Joburg Open 2011

The final co-sanctioned event between the Sunshine & European Tours takes place in Johannesburg this week over 2 courses, the East & West of the Royal & Kensington Club, the East being the hardest of the 2 and the course in play for the weekend. Despite a very big field, albeit a weak one too, Charl Schwarztel is as low as 4/1 to defend his title he won by 6 shots last year. No value there so its next best option again this week for value betting. Charl may just win here, seems to like the course and is in good form but its not a confident bet @ this price. Thomas Aiken didn't do much last week either, although he is in his hometown this week, 18/1 is too small for a player I have been following for too long waiting for the breakthrough. He is omitted again this week from my selections in favour of another favourite, Alexander Noren. Not a great 2010 following injury for the Swede but he showed signs of form over his last 4/5 tournaments and he could go well here being fresh, accuracy is akey component of his game which is a big requirement this week. 35/1 available with Boylesports represents good value for this field. I put up Darren Clarke last week, had 2 poor rounds Friday & Saturday, so perhaps the outing was needed and may go better this week. He was a distant 2nd here last year so he will have fond memories of the course and there aren't too many better iron players in the world than Darren so at 25/1 the odds do represent value and is taken again to do well.The fact he is playing with Charl Schwartzel & Thomas Aiken may also help him. My third pick this week is Aussie Scott Hend who does tend to play well in the southern hemisphere and is quite capable of a going showing if he gets a decent opening round under his belt. He plays the more difficult East course in the afternoon on day 1 so perhaps he can judge where he needs to be before early enough start Friday on the West course. Hend is available at 110/1 with Boylesports


TIP 1: 1 pt e/w A.Noren @ 35/1 (Boylesports). Fresh and looking to build on decent showing towards the end of 2010.

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w D.Clarke @ 25/1 (Betpack). Good grouping for the first 2 days, showing signs of returning to form. 2nd here last year and will be confident having had a top 25 under his belt last week.

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w S.Hend @ 110/1 (Boylesports). The Aussie is inconsistent but if he can post decent opening round could get onto leaderboard. Great odds for a player who can go low.