Category: Golf

Noren Leads After Day 1 in Alfred Dunhill Links Golf Championship

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The Alfred Dunhill Links Golf Championship is not only one of the richest events on the European Tour but also one of the most demanding and unique. In competitive golf, it is normal for a tournament to be played on the same course but not this one.

Despite its high prize money, this is a pro-am event. That means that amateurs, as well as professionals, can take part. Down the years some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment have featured here. Despite the event being played over several different courses, they all centre around St Andrews.

Underdogs Shine

It also happens to be an event where the underdog tends to do rather well. A quick look at the recent past winners shows this. For example, Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark triumphed last year. Prior to that, we had players like Branden Grace, David Howell, Oliver Wilson and Michael Hoey winning the title.

So, if you are searching for a winner in this year’s event, then it may pay to stay clear of the favourites. Despite the recent Ryder Cup schedule being a hectic one, that hasn’t stopped half of the European team making it to St Andrews.

Players like Danny Willett, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer will be taking part. If the wind blows then these courses can be a real test, and local knowledge will pay big dividends. Sometimes it isn’t about the big named players but who can get here early and do the most preparation.

Seek out Local Experts

There are always local professionals around that know any course like the back of their hand. Club pros and local amateurs are always good to work with, and picking their brains can often lead to a pot of gold. The nuances of links golf mean that courses can change dramatically. This is especially the case in the autumn.

So where is the value this year? Where should your money be? Can we even predict a winner given recent results? It is certainly a tricky tournament to analyse for sure. Seeing that we now have part of the puzzle solved with play into day two then life should get easier.

Can Noren be Stopped?

Alex Noren from Sweden currently leads after shooting a stunning opening round of 64. He goes into Friday’s second round one shot clear and is 2/1 with Stan James and Ladbrokes to be the overall winner. However, there has to be better value than that around! You can get a much better 10/1 on current second placed player Ross Fisher coming up trumps come Sunday. You can get those odds with Coral and Betfred.

If you want to go further down the field, then a possible long shot or two begin to stand out. Like Raphael Jacquelin at 66/1 with Bet365 and Ladbrokes. He was only three shots off the lead after an opening round of 67. As a rule, it is tough to make golf betting pay unless you land the big priced winners.

The world of golf is a highly competitive one. There is nothing much to choose between the top 50 in any event, including the Alfred Dunhill Links Golf Championship. If you can swing one big priced winner per year then this could be all it takes to be a profitable golf bettor.

 

PGA Tour: Crowne Plaza Invitational Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

In the battle between the two wonder boys of Golf, 26 year old Rory McIlroy took the advantage last week with an impressive win at Quail Hollow which included a course record 61.  21 year old Jordan Spieth gets the opportunity to respond in his home State at the Crowne Plaza Invitational.

Spieth is the odds on favourite to bounce back from a poor Players showing to get back in the winners circle and strike next in the individual duel that will define golf for the next 10 years.

The Course

The Fort Worth based Colonial Country Club is a challenging treat of doglegs and tight fairways.  The 7,204 yards par 70 course, opened in 1936 and began hosting PGA Tpur event just ten years later.  It has been as stop ever since, including hosting the US Open.  The Perry Maxwell and John Bredemus design has also welcomed LPGA Tour stars.  Mainly due its smaller length adding a layer of flexibility needed for women’s events.  Only two par 5’s may see scores a little higher than some PGA Tour weeks, especially with the Horrible Horseshoe stretch (3, 4, 5).

The Sound Bites

“I’ve changed equipment a little bit, and that’s taking a little while to straighten itself out and get to a comfortable spot” – Adam Scott’s looking for an explanation of his putting woes.  He ranks 196th in the PGA Tours putting statistic, strokes gained.

“I think it’s sandwiched between a couple of shirts, [I] kind of just hold it as if it’s the greatest trophy that I’ve ever had” – Jordan Spieth talks about his Masters trophy, room for another trophy in amongst those shirts?

The Defending Champion

Last year Adam Scott celebrated ascending to number 1 in the world with a playoff victory over Jason Dufner.  The Aussie made his move after trailing by two heading into the final day, and his 4-under 66 was enough to join Dufner in the playoff.  Scott played the three holes 2-under and cemented his place at the top of the world.  The win also saw Scott complete the “Texas Grand Slam”.  Scott’s at $29.00 to win against this year.

