The PGA Tour heads to Akron, Ohio this week for one of the annual World Golf Championships, the Bridgestone Invitational. One of four WGC events this year, the Bridgestone Invitational is sanctioned by both the PGA and European Tours and will see a seriously strong field battle it out for the huge $8,500,000 purse. The action gets under way on Thursday August 2^nd, with the fourth and final round taking place Sunday August 5^th.

The Firestone Country Club plays host to the 2012 renewal of the Bridgestone Invitational. Located in located in Akron, Ohio, Firestone is a challenging course with a par score of 70, standing at 7,400 yards in length. Historically, the winner of this tournament has always finished with an under par score of anything between 6 and 21 shots. Tiger Woods has a tremendous record in the Bridgestone, having taking a total of seven renewals, the last of which was in 2009. Tiger has managed to recapture some of his best form of late and will be a serious threat to everyone this week.

Adam Scott is the defending WGC Bridgestone Invitational champion, finishing with an impressive 263, -17 final total in 2011. Scott has been playing arguably the best golf of his career in recent times but it will be interesting to see how he copes following his choke in the recent Open Championship which would have seen him land his illusive first Major. Scott is a 14/1 chance with Betfred to retain his title this week.

Although I’ve been avoiding world number one Rory McIlroy in recent weeks, it could well be time to get on the talented Irishman at odds of 20/1 this week. He’s lost his way a bit the last couple of months but he showed signs of coming back to form at the Open and has an excellent record here at Firestone, with his last eight rounds here all in the 60′s.

I’m sure Tiger will go well this week but the 5/1 on offer isn’t big enough to tempt me. For my second pick, I’m going with another European in the shape of Lee Westwood. H’es another player with a very good record here, having managed three top ten finishes in his last four tournaments at this course. The 18/1 makes plenty of appeal.

Tipsters Picks

Back Rory McIlroy each way @ 20/1 with Betfred

Back Lee Westwood each way @ 18/1 with Betfred

WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Odds (Prices from Betfred)

Woods, Tiger 5/1
Donald, Luke 14/1
Scott, Adam 14/1
Westwood, Lee 18/1
McIlroy, Rory 20/1
Johnson, Dustin 25/1
Mahan, Hunter 25/1
Dufner, Jason 30/1
Johnson, Zach 30/1
Fowler, Rickie 33/1
Oosthuizen, Louis 33/1
Watson, Bubba 33/1
Kuchar, Matt 35/1
Mickelson, Phil 35/1
Van Pelt, Bo 35/1
Rose, Justin 35/1
McDowell, Graeme 40/1
Stricker, Steve 40/1
Els, Ernie 45/1
Molinari, Francesco 45/1
50/1 Bar

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