Open de France 2010

Bank Balance after BMW International Championship +123.12

The fields continue to get stronger each week on the European Tour as the season hots up. With The British Open just a few weeks away, getting into form is crucial for the potential challengers not to mention Race to Dubai points. This week sees the action at Le National GC outside Paris, straight driving a necessity and a tough mental attitude requirement to finish out over the closing holes. Last year Martin Kaymer beat Lee Westwood in a playoff after the Englishman dumped his ball in the water. Ian Poulter was looking like the winner until a cameraman "upset" him and his temper took its toll, but Poults record on this course is excellent and if he can focus on his game rather than the media and "unruly" fans, he can win this week @ 27/1 (betpack).
There are many to consider this week who could go well. I fancy the chances of Rory McIlroy (22/1), Adam Scott (50/1), Karlsson(40/1), Cabrera (55/1) not to mention Kaymer (18/1) Schwartzel (22/1) and Fisher (25/1) and its the latter that I have relunctantly left out to accommodate and outside bet in the shape of Shane Lowry again @ 125/1. The Irishman is hitting a bit of form and but for a poor opening round last week could easily have challenged for the BMW. He is well capable of putting a good couple of rounds together and despite a late start Thursday the gamble is for a solid opening round with early start Friday to yield the birdies!
I am tempted to back Ricky Barnes at the AT & T in the USA this weekend rather than take one of the above mentioned as an extra interest in France purely because Barnes has recorded so many top 10s this year surely he will win soon and at 40/1(Boylesports) it could be this week.


Alstom Open de France Selections:

1 pt e/w I.Poulter @ 27/1
1 pt e/w S.Lowry @ 125/1


AT & T Selection:

1 pt e/w R.Barnes @ 40/1