The Contenders*

Jordan Spieth – The local hero has some points to win in his personal duel with Rory so should be in contention.  The Masters champion also has two top-15 finishes in his last two starts at Colonial – $6.25

Jimmy Walker – Admittedly not in the best form but we like his overall consistency.  Second in the FedEx Cup standings an tied for 10th here las year.  Should go alright again this week – $19.00

Paul Casey – Casey’s enjoying an excellent season in the States, and has many people tipping him to do this week on a course where he’s played well before  – $26.00

Chris Kirk –  Incredibly Kirk has never finished outside the top 20.  If you’re in to you’re fantasy golf he’s an absolute must, otherwise if you just like the odd flutter send some love Kirk’s way – $31.00

Throw in the likes of Ryan Palmer, John Senden and Zach Johnson and it’s a pretty handy field.

*Odds from Luxbet.

The Winner

Kirk’s record here is superb, and although he finished poorly at The Players he should bounce back this week.

European Tour: BMW PGA Championship Preview

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The European Tour’s biggest event (on English soil) gets underway this week on the prestigious and famed Wentworth West Course.  The BMW PGA Championship always attracts a quality field and 2015 is no different.  Plenty of Race to Dubai points on offer, plenty of money, and plenty of peer adulation if players can get a win here.  Especially with Rory in the field.

The Course

Opened in 1926, the Harry Colt designed Wentworth West Course is a 7302 yard, par 73 classic. Set in healthy woodland it is one of the most beautiful natural settings of a golf course, mixing pine; oak and birch to create an attractive and tricky course in all seasons.

Despite being modernised by Ernie Eels in 2005 and 2012 the course has give up two course record 62s in recent times.  Robert Karlsson achieved the feat in the 3rd round of the BMW PGA Championship in 2010, and Thomas Bjorn went equally low in the first round last year.

The Sound Bites

“I practiced a lot in February and March, just to prepare for the Masters, and I probably did a little too much” – A novel excuse from Martin Kaymer to explain his disappointing recent form.

“This would be very special for me to add this one – call it a bucket-list tournament. Outside of the Major Championships, I can’t think of a tournament I’d like to win more than this one” – Justin Rose is putting a wee bit of pressure on himself to win this week.

The Defending Champion

Rory McIlroy stunned the field last year with a final round 66 to win by a single stroke from friend Shane Lowry.  Rory’s 14-under par total was particularly surprising not because of his standing in world golf, but because of his emotional standing after splitting from finance Caroline Wozniaki just days before the tournament.

McIlroy removed any doubts with his final round comeback win, in easily his best performance on the Wentworth West course.

The Contenders*

Rory McIlroy – Hasn’t finished outside the top ten in any Race to Dubai qualifying events this year.  Won last week with a devastating performance at Quail Hollow.  Oh, and he’s the defending champion – $4.00

Justin Rose – Enjoys a solid ranking in the Race to Dubai (currently 3rd) on the back of his tie for 2nd in the Masters.  Consistent ball striker who minimises mistakes and learns golf courses quicker than most.  Almost always in contention – $9.00

Martin Kaymer – 24th in Race to Dubai.  Two top fives in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Abu Dhabi HSBS Golf Championship on the European Tour this season.  A little shaky of late bit could come good –   $26.00

Jaime Donaldson – Only 49th in Race to Dubai but tied for 8th in his last start at The Players Championship.  The big Welshman could surprise – $26.00

Brooks Koepka – Koepka’s an interesting case.  Very few Americans split their schedule between the tours but a measure of his determination to improve his game sees him regularly compete in Europe to increase his exposure to new courses and conditions.  He’s 39th in Race to Dubai on the back of a win in the Turkish Airlines Open in November, which he then backed up with a win on American soil at the Waste Management Phoenix Open – $51.00

*Odds taken from Betstar

The Winner

It seems foolish to tip against Rory, but he hasn’t always played this course well and is due a week off from the winners circle.   We haven’t included him in our contenders but we like the look of Danny Willet and Brooks Koepka.

PGA Tour: Wells Fargo Championship Preview

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As the practice opportunities ahead of the June 15 US Open diminish, PGA Tour pros will be looking to take every available opportunity to tinker with their games before they have to take on the notoriously difficult tournament (this year at Chambers Bay).  With that in mind, the Wells Fargo Championship has attracted a strong field, with all of them keen to snap up the 500 FedEx Cup points, as well as some confidence ahead of the year’s second major.

The Course

Quail Hollow Club is well known amongst the golfing fraternity.  After ten years of hosting the Kemper Open, the club gained familiarity in 2003 when it first hosted the Wells Fargo.  Ever since the 7,562 yard, par 72 has been a popular stop for the pros.  Much like last weeks difficult closing, The final three holes here are considered to be some of the toughest closers on tour.  Dubbed the “Green Mile” it’s a difficult stretch, and presumably one of the reasons Quail has been given  2017 PGA Championship and 2021 Presidents Cup.

