The DPT remains in the UAE again this week and it also stays at the same course as used last week. Al Hamra GC proved to be a course where SG:T2G were the crucial stats needed and the winner seemed to find it quite suitable and indeed loved attacking the par-4 13th each day. Can Nicolai Hogaard go in again ? From his performance last week and especially in his display of total driving, it would suggest he could very well do and @ 14/1, he could be tempting. I wouldn't be surprised at all but during the pandemic we have had a number of back to back events played on the same course where the first week's winner hasn't done as well the week after. Whether Al Hamra can change tees to make it slightly different I'm not sure but scoring does look like it could be lowered this week from last.
Based on strong SG:T2G stats from last week I'm siding with 3 players that could improve here this week
Oliver Bekker scored well last week to post a TOP-10. The South African was 2nd in the SG:T2G dept as well as 8th SG:OTT whilst also a decent TOP-40 for approach play. If he drives it as well again this week he could outplay his odds of 80/1 - 7 places
Laurie Canter and Callum Shinkwin were high on my shortlist but their odds have shortened too much to 33/1 for me to take so I've completed my staking plan here with Yannick Paul & Francesco Laporta, who I backed at the Dunhill Links back in September and again a few weeks ago in Abu Dhabi. Of course, Laporta got it going last week here to finish 21st having dropped him, but I feel having played the course so recently he may just find his form and go better @ 80/1 - 7 places.
The German could be a surprise contender given recent his form and he is no slouch off the tee either. Ranking a low enough 47th for SG:T2G last week but a highly 24th for approach play, like Bekker if he can make slight improvement off the tee given the course is now familiar, he can contend.
Selections:
1 pt e/w Y. Paul @ 80/1 - 7 places
1 pt e/w F. Laporta @ 100/1 - 7 places
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