The Bookies point of view…
32Red’s Sponsorship manager Jack Milner delivers a weekly verdict on each tournament.
Such is the dearth of talent at the top end of this year’s Honda Classic, that Justin Thomas heads the market as this week’s 5/1 favourite having thrown away a four-shot lead to ultimately lose out to JB Holmes at Riviera ten days ago.
The Kentuckian remains in good form but is arguably too short compared to best friend Rickie Fowler and reigning US Open and PGA Champion Brooks Koepka. The latter appeals of three at their current prices however, so does 2016 winner Adam Scott (16/1) who has staged something of a renaissance in 2019. The Australian has one of the best swings in the game and after recent efforts at Torrey Pines (Second) and Riviera (T7) warrants maximum respect near the head of the market.
The likes of Emilian Grillo and Billy Horschel have already attracted support but at similar prices I’d be willing to chance Kiradech Aphibarnrat at 66/1 with 32Red. He birdied the last three holes at last week’s WGC in Mexico to claim a top-five finish and should be there or thereabouts providing a good start.
Winner Pick – Adam Scott 16/1 with 32Red
Dark Horse – Kiradech Aphibarnrat at 66/1 with 32Red
Joost Luiten heads the market for the Oman Open and warrants maximum respect for favourite backers in the Middle East. The Dutchman has gradually improved since returning from a wrist injury towards the end of 2018, and shot a brilliant 64 to sneak into the top ten last week in Mexico.
I have followed Thomas Detry off a cliff thus far in 2019 and intend to continue doing so until the Belgian wins a maiden singles title on the European Tour. The 26-year old won golf’s version of the World Cup with close pal Thomas Pieters but is still to clinch that elusive first title. He must go close after a string of performances that warrant him with a much better chance than his odds suggest this week,
Winner Pick – Joost Luiten 9/1 with 32Red
Dark Horse – Thomas Detry at 33/1 with 32Red