The Sound Bites

“It’s one of those stretches in your career where you know you’re playing well, you’re hot so you better keep playing and do it as long as you can, hopefully it will last the rest of the year.” – Kevin Kisner spoke of his good stretch of form (he’s listed below in our predicted contenders).

“I think I’ve experimented a lot this year with equipment, which isn’t usually what I do.  I think the consistency will start to show in my results as I become more accustomed to where I’m at” – World number 11 Adam Scott spoke of his new equipment struggles.  He’s 108 in the FedExCup and at $29.00 to win this week.

The Defending Champion

J.B. Holmes won this event last year in a compelling story of triumph against the odds.  It was the bug Kentucky man’s first win since brain surgery and started a run of form that’s continued to this day.  He beat Jim Furyk by a shot after finishing with a one-under 71.

He’s paying $34.00 to repeat last year’s feat.

The Contenders*

Rory McIlroy – Won two weeks ago and has won here previously too.  Shares the course record here and was decent last week in tying for 8th.  The number one player in the World, first in the Race to Dubai, 17th in the FedEx Cup standings.  Need any more reasons? – $4.00

Henrik Stenson – The sinewy Swede is one of the best ball strikers in the game, however a bout of illness has seen him lose several points and length off his driver.  He’s still been there or there about all season without a win.  T17th last week thanks to a solid final round 68 means he’s a chance at Quail – $17.00

Jim Furyk – The all-time money leader at the event and coming off a second place here last year.  A winner this year on tour (RBC Heritage) and having just celebrated his 45th birthday two days ago could be looking to cash in – $19.00

Bill Haas – Has two top 5 finishes at Quail Hollow and grew up nearby making it somewhat of a home venue for him.  Was effective last week at TPC Sawgrass, just missing the playoff.  Will be looking to make a Presidents Cup move and catch the captains eye (his dad Jay Haas) – $29.00

Kevin Kisner – It’s only a matter of time before the South Carolina product triumphs so why not this week.  After a disappointing 73 first up at the Players bounced back superbly to make the playoff.  Played all four holes well but missed chances on 18 and 17 to win / continue.  Tied for 6th last year – $34.00

*Players Championship odds available at Luxbet.

The Winner

We hate to sound like a broken record, but, Rory.

European Tour Golf: Open de España Preview

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The European Tour is the often overlooked cousin of the lucrative PGA Tour.  However, the Tour still boasts some quality players and a lucrative race for honours of its own.  The Race to Dubai is the FedEx Cup equivalent, and although currently being led by world number one, Rory McIlroy, has a number of quality players with a realistic chance of taking it out.

This week’s tournament has a million Race to Dubai points on offer (like every tournament), with a handy 1,666,600 for the winner (seriously who came up with this point system).

Check out our preview of the Open de España.

The Course

The Real Club Golf el Prat is affectionately known as “El Prat”.  However, unlike the juvenile arragonace behind its nickname, the course is actually refreshing beautiful / honest.  El Prat is a Greg Norman design – his first in continental Europe – and brilliantly combines landscape with playability.  The course is open to the public throughout the year and is a favourite of travelling hackers.  Just check TripAdvisor for some of the reviews from the tourists that have stopped by the Real Club Golf el Prat course.  Of note, is the 470-yard par four 16th, which offers plenty of challenges to the players.  The length is the obvious one, but the green is also guarded by water on the right.  Expect most players to gladly accept four here and move on.

The course plays par 72.  7326 yards.  The greens are likely to pose the biggest threat to low scores.

The Sound Bites

“The greens are certainly the toughest part of this golf course. They’re very tricky, which adds to the importance of putting your approaches on the right part of the greens.” – Hometown hero Pablo Larrazábal spoke to European Tour reporters about the difficulty of the greens.

“I played a lot of great golf – I didn’t putt particularly great until Sunday, but even like that I still had a great chance of winning which is very positive.” – Sergio commenting on his Players Championship performance and his chances here.

The Defending Champion

Cigar puffing fan favourite Miguel Angel Jiménez took the honours last year, delivering the home fans a Spanish winner for the first time since 2010.  With the win Jiménez sealed his first national open win (at the 27th time of trying) and became the first player over 50 to win on the European Tour.  The win came the hard way, defeating Richard Green and Thomas Pieters in a play-off at the PGA Catalunya Resort.

He’s paying $41.00 to defend his title this week.

