Press Release

For Immediate Release May 12, 2008

Early odds released for 2008 Western Golf Alliance Open

Former champion Peter McGarry established as pre-tournament favorite

BOTHELL, Washington. Following a tradition dating back to the early days of the Western Golf Alliance, the Boar's Head and Thistle Pub, Sportsbook and Cricket Club of London announced the first posting of odds for the 2008 WGA Open. The Boar's Head and Thistle has established Peter McGarry, the 2004 champion and a WGA member who has never finished outside the top 3 in Open history, as the favorite for this year's championship.

The Boar's Head and Thistle prides itself in setting the earliest odds for this prestigious golf tournament. In 2006, their detailed research correctly predicted that Brian Gray would win the WGA Open, and Robert Gibson would be the runner-up.

"Due to the remote location of the 2008 Open championship, we believe a local Oregonian will have an advantage over others in the field," said Nigel Smythe, owner and manager of the Boar's Head and Thistle. "I will admit, we are concerned about selecting a paddy mick," Smythe added. "No Irishman should be trusted with four things: your wallet, your wife, your pint of Bass, or a two stroke lead on the final day."

"At least he's not French," Smythe concluded.

Rounding out the other early favorites are the 2006 runner-up Robert Gibson, defending champion Brian Gray, and WGA newcomer Mike Contois. Upon posting the odds, Smythe said of Contois, "His performance on the course this year has been very consistent. Wait ... isn't Contois a French name? Oh Blymie?!"

McGarry is a WGA Open veteran and the 2004 champion, but his game has slipped in recent years due to a series of wrist and back injuries. However, early in the 2008 golf season McGarry was reportedly approached by noted swing coach Butch Harmon, who asked for the opportunity to work with the former champ. The result has been some immediately and impressive success so far this year.

"I already know what it takes to grind out the victory on this stage, against this level of competition," said McGarry. "I have every confidence that my game is going to be ready for the Open championship. I'm able to tune out the noise of the crowd and focus on each and every shot. I'll be ready for whatever the other competitors have to throw at me."

It is expected that this first announcement of odds will set the tone for other sports books establishing wagering lines for this upcoming event. The full odds as posted by the Boar's Head and Thistle are as follows:

Peter McGarry, 4-1

Robert Gibson, 9-2

Brian Gray, 6-1

Mike Contois, 8-1

Robert McCoy, 10-1

David Duval, 12-1

Chris Carey, 15-1

Mark Herms, 15-1

Phil Gray, 18-1

Doug Atchison, 20-1

David Lindley, 20-1

Jeff Braun, 22-1

Trever Esko, 25-1

Mike Mittelstaedt, 35-1

Vince Fraumini, 40-1

Pat Frengle, 50-1

Adam Eyres, 75-1

Big Al Torrico, 100-1

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About the Western Golf Alliance: The Western Golf Alliance is the premier golf organization in the United States. The WGA exists to further the greatness of this grand sport of golf through the improvement of golf play by its members, the promotion of golf rules, etiquette, and tradition, and the ability to gather together from time to time for golf events and tournaments. The regional organization spans five western states, and is organized into nine geographic regions. Further information is available at http://www.westerngolf.org/.

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