HARRAH’S SPORTS BOOK AND CASINO- LAS VEGAS, NV

MASTERS PLAYER ODDS

***THE FAVORITES***

“The Hunchback” Kevin Newcombe (5-2)- The Hunchback has seen his fair share of dark golf years yet he has persevered through the most difficult rough patch in his career. The last 3 seasons have tested his resolve to the point he almost became Johnny Miller. However, as the bible says, whatever doesn’t kill you shall make you stronger, and The Hunchback is living proof. His win last week at The Medford Mile, his 70 just 9 days ago in Men’s Night, his 4th place standing in the race for the FEDEX Cup all adds up to a man peaking at the right time. This may be his best chance to win a Major.

“The Weasel” Brent Locke (3-1)- The Weasel has just gotten better and better over the last 2 seasons and has been nothing short of spectacular in his 2 events to start the campaign. The Steve Stricker of the KWGA Tour in my opinion. Not many events but always seems to be near the top in Majors whenever he plays. The Wease makes things happen with his clubs and his laugh which will no doubt keep him loose when the going gets tough in The Valley. The only issue is, is there a green jacket his size?

“The Sheriff” John Amirault (7-2)- Sheriff John has truly been a golf epiphany this season as he currently leads the FEDEX Standings with over 80 points. When his driver in on the confidence starts to build like a Fat Albert Pie Eating Competition. An improved putter and mental approach have all done wonders in his ascension up the ranks and everything points to a solid round come Saturday. However, The Sheriff is nursing a wrist injury suffered Wednesday night and it is unclear if he will be at 100%. If he is 100%, the KWGA may all be going to jail.

“The Shooter” Rene’ MacKay (4-1)- I know what you are thinking…but he doesn’t play any golf! That’s where you are wrong KWGA fans. The Shooter spends many late nights in the lengthening shadows honing his craft and there may be no better player from 100 yards and in in the field. The Shooter also finished Top 3 in all 3 majors last season and has tested his mettle in competition many times over the years. If he can keep his driver in the fairway chances are he goes low with his 6 handicap. If not, we may not see him for many a week.

***LEGITIMATE CONTENDERS***

Wayne “Grampy” Burke (5-1)- After a week preparing for The Masters in PEI, Burke will no doubt feel much more relaxed in familiar surroundings Saturday morning. Armed with a new 6 handicap after some early season struggles on Tour, Grampy has just enough wiggle room to post a score worthy of a winner. The change to side-saddle putting has shown mixed results so far this season and his Saturday result will come down to whether he can make some putts with that giant stir stick. If not, he is sending it to a milk &blend factory…surely they can find SOME use for it.

Nick “The Levee Broke” Levy (6-1)- I am playing a hunch here ladies and gentlemen. Levy has not played since the opening Flower Cart Classic but 13 strokes to play with, at his level of golf, is too hard to ignore. If he can get his children up and dressed in time without any disasters, he will be one to keep an eye on. If not, it may be September before we see him again. This is a sleeper alert pick.

Gerry “Double-Double” Elliott (13-2)- Struggles in the last two events scared away the Harrah’s investors from making Double-Double a favorite. An 81 at The Medford Mile had many scratching their heads, including Double-Double himself. He is just one year removed from his winning 69 in last year’s Masters and as NBA legend and Hall of Famer Rudy Tomjanovich once said, “Never underestimate the heart of a champion.” At over 6x the money, Double-Double will get some action at the gate…now let’s just let the chips fall where they may.

Johnny “The Corduroy Cowboy” Kenny (7-1)- Kenny will be making his professional debut this week after faring weel as an amateur in last week’s Medford Mile. Health is a concern for the long haul this season but last week’s 79 proved that he knows just as much about golf as he does apples. Kenny is just happy to be here and has enough game to make a run on the Back 9 come Saturday. This may be unpopular with some of the veterans but life isn’t always fair.

Commissioner Derek Ford (7-1)- The season has started well for The Commissioner with a win at The Munich Oktoberfest Open and another Top 3. He also finished 2nd at The Masters in 2014 with a shiny 73. However, a meltdown at The Avon Lea Open, some struggles with his wedges on Wednesday’s practice round and a balky back this week have many wondering just what to expect from the Camp Kookamonga Director. The first 5 holes will be critical and have been trouble for him in the past. If he can get through those +1 or better, look out. If not, it may be slamming the trunk time.

***GOTTA CRACK AT IT***

Barry Bannister-Hennigar (8-1)- If pictures were painted on scorecards, Bannister-Hennigar might win every week. His short and medium range putting draws ohhh’s and ahhh’s every week on the KWGA Tour. A strong start to the 2015 season also bodes will but some struggles on Wednesday’s practice round dropped him down a tier. He posted a solid 78 in last year’s Masters finishing 7th but Port Williams doesn’t have to only be known for that horrific stench of pig manure…why not a Masters Champion too?