The Contenders*

Sergio Garcia – The best player in the field is also in some handy form after tying for second last week at Sawgrass.  Garcia was an excellent chance to win last week before Rickie Fowler forced a playoff and beat him and Kevin Kisner in four holes.  Garcia has won five times in Spain making him a great bet this week – $6.00

Victor Dubisson – Most people loved Dubisson’s story of dropping out of school at 12 years of age to become a golfing superstar.  However, the golfing stardom has eluded him in 2015.  After a missed cut at the Masters and failing to make it past the qualifications round in the matchplay it’s a wonder he’s even on this list.  But with a weakfish field we expect the Frenchman to Frenchman to be one of the contenders – $26.00.

Tommy Fleetwood – Currently sitting 11th in the Race to Dubai, and enters the tournament on the back of making the quarterfinals of the WGC Matchplay event in San Francisco recently.  Playing with Nicolas Colsaerts and Jiménez is also sure to motivate him – $26.00.

Richie Ramsay –  The Scotsman sits 26th in the Race to Dubai, but his recent form indicates he could move even higher.  Ramsay was a winner only weeks ago at the Trophee Hassan II in Morocco and looks attractive money at these odds – $31.00

Thorbjørn Olesen – Led last week’s AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open pretty much the whole tournament before losing in a playoff to George Coetzee.  Seems to be hitting the ball a lot better after a troublesome wrist injury – $34.00

*Open de España odds available at Sportsbet.

The Winner

Smart money is on Sergio.  For a little outsider flirt try Pablo Larrazábal ($29).

PGA Tour: The Players Championship Preview

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Golf’s unofficial fifth major always provides plenty of entertainment. Admittedly most of it centres around the engrossing 17th island green, but this years event features a stellar field, the McIlroy-Spieth duel that will define golf for the next 20 years, and also the opinion splitting Tiger Woods.

The Course

TPC Sawgrass.  That’s all.  One of the world’s most famous got courses, featuring arguably the world’s most famous hole.  Putting the course’s shortest hole aside (the incredibly challenging and unmissable 17th), Sawgrass is a 7,215 yard, par 72, Pete Dye creation.  The course features one of the most challenging finishes in golf, and also features the quirky trait of having no two consecutive holes play in the same direction.  The real hero though, is the 17th, a green surrounded by water and only a small path at the back.

The Sound Bites

“So 17 doesn’t see eye to eye with me. I think I’ve played it well over par. The first couple years when you’re playing here, you get juiced up, you get pumped up, so the ball goes a little farther. I’ve hit sand wedge over the green” – Bubba Watson describing the thrill of playing 17 at Sawgrass.

“It’s very nerve-wracking. That’s probably not a very exciting answer but it is nerve-wracking because one of the things you sense there is you sense how much the crowd really wants you to mess up. The crowd wants you, wants you, to hit it in the water” – Stewart Cink when answering the same question.

The Defending Champion

Martin Kaymer went coast to coast last year in a dominant display that was only ever under threat during a nervy final four hole stretch.  A brief rain delay when Kaymer was up by three unsettled the Germans rhythm and he made a horrible double on 15 to give Jim Furyk a sniff.  In the end, a clutch 30 footer for par on 17 and a safe par on 18 gave him a one stroke win – a first in 28 months.  Wonderkid Jordan Speith lurked for much of the tournament as did previous champion Sergio Garcia before finished 3rd and 4th behind Furyk.

The Contenders*

Rory McIlroy – A win last week at the Matchplay would have added to McIlroy’s already extreme confidence.  Scrambled brilliantly last week and has finished inside the top 8 in his last two trips to Sawgrass – $8.00

Jordan Spieth – Although he was eliminated at the Match Play he still reeled off the most number of birdies before the knockout rounds.  He was also without a bogey here in the first three rounds last year – $8.50

Henrik Stenson – Has a game well suited for the Sawgrass design  Hit’s it straight and ranks first in stores gained putting – $19.00

Justin Rose – In form after a win at the Zurich Classic and one of the most risk averse players on tour.  That bodes well for such a tricky layout – the player who makes the fewest mistakes is often the player hoisting the trophy at the end of the week (e.g. Bubba will never win this event).  Seriously consider – $21.00

Sergio Garcia – Has an incredible record at this course – one of the few players who consistently puts himself in contention at Stadium – $29.00

Lee Westwood – Could just be the best money in the field.  Three top 10’s in his last 4 starts at Sawgrass and coming off a solid week in San Fran where he defeated FedEx Cup leader Jordan Spieth – $36.00

*Players Championship odds available at Sportsbet.

The Winner

Hard to go past the best player in the world.  We’ll have McIlroy to go back to back.