European Tour preview: Dunhill Links Championship TV times and betting tips
Right, let’s put the Ryder Cup behind us. And what better way than at one of everyone’s favourite tour events, the Dunhill Links Championship? A true test of links golf, set over three iconic courses and featuring a list of top quality past winners that highlight the merit of this competition, there is a strong field assembled, including a handful of those returning from Whistling Straits. I’ve whittled it down to three players who I think can challenge. But first…
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Dunhill Links Championship details
Venues: St Andrews (Old), Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, Scotland
Date: September 30-October 3, 2021
Course stats: Par 72; 7,305 yards (St Andrews); Par 72; 7,402 yards (Carnoustie); Par 72; 7,224 yards (Kingsbarns)
Course summary: It is difficult to describe with words the beauty of the three courses on offer for this week’s event, as they truly showcase and celebrate everything that is incredible about Scottish golf. The Old Course, used twice over the course of the week including the final round, is the true home of golf. The closing stretch will test even the best of players, with wind certain to be a factor at all three venues. Links golf form, and an ability to plot your way around venues that offer very different challenges is essential, with British and Scandinavian golfers tending to do well at this event in recent years.
Purse: €5,000,000
Defending champion: Victor Perez (-22)
Dunhill Links Championship details TV times
Thursday: Sky Sports Golf from 1pm
Friday: Sky Sports Golf from 1pm
Saturday: Sky Sports Golf from 1pm
Sunday: Sky Sports Golf from 12pm
Dunhill Links Championship details betting tips
Bazza’s Banker: Robert MacIntyre @ 35/1 with Bet365
MacIntyre has been in good form on these types of courses recently, finishing 8th at the Open and 18th at the Scottish Open. Despite some recent missed cuts, he still ranks 11th for SG: Off-the-tee, 7th for SG: Tee-to-green and 1st for Scrambling on the European Tour this season. His ability to bounce back into form, while also having a strong understanding of how to play well round coastal Scottish courses make this a shrewd selection in my books and one that I like a lot considering the price on offer.
The each-way bet: Calum Hill @ 60/1 with Bet365
Continuing with the Scottish theme for my selections this week, I am going for recent winner Hill at a big price. Hill has flourished on tour this season, with seven top-10s and four top-five finishes. His win not so long ago came off the back of a strong performance at Fairmont St Andrews. In terms of the figures, Hill ranks 1st for Stroke Average and 9th for SG: Total on tour this season, highlighting his consistency week in, week out. As another player looking to fly the flag for Scotland this week, and become the first Scottish winner since Colin Montgomerie in 2005, I think he represents a great each-way shot.
The outsider: Marcel Siem @ 80/1 with Bet365
The likeable German has been on a frighteningly good run of form recently, with five top-15 finishes in his last eight starts. The origin of that form goes back to a win on the challenge tour in July, followed swiftly by that memorable performance at the Open Championship. A 15th-place finish at this event in 2017 is encouraging, with his recent performance statistics suggesting he should be ready to improve on that this week. On the European Tour this season, Siem ranks 5th for SG: Total, 6th for SG: Approach and 8th for Driving Accuracy. If Siem can manage the conditions, and continue his excellent run of performances, he has a great chance at a big price.
For more prices visit Bet365.