“Mr. October” Harold Fisher (9-1)- It’s just a matter of time before this man breaks through. Not many have the care free attitude of a Fisher whose “zero anxiety” approach overrides any of his technical flaws. It’s just going to have to come from the putter this Saturday and with 17 strokes to play with, that would be dangerous. As long as he doesn’t get any mid-round messages from his mobile websites he could surprise.

“The 4th Reich” Doug Irwin (9-1)- After struggling on tour for the last 3 weeks, The 4th Reich took time away from Kenwolia Lane and it was just what the doctor ordered. His first career hole in one at Cabot Links has no doubt bloated his self-confidence to epic levels and now the KWGA field with have to deal with him once again. The ultimate bulldog, The 4th Reich will need to pull off some uncomfortable shots Saturday to make a run and the green jacket.

“Where’s Waldo” Rod Murray (10-1)- I know what you are thinking. Right, the Rockette has no chance. What some don’t realize is that Murray finished Top 3 in the Munich Open this season and 2nd in the 2013 Masters. It’s all a matter of clarity for the retired Drama Queen Teacher. If he can concentrate on the task at hand, get off to a solid start, 7 strokes is a lot to play with. However, if the voices start calling and the interest wanes, it’s lights out Waldo. The KWGA’s Sergio Garcia.

***OUTSIDE SHOTS***

“The Shark” Mark Gavin (11-1)- Taking time away from golf can be bad…and sometimes very good. After a month hiatus gallivanting Europe and its nether regions, The Shark is back at The Masters. a distant 20th in the FEDEX standings nobody quite knows where his game is at. However he finished a solid 8th at the 2014 Masters and his head should be cleared of any negative thought. Battling the perfumed throng of ladies in his gallery will be his biggest obstacle Saturday.

“Mr. Wildcat-Formerly known as KKK” Kevin Poirier (12-1)- Nobody will ever questions his will to compete. He has done it all season lugging a slender 6 handicap around tour all season and sits 9th in the FEDEX standings under the harshest of circumstances. Sneaky long, KKK has the ability to make birdies which can keep him in the hunt. However, he may have to make 4 of them to win and that is a difficult task under extreme pressure. Plus he looks more like his dad walking the fairways every time I see him.

Bob Maxwell-Smart (13-1)- After a spectacular 2014 season, Smart has struggled to deal with the cinder block attached to his nut sack that is a 3 handicap. It’s a daunting task to know that you have to shoot a 70 just to have a chance. However, his preparation and concentration is something a lot could learn from and that will help him on Saturday. Plus he knows how to raise some tasty chickens!

“The Donald” Bryson (14-1)- Perhaps nobody reminds us of Johnny Miller more than the Hortonville habitant named The Donald. After some time away from the tour and a sojourn to mingle with Ron Joyce at Fox Harbour, Bryson is back with his 14 strokes of love and competitive spirit. The Donald shared the Tour Championship title and finished second in last season’s Deutsche Bank so he knows how to use his 14 strokes effectively. My back-up sleeper pick this week.

***LONG SHOTS***

Arnie Telly-Kelley (15-1)- Unfortunately the injury bug caught up with The Big Gun in June, sidelining him for the last 2 KWGA events. When healthy, Telly-Kelley finds a way to get the ball in the hole when the chips are down. If he can get his putter working Saturday, then 9 strokes is a lot of cushion. One thing we know for sure, he will compete until the bitter end. However, if his injury is too debilitating, then it could be a long day for our beloved ball peen hammer. Just too many question marks heading into this grand event.

Gary “Biggest” Johnson (15-1)- Johnson is best known for his epic 13 on the final hole in last season’s event and the bitter yet comical memory still resonates on his palette. This season hasn’t started well for Johnson but the USA did beat USSR on the ice in 1980, so anything could happen. He will certainly have the gallery behind him after his proclamation to donate all his winnings this week. I know I will be cheering for him! However, it will be an uphill battle…use those 14 strokes wisely my friend.

Scott “Air Bud” Woodworth (16-1)- There is no question Air Bud is simply happy to be rubbing his chi rocks and playing golf. This KWGA rookie has defied the odds and been a feisty competitor in the face of a daunting 6 handicap. Saturday will be his first taste of major championship pressure and not many rookies have done well in this event. However, his driver has started to come around in the last few weeks and will give him a punchers chance. We’ll all be running to a witch doctor if he wins Saturday!

Mike “The Fogg” White (16-1)- The Fogg is without a career win or Top 3 but nobody keeps slashing in the face of limitation quite like him. Keeping calm and controlling his ball with be paramount because with 18 strokes of cushion, one doesn’t have to make a lot of putts. However, if the cartilage starts floating in that balky knee early, call the Mounties, there may be a golfing homicide. I am cheering for you Mike!

HAPPY GILMORE, Bob Barker, Adam Sandler, 1996, (c) Universal/courtesy Everett Collection
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