Irish Open

A very disappointing effort both in Italy & Sawgrass last week, very little to shout come Sunday, Martin Kaymer lying 17th heading into Sundays round but he had a disaster to finish 55th! This week sees one of the strongest line ups for the 3 Irish Open at Baltray, Co. Louth in a long time and a tournament that I have not much success on the betting front for a few years, perhaps that could change this weekend. There are quite a few in the shakeup, McIlroy loves links golf, his caddy knows the place inside out, not to mention Rory has been a visitor many times. At 14/1, though its tempting, but with the bank doing quite well (despite no return last week) I think the value is to be sought again as Paddy Power offer 6 places for e/w betting. I was tempted to make it a total South African invasion this week in the shape of Schwartzel,Oosthuizen, Sterne and Aiken but its the latter two that I will take a punt on.Richard Sterne is a very consistent performer and has the short game to do well in Co. Louth and Thomas Aiken is becoming a golfer to be reckoned with in every tournament as his top 5 finish in Italy proves. Both are at 50/1 which is good value for these consistent performers. A little interest has to be had in Mark Brown, the kiwi originally from Wellington who will be quite used to weather conditions and the links format and at 125/1 cannot be left out of my permutations. Alejandro Canizares had dipped last year and for awhile earlier this season but his 14th finish last week after 24th in Spain the week before suggests the spaniard is moving back in the right direction.

Irish Open Selections
1.5 units e/w R.Sterne @ 50/1
1.5 units e/w T.Aiken @ 50/1
1 unit e/w M.Brown @ 125/1
1 unit e/w A. Canizares @ 100/1