Updated 6/11/2008
The blog has had quite a good run over the last couple of years picking the winner (pity the author doesn't take his own advice), so let's see what we can make of the rabble for 2008.
Bill McNaughtan (53) - aka The Metronome
He has a pendulous swing (albeit a very small pendulum), and is a previous winner. Always posts a good score early and uses his massive handicap to scare the bejezzus out of the others. An unlikely chance, but with a 53 handicap can you never count him out.
Place chance at best
Bob Starke (34) - aka Gus
Defending champion and all around nice bloke. He's taken an absolute pounding with the handicapper (that's what you get for winning) and seen 5 shots melt away like tim-tams in a Datsun 120Y on a hot Summer's day. I think it might make it all an impossible dream, but stranger things have happened.
Best practice your speech for handing over the trophy Gus
Craig Tingate (4) - aka Craig
Superior swing, superior strategy, superior everthing else on the course and yet....
Handicapped as per last year where he came a miserly equal 3rd. When you're giving 49 shots to some of the field it makes it all a bit tough. Will romp it in if he has a couple of faultless rounds, but they are hard to come by.
Keep safe, maybe a little bit for the win.
Gary Lennox (16) - aka Brother Ox
Struggled to finish last year, but as they say, it don't mean a thing if you ain't got that swing, and he's got it. If he can hold it together for 2 rounds he's gotta be one of the hot chances.
Monty as an each way, maybe even try for a good deal as one half of the quinnie with his brother
Glenn Simpson (28) - aka Col's Brother
A last minute inclusion which makes me wonder just how much training he's been doing (although the assumption is that it would be the same as everyone else - ie, none). May suffer from withdrawal symptoms without his brother on the tour but he'll have many other mates who will help him drink through the pain. If he can get it together he's got the game and the handicap to do it.
Not the worst
Greg Attril (24) - aka Jack
Winner as recently as 2 years ago, and can never be counted out. Always performs miraculously on the last day. He's scored an extra couple of shots this year, and may well feature at the finish.
Bet the place
Greg Lennox (24) - aka Ox
Seems to have quietened down over the last 12 months, so late nights may not be the problem they once were. He hasn't got his brother's sweet swing, but he grinds out some good shots.
Back in a quinnie with Brother Ox
John Palmer (16) - aka Pop Late Scratching
Deserving early equal favourite. Not much is known about current form on his home course in Adel-diddle-adelaide, but he has apparently toned down the high hands and seems to have shored up his handicap.
Excellent chance for the win. Get on!
Kevin Harling (36) - aka Kev
Was victorious on the tour a long time ago, and has had an extended hiatus from both the tour and the game. Rumours are that it has been 7 years since his hands have seen a club. I suppose that means he will start pretty fresh. There are unconfirmed talks of a "dodgy back" and quotes such as "I'm not sure it will hold out." Far be it from the blog to make any inferences, but it could just be sandbagging, or it could be old age :-)
Not this year
Michael De Nittis (34) - aka The Phantom
This will be Phantom's third year, and he seems to have settled in nicely. Is on the improve, and has a handicap that will see him in good stead.
Will be in the mix at the end. Keep safe
Mike Smith (12) - aka Big Mike
Is now classified as a "true blue" Scotsman living in Perth, which means that acclimatisation may also pay some dividends. I'm sure however that the drinking pattern is still firmly entrenched in the ways of his homeland, so "heavy" beers will be in high demand. His handicap is formidable, and perhaps the warmer climes will have done him some good.
Hedge him in each way
Nigel Roulston (32) - aka Nigel
Continues to be handicapped out of it by his complete lack of golfing skill and an inexplicable inability to putt. Apparently has been training hard by playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 on his PS3.
Put your money on Pearcey instead
Peter King (15) - aka Kingy
Well rested after a year off. Has gone out a shot but I don't know if it's enough to keep him in it.
Difficult to see any value, but may work in a first four
Robert Hart (30) - aka Harty
Multiple former winner who has recently been seen in the company of a personal trainer. My expectation is that a healthy lifestyle will throw him completely out of whack and it may be another year or two before he comes good again.
Unlikely chance.
Tony Lane (31) - aka Laney
As per usual, Laney will use the golf as a filler between punting episodes. Winner in '94, but unlikely to show that form again. He is as fit as a fiddle though, so don't count him out.
Don't leave him out of your multiples
Tony Pearce (47) - aka Pearcey
May have used all his energy "travelling", so I'm not sure what's left for golf. Might possibly finish a round this year, but no promises have been made.
Prefer others - some of who haven't even entered
Vaughn Moore (45) - aka Vaughn
Has been seen wandering the links quite a bit lately and may be working into some form. Is not expected to put in for all 4 rounds, and as such may be fresh for the counters. Definitely one to watch out for, and will surely start at good value.
If he was a horse, Billy would back him.
