After a successful week in Wales that saw Nacho Elvira win at the 159th attempt, the European Tour rolls on to Northern Ireland for the ISPS Handa World Invitational.
There is plenty of fuss about this tournament, hosted by Niall Horan’s agency Modest! Golf. Two separate tournaments – 144 European Tour players and 144 LPGA and LET players – will compete on the same courses at the same time for an equal prize fund of $1.5 million each.
And with a bunch of players at the Olympics – including the women’s reigning champion Stephanie Meadow – this represents a great chance for much of the field to grab a win.
With that being said, I have picked out four players I fancy to go well in this event. But first…
ISPS Handa World Invitational details
Venue: Galgorm Castle and Massereene Golf Club, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Date: July 29-August 1, 2021
Course stats: Par 70; 7,005yds (Galgorm GC); Par 72; 7,299yds (Massereene)
Course summary: Both courses are located in stunning County Antrim and will offer players the opportunity to take on two quite different challenges. Galgorm Castle is relatively short at just over 7,000 yards, with a layout that requires strategy, and offers just two par-5 holes. Massereene is a traditional tree-lined parklands with pristine greens and great views over Lough Neagh. A more generous four par-5 holes will allow players to take this course on and post a good score before the weekend.
Purse: $3 million ($1.5 million European Tour and $1.5 million LPGA and LET)
Defending champions: Jack Senior (-11) and Stephanie Meadow (-10)
ISPS Handa World Invitational TV coverage
Thursday: Sky Sports Golf from 2pm
Friday: Sky Sports Golf from 2pm
Saturday: Sky Sports Golf from 2.30pm
Sunday: Sky Sports Golf from 11am
ISPS Handa World Invitational betting tips
Justin Harding @ 10/1 with Bet365
After narrowly missing out in Wales, I fancy Harding to come back fighting after continuing his fine form of late. Harding has finished in the top five twice in his last five starts and has only finished outside the top 25 once in that spell. When you partner that with ranking 9th for Stroke Average on the European Tour this season, he certainly justifies being one of the favourites in the market.
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Jacques Kruyswijk @ 45/1 with Bet365
After putting Kruyswijk up a few times already this season, I maintain the position that he will win soon, and I am determined to be on him when he does. The South African was 10th last week, and has finished inside the top 35 in five of his last six starts. He also ranks 1st on the European Tour for Stroke Average this season, highlighting the consistency that could make him a champion this week.
Olivia Cowan @ 55/1 with Bet365
Cowan was third at this event in 2019, and after a run of great form could be the one to watch at a big price. Cowan has four top-10 finishes in her last seven events, and two runner-up finishes in her last nine and victory in the team event at the inaugural Aramco Series. That demonstrates a clear consistency that suggests she should be much shorter than the price offered in this event.
Vincent Norrman @ 55/1 with Bet365
Norrman stormed out of the blocks last week with a 64 in round one, and I like his chances to follow up at a huge price. The Swede has finished 10th and 5th in two of his last three starts, and currently ranks 2nd on the European Tour for SG: Off-the-tee. He also ranks 15th for SG: Tee-to-green, and despite a lack of European Tour experience, he could surprise a few this week.
For more prices visit Bet365.
