Betting tips: Who wins women’s Olympic gold?

The winner: Ariya Jutanugarn

If Lydia Ko turns up in gold medal mood it’s going to be hard to stop the New Zealander.

But, at prices as short as 11/4 in the market, it isn’t much of a tipster that tells you the teenager could win – you can see that for yourself.

The 14/1 freely available on the high-profile Lexi Thompson will definitely see some support, but I’m concerned the American isn’t showing the kind of form that could put her on the podium.

That can’t be said, though, of Ariya Jutanugarn. The Thai can be backed at 7/1 and the British Open winner won’t be short of confidence following her exploits at Woburn.

Think that victory might count against her? Consider Henrik Stenson, so close to grabbing the gold last week and at the top of his game following Open victory at Royal Troon a month ago.

Jutanugarn is the hottest player in the women’s game right now, having won three tournaments in four weeks in May before claiming her first Major title.

On the form table, she should be pushing Ko much closer at the top of the market.

The each-way bet: Haru Nomura

Tied 17^th at Woburn and T11 at the US Open may be steady, but unspectacular, form but the Japanese should find the Olympic course to her liking.

Look back a little bit earlier in the season and you’ll see she took down Lydia Ko to win in Australia before triumphing in the wind at the Swinging Skirts.

The ability to control the elements could well be key in Rio, with the seasons changing frequently when the men were in action and the heavy breezes playing a key factor at various stages of that tournament.

Under-rated, Nomura knows how to win and, at 30/1, is ten times the price of the favourite.

The dark horse: Charley Hull

Why is Charley Hull 66/1? Tied runner-up at the ANA Inspiration, the GB star performed creditably at the Women’s British Open when all the focus was on her at her home course.

Yes, I know she has only won one tournament but, in an event where it’s more about pride than prize money, I’m betting that there won’t be too many players more excited about teeing it up in Rio.

Just look at that Solheim Cup record. It’s absolutely brilliant and, the bigger the occasion, the more Hull seems to gets fired up.

I think the Rio course, with its wide fairways and lack of trouble off the tee, will suit her down to the ground and that could make 66/1 a very disrespectful price.