Woods' absence 'good news for sports betting firms'

The sports and politics PR at Ladbrokes has explained the effect Tiger Woods' absence from golf tournaments has on sports betting firms.

When Tiger Woods is missing from golf tournaments it is usually good news for sports betting companies, it has been suggested.

According to Robin Hutchison, sports and politics PR at Ladbrokes, online bookmakers and other betting groups generally do not get beaten heavily when the world number one is missing from the action.

Commenting on general golf betting patterns, Mr Hutchison explained that there are not as many patriotic bets as their are in other sports, such as football.

"You don't get the same sort of patriotic punt on golf, apart from the Ryder Cup obviously, that you do in other sports," he stated.

Tiger Woods will not play in any more events this season after he announced last week that he needs to have further surgery on his injured knee. He will miss the Open Championship and the Ryder Cup, as well as a number of PGA Tour competitions.