Golf betting update

I would like to be a fly on the wall of the Steve Palmer of Racing Post household during the World Cup final shoot out. Readers will recall that he needed the £6000 win on his wager on Argentina to pay for his wedding and honeymoon. I said to my missus that at least he would have won on Brian Harman at the John Deere Classic, except he committed the worst possible thing a gambler-analyst can do: he did not back him as he had no money left to do so. I almost wanted to lend him some of my winnings.

Neither he nor Jeremy Chapman, the other golf analyst in Racing Post, favoured Rory. However both picked Ricky Fowler and the colourful Californian looks set for a top five place, as do their other selections Jim Furyk , Sergio Garcia and possibly Adam Scott so I can treat my missus to a slap-up dinner at the Aberdeen steak house.

Finally, I am very much against the breach of tradition by going out early in trios, dividing the 18 holes to avoid the worst of the rain. Competing against the elements is the essence of links golf. Had Rory gone out last I very much doubt he would have finished with two eagles and this would have resulted in a much tighter final day.