The Open betting preview and Fantasy Golf picks
This week in Fantasy Golf we need to make some Major changes as The Open is the only event this week that we can have valid players taking points.
Therefore we need to make sure that our picks are in the field at St Andrews, it’s worthwhile going through your team with a fine tooth-comb to ensure that you squeeze out the maximum point return you can possibly make.
So Rory fans, get him out of your side for the foreseeable future, the Northern Irishman has injured his ankle and is set for a long spell on the sidelines. I’d imagine he won’t be quite the same once he returns – so dump Rory and bank on some more likely lads.
First pick: Shane Lowry. The Irishman has performed well at recent Majors and the St Andrew links will suit the former Irish Open winner no end. Maybe not a choice for Captain though.
Second pick: Rickie Fowler. The recent Scottish Open winner has top 10 finishes in all four Majors, and I have a sneaking suspicion this could be his year. One of the longest drivers on Tour he may need to curb his length at times to ensure he stays in contention for the Claret Jug.
My third and final pick this week is Louis Oosthuizen. The South African knows the course well having been the last Open Champion at St Andrews and so will be right at home this week.
Remember: check the field, if you have players unavailable or not appearing, dump them now to gain some valuable points this gameweek.
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The Open Championship is enough to make even the most casual of armchair golf fans head to the bookies and part with their hard earned cash in an attempt to pick a winner.
But where is the smart money going at St Andrews this year?
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Well for a start, I really don’t see a lot of value in Fantasy points or with betting returns with any of the pre-tournament favourites.
Spieth is the hottest player on the planet but will his decision to play the John Deere Classic, arriving in Scotland jet-lagged with just a couple of days to prepare, cost him a third Major in a row despite winning?
The Old Course isn’t somewhere you just rock up and win with little experience of the test.
Spieth is special but not that special in my humble opinion, I’d steer clear of picking the 21-year old Texan – at least not as your Fantasy captain.
Also, you won’t get too much bang for your buck at odds of 5/1 or less.
Of the other favourites, Dustin Johnson is too unreliable, Justin Rose had a wobble at Gullane this week and Rickie Fowler may have peaked a week too early.
Of the main contenders, I don’t dislike Adam Scott at 22/1 due to his good recent Open record and he has found some form.
You have to scroll down a bit further to find some real value so here are five outsiders who could be worth an each-way bet.
1. Lee Westwood 90/1
Finished second at St Andrews in 2010 and has a superb Open record in general. Not sure on his state of mind after personal issues but I would not be at all surprised to see him in the top five.
2. Ernie Els 175/1
Huge odds for a proven Open Champion who has a 2nd place finish at St Andrews to his name. Still a presence on the leaderboard and if he gets in the mix can pose a threat.
3. David Howell 150/1
Slightly less generous odds but still worth an each-way bet in my eyes. Has been in good form over the past six to eight months and bagged another top 10 at the Scottish Open – his sixth of the season. Don’t forget he won the Alfred Dunhill at St Andrews in 2013.
4. Victor Dubuisson 90/1
Bear with me on this one. The Frenchman had been hopelessly out of form going into the BMW International Open a few weeks ago but found himself in contention for the first time in a while. He ended up in a tie for 20th. The following week in France he was challenging again before a poor final round left him in 12th. Then last week at the Scottish Open he fired a decent final round to finish in the top 10. Things are coming together he just needs to put four rounds together. Don’t miss out when he does.
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5. Francesco Molinari 100/1
A bit like Victor, he has been finding form but can’t quite sustain it for four rounds. Still as good as ever from tee to green. Tied ninth and 15th in his last two Open Championship outings. Can I see him holding the Claret Jug on Sunday? Probably not but he’s got the game and the experience to finish in the top five.
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