Africa Open: Fichardt Can Land Spoils

Africa Open (January 7th-10th)

Format: Strokeplay (156-man field)
Course: East London GC, East Cape, South Africa (par-72, 6,847 yards)
Weather: Cloudy but very warm, possibility of heavy rain on Friday and quite windy at the weekend
Where to watch: Live on Sky Sports all four days, starting 8.30am (UK time) Thursday
Bets on by: 4.30am Thursday (UK time)
2009 Winner: Retief Goosen (21 under)
 
Ross' Three Off The Tee
 
Darren Fichardt @ 22/1 Totesport
The market is predictably dominated by home grown talents Charl Schwartzel (8/1 Coral) and Richard Sterne (11/1 Stan James). However, neither have been that consistent of late, throwing in the odd bad round, and I prefer their compatriot Fichardt at a bigger price. Once good enough to win in Europe (2003 Qatar Masters), the Springbok disappeared off the radar for a few years but is back to playing somewhere near his best if his recent sixth in the SA Open is anything to go by, and it bodes well that his one bright spot from last season (when he wasn't playing so well) was a tied-2nd here 12 months ago.
 
Sam Hutsby @ 45/1 Skybet
The Englishman finished second Simon Khan at Q-School in Spain at the end of last year but has already proved himself on the pro circuit, finishing eighth in the Castello Masters and 14th in the Singapore Open. He's only 21 and this is his first full season on Tour but he has the game (long hitter with an assured putting stroke) and confidence to thrive. I fully expect him to win at least once this season and it could well come this week. Whatever happens, though, he's one to keep on your side in 2010.
 
Branden Grace @ 50-1 Paddy Power
Another pick based more on potential, although the 21-year-old Praetorian was one of four players to chase home Retief Goosen 12 months ago so he clearly likes the course. He found it tough going on European soil later in the season, but back on more familiar terrain this former star amateur is fancied to start realising his undoubted potential and a win is not out of the question. Certainly, it would come as less of a shock than the recent wins of Pablo Martin and Richie Ramsay.
 
Keep an eye on: Michael Hoey (55/1 bet365)
Shared second place here 12 months ago and won in Portugal later in the season. Consistency may not be his strongest point but he's undoubtedly talented.
 
One to be wary of: Charl Schwartzel
Finished ninth here last season but the course doesn't really play to his strength, his power-hitting, and he's one to avoid at single-figure odds.
 
Recommended Bets:
 
Darren Fichardt 1.5pts each-way @ 22/1 Totesport
Sam Hutsby 1pt each-way @ 45/1 Skybet
Branden Grace 1pt each-way @ 50/1 Paddy Power

 

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