Wednesday 5 September 2012

KLM Open 2012 - Hilversumsche GC

The Dutch KLM Open is on again this week at the Hilversumsche GC just outside Amsterdam where tournament specialist Simon Dyson goes off as defending champion seeking a 4th title in 7 years, and his 2nd title at the course having the other 2 at the Kennemer GC. Its hard to look past him too with that sort of form in Holland. His past 3 starts saw him finish 27th at Crans and a MC at Gleneagles and a MC at the USPGA. Last week might just be the outing he needed before coming here. He seems to play well on this type of course and a general 25/1 across most bookies will ensure that I keep him onside, and I hope he gets a lift being back on Dutch soil which obviouly has served him well over the years and prevail once again come Sunday.

My second pick is Martin Kaymer at 20/1. Winner 2 years ago, the German will be anxious to get some form ahead of the Ryder Cup especially after a disappointing season. Again, he doesn't have to travel too far from Dusseldorf up to Amsterdam. He missed the cut here last year after an opening 74 but ran away with it the year before winning by 4 shots in the end. I'm a big fan of Kaymer and when 20/1 is on offer its hard to resist despite the form, but he comes rested not having played since the USPGA. In fact over the past couple of months he has played just 6 events, missing the cut in 3 of them including the BMW International in Cologne. He will be very keen to go well this week now that the Ryder Cup team is finalized and restore confidence not just for himself but his captain, Jose Maria Olazabal and his team mates. The price is like a carrot dangling in front of me and I can't ignore it. let's hope he sees this week as a real chance to lay down his marker for Ryder Cup.

My third pick is Ross Fisher. Again he is in some sort of decent form lately and has good record here also. Tied 11th 2 years ago and tied 6th in 2010 not to mention winner in 2007 on the Kennemer Course, he too like Dyson obviously likes playing here. Fishers driving and iron play will be a big advantage here this week and if he gets the flatstick going he could win this one and at 33/1 with Betpack, he too, cannot be omitted off my list this week. I was going to put up Shane Lowry who I also believe will be suited by the course and despite the odds of 45/1 I have taken the Englishman on course and toournament form in much the same vein as Dyson & Kaymer.