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.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
