Those who wish to test their golfing expertise in a tangible way can nip down to the bookmakers to take their chances on predicting the result of this weekend's Ryder Cup clash.
The United States are virtually unbackable: they are 1 to 3 to win with Irish bookmakers. Patriotism should see a few bob invested on the Europeans, so their 11 to 4 odds may not last too long.
Betting on the final outcome is a bit like trying to forecast the winner of the Aintree Grand National. The form-guide is usually the first thing to be discarded.
The bookmakers favour a sizeable USA victory, adamant that Woods, Duval et al will romp home. If one is going to wager on the match result, plumping for Europe, it would be advisable to seek out a narrow margin. A 15-13 outcome for Europe appears a sensible punt at 12 to 1.
Those looking for a top points scorer on the American side could do worse than to invest in Phil Mickelson at 8 to 1. Guaranteed to play in every match, he boasts a decent record in the competition. On the European side Colin Montgomerie is good value at 5 to 2 while Jesper Parnevik is another worthy of support.
Those who like fun bets might care to wager on a player managing a hole-in-one, available at 10 to 1.
