.

Back Arron Oberholser to finish in the top ten 1pt @14/1 at Stan James

If the above three are models of consistency then Oberholser is the opposite. Three top tens already this season, but also has a habit of pulling out of events if things aren't going his way. Has seen the course before, in making the cut last year and has a 2nd place in Ohio at the Wachovia from last year. Expect either a 6th place or a withdrawal!