[Willie Bee]

PGA - The Players Championship

Game Time: 05/11/2007 04:00 PM
By: Brian Gabrielle
http://www.bgsports.com


Though not an official major, The Players Championship at Sawgrass this week is about as good as it gets on the tour with nearly all of the top 50 players in the world competing.

The Players Championship has had a full make-over, and it looks like PGA commissioner Tim Finchem is angling for major status for the company tournament. They can’t call it a major because that would mess with the history books, but for all intents and purposes this is a major.

It tends to bring out the best like all majors do. Accordingly, with the exceptions of recent winners Fred Funk and Stephen Ames, I’m thinking top dogs this week. Except Vijay Singh. Except Phil Mickelson. No on Ernie Els. No way on Sergio Garcia either. A little down on Retief Goosen, too. Who does that leave?

At this week’s The Players Championship, take Tiger Woods in the outright (5-2), 1/6 unit: Tiger hasn’t much been intimidated by Tiger-proofing courses.

Take Adam Scott (25-1), 1/6 unit: He has a win this year, which was his problem last year: way too many near misses. Perhaps the win (at the Shell Houston Open) is still fresh. The Aussies seem intent on making a mark in the major tournaments this year.

Take David Toms (80-1), 1/6 unit: Four top 10s this year, a nice sleeper pick. Has not played Sawgrass well over the years but the course is reportedly speedier, which might help a smooth putter like Toms.

[crackerjack]

5-2 is never good odds to take a golfer to win a tournament, even if it is Tiger Woods.