Steve Stricker has moved into short odds favouritism after the opening day of the USPGA Championship in Atlanta. The big-hitting American produced a record-equalling opening round of 63 to move two shots clear of Jerry Kelly at the head of the leaderboard. Bet 365 have clipped Stricker right in to an industry best priced 5/2 favourite as a result, while Tiger Woods was on the drift after a day to forget.
Stricker is still looking for a first major win at the age of 44 but he certainly started as if he is ready to end that drought after finishing runner-up in the 1998 USPGA. Stricker's opening round on Thursday equalled the best round in major history and only a missed ten-foot birdie cost him a record-breaking 62. Stricker is now seven under par and he is in a strong position with the rest having to make plenty of ground over the next three days.
In stark contrast, Tiger Woods had a day to forget as he lost the plot after he birdied three of the first five holes. Woods ended the day seven over par as he produced a worst opening round score in his major career and unsurprisingly Bet365 eased him out to 150/1 to win the tournament.
There was mixed fortunes for Rory McIlroy on the opening day as well as the US Open winner ended the day at level par and that was something of a success after he injured his wrist when he hit a tree root. There remains some doubt as to whether McIlroy will continue but B365 have refused to rule him out and he is 14/1 second favourite.
McIlroy's injury means the likelihood of a 'Chubby Slam' have receded as the golf super-agent Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler looks for one of his players to win the fourth major of the year. Chandler's Charl Schwartzel, McIlroy and Darren Clarke have won the three majors of the year to date but his stables endured a tough day on Thursday.
Lee Westwood ended the day one over par as he continues his search for a first major title and he is now a 20/1 chance, while British Open champion Darren Clarke was eight over. Englishman Simon Dyson had the best day of Chandler's hopefuls as he ended the day at three under par. Dyson is now available at odds of 40/1 with Bet365.com as he looks to better his best major performance of tied-6th at the 2007 USPGA.
Away from the 'Chubby Slam', Luke Donald, tied-3rd at the 2006 USPGA, remains well backed at industry best priced odds of 14/1 after he ended the day at level par and he continues his search for a first major win.
Meanwhile, Adam Scott's caddie Steve Williams could be forgiven for gloating after being sacked by Tiger Woods last month. He might be better served to avoid interviews this week though after the controversy surrounding Scott's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational win last week and Scott is now 20/1 here after finishing an enthralling opening day one under par.
5/2 Steve Stricker
14/1 Rory McIlroy
14/1 Luke Donald
20/1 Adam Scott
20/1 Lee Westwood
28/1 Jason Day
33/1 Nick Watney
33/1 Bill Haas
33/1 Jerry Kelly
40/1 Phil Mickelson
40/1 Simon Dyson
40/1 Matt Kuchar
40/1 Scott Verplank
50/1 BAR
Odds supplied by Bet365.com bookmakers, who provide a variety of odds and markets, including live in-running betting, for the 2011 USPGA Championship.
Posted: Friday, 12th August 2011
Author: Chris James
Tags: uspga championship, steve stricker, rory mcilroy, tiger woods, bet365,
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