The Bookies point of view…
32Red’s Sponsorship manager Jack Milner delivers a weekly verdict on each tournament.
The Open Championship heads to Portrush, where I think a lot of the market principles may struggle in the unique and idiosyncratic course. The Claret Jug hasn’t been settled in Northern Ireland for 58 years and Rory McIlroy is the 8/1 favourite with 32Red to keep the locals happy this week, but I just can’t see him winning, especially if any further rain hits the course.
Eddie Pepperell is a popular pick in this column, and was arguably unlucky not to make a winning return at The Irish Open two weeks ago. That Top Ten finish was followed by another stellar showing last week in Scotland and he looks to have had an ideal prep to give it a good go at Portrush. The Englishman produced a terrific weekend to narrowly miss out on The Claret Jug 12months ago and is worth a punt at around the 80/1 mark and seven places.
Joe Root has already ensured it’s been a great week for Sheffield sport, helping England to the World Cup in Sunday’s dramatic defeat of New Zealand and fellow Blades fan Matthew Fitzpatrick looks primed for a good week in Northern Ireland. A bogey at 18 put the dampeners on another excellent week, and another top ten finish last week in Scotland, but his iron-play and putting looks tailor-made for Portrush and, despite him being backed already, I like his chances at the 55/1 mark.
Xander Schaufelle should be there or thereabouts but is too short at 25/1 with 32Red, and I’m willing to chance others at three-figure prices. Thorbjorn Olesen is of a similar ilk and looks too big at 90/1, given his recent form in similar conditions. The Dane was T15 in The Irish Open and is a previous runner-up at The Dunhill Links. He must go well at a price.
Compatriot Lucas Bjerregaard missed the cut in Scotland after a disappointing second round but likewise has form over the Dunhill Links, winning the revised shotgun start last year, and will relish conditions. He has crept under the radar but is probably too big at 250/1.
Jack’s selections:
Matthew Fitzpatrick at 55/1 with 32Red
Eddie Pepperell at 80/1 with 32Red
Thorbjorn Olesen at 90/1 with 32Red
Lucas Bjerregaard at 250/1 with 32Red
