Omega European Masters preview: TV times and betting tips
With a nail-biting finish to last week’s event fresh in the memory, and an encouraging top-10 finish for ‘Bazza’s Banker’, there is no time to dwell on what could have been as we prepare for the Omega European Masters. The field strengthens again for this week’s event, and despite some of the more notable names dropping out to play in the FedEx Cup play-offs and Korn Ferry Tour Finals, there are still plenty of options to consider. With that being said, I have picked out three players who can take advantage and grab a European Tour victory. But first…
Omega European Masters details
Venue: Crans-Sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland
Date: August 26-29 , 2021
Course stats: Par 70; 6,848 yards
Course summary: This track is one of the most stunning golf courses on the planet, but do not be fooled by its beauty. This quirky venue is a shade under 7,000 yards and played at altitude, with tree-lined fairways and mountainous views. The well-guarded greens are on the small side, so laser-accurate iron shots and a solid short game are essential.
Purse: $2 million
Defending champion: Sebastian Soderberg (-14)
Omega European Masters TV times
Thursday: Sky Sports Golf from 12.30pm
Friday: Sky Sports Golf from 12.30pm
Saturday: Sky Sports Golf from 12pm.
Sunday: Sky Sports Golf from 12pm
Omega European Masters betting tips
Bazza’s Banker: Sam Horsfield @ 33/1 with Bet365
A disappointing final round last week saw Horsfield slip quickly out of contention, but nevertheless I am prepared to look past that and instead focus on the many positives in his overall performance. Horsfield is having an incredible season, with three top-5 and five top-10 finishes so far. The Englishman secured two European Tour wins in quick succession last season, and with two solid performances in his last two starts there is no reason why he cannot add a third. Horsfield is also one of the most consistent players on tour, ranking 1st for SG: Approach, 3rd for SG: Tee-to-green and 3rd for SG: Total. With a packed betting market, the value is guaranteed in the price for Horsfield and I really like his chances.
Victor Perez @ 45/1 with Bet365
Perez has faded away slightly in recent months, after being considered as an early outsider for a place in Padraig Harrington’s Ryder Cup team, and I think now could be a great time to cash in on his inflated price . A solid performance last time out at the Cazoo Classic demonstrated glimpses of his best golf, and with a T13 finish he is certainly moving in the right direction. At a course that requires accurate approach play and a solid short game, Perez ticks every box. The Frenchman currently ranks 2nd for Greens-in-regulation and 4th for Scrambling, with his play off-the-tee the only real area of concern. A couple of fourth place finishes at big events like the WGC Match-Play are signs of his talent and at this price he makes a solid each-way selection.
John Catlin @ 60/1 with Bet365
Having already won on the European Tour this season at the Austrian Open, I am surprised to see Catlin at this price on a track where he should play well. One thing we have come to expect from Catlin in the last 12 months is accuracy, and that could be a real bonus this week. Catlin ranks 10th for Driving Accuracy, 21st for SG: Approach and 8th for SG: Tee-to-green, so you will not find many better and more consistent ball strikers on the European Tour. A 7th place finish at Galgorm Castle a couple of starts ago indicates that recent form shouldn’t be a problem, and when you consider he has three European Tour wins in less than a year – he should be a much shorter price for this.
For more prices visit Bet365.
