KLM Open 2010

Bank Balance after European Masters & Deutsche Bank +180.37

Seung-Y Noh grabbed 4th last week in Switzerland to return 16 pts but the weekend should have been more profitable! Hunter Mahan had a weekend to forget, he was -13 after 9 holes in the 3rd rd on Sunday tied for the lead but gave 5 shots back on the homeward journey. On Monday he got an early birdie but ended up +5 for his rd to slip right down the field. Very frustrating to watch it happen when he had just got into the mix. But thats golf and thats betting! We made a 6pts profit for the week, if we did that every week we'd be happy.

This week's European action returns to Hilvershume GC in Holland, which last hosted the KLM Open 5 years ago. All the talk is about Simon Dyson this week but I just cannot see him beating the USPGA Champion, Martin Kaymer who plays in his first tournament since winning at Whistling Straits. Yes, he will be mobbed by reporters etc in Holland, but he is German, which means the cool head will prevail. Dusseldorf is not far from anywhere in Holland so he wont be travelling far either (less than 2 hrs drive if he wanted to). Kaymer is class, and the quality of the field, although quite good, is not near that of Martin's. Ross Fisher I rate as the next best although potential dangers lurk in the shape of Manessero, Schwartzel, Molinari and Robert Karlsson(who is due a return to form soon). Alvaro Quiros may go well this week too if he "goes for it". For me this week its a case of who can challenge the German and if Ross Fisher can add to his Irish Open title and rise the Race to Dubai rankings now that it reaches its final 10 events. The blogs old favourite, Thomas Aiken showed a bit of promise last week and the bookies have duly noted, but he is worth considering for a top 10 finish on the grounds he starts early thursday and pending that round can set him up for a challenge. Speaking of old favourites, I will be watching Michael Campbell's scorecard this week. He is @ 23/1 & 33/1 for top 20 finish with Skybet & Extrabet, he had 8 birdies in his first rd last week, if he can steady the mistakes he could be on his way back.

TIP 1: 4 pts WIN Martin Kaymer @ 12/1 (Betpack). The recent Major Champion can win here if the added attention does not affect him. Stand out quality player in this field. Odds not as bad as anticipated and therefore represent value for a win only bet.

TIP 2: 1 pt WIN Ross Fisher @ 20/1 (Betpack). Can challenge if he starts well. Has the game to be a Major winner and will be looking forward to Ryder Cup & Dubai over the next 2 months. WIN only the tip, can tail off if not in with chance to win.

TIP 3: 1 pt TOP 10 Finish Thomas Aiken @ 15/2 (Betpack). The South African has not quite showed the potential the past 18 months or so but finished well last week. Quite capable of anything and may do well this week on a course that should suit his game down to the ground.

Will look at a 4 pt investment also for the BMW Championship, the 3rd playoff event in the FEDEx Cup. I will post those 4 pts advice tomorrow.(Wednesday)