All of the European Tour’s superstars (bar Padraig Harrington) will be in action at Wentworth this week for traditionally one of the highlights of the golfing year. The track is also host to the World Match Play Championship, played at the end of the season, so there’s plenty of course form for punters to go on
The Course: West Course, Wentworth, Surrey (par-72, 7,308 yards)
With Ernie Els acting as consultant, the course has undergone major changes in recent years, although the unusual 35/37 layout remains. Not only has it been lengthened considerably but the addition of over 30 new bunkers has placed a greater premium on accuracy off the tee with the overall effect being that the course plays around a shot harder. The four par-5’s are the 4th, 12th, 17th and 18th, and a player’s score depends a lot on how they take advantage of these long holes.
Ross’ Top Tip: Ernie Els @ 12/1 888sport, Ladbrokes
Those odds would have looked on the stingy side a few weeks ago, but there was a lot to like about The Big Easy’s performance at Sawgrass last time out, where he finished tied-6th. His work with Butch Harmon is obviously starting to bear fruit and he has the proven ability to handle the Wentworth greens and master the par-5’s, as his superb World Match Play record (seven times champion) shows. It’s baffling that he’s never won a strokeplay event on his home course, but this may be the week.
Next Best: Henrik Stenson @ 20/1 Paddy Power
With Els and Vijay Singh heading the betting, we’re assured of decent odds on the Swede who has a progressive record at this track - nineteenth and eighth on his last two starts in this event and a tied-3rd place in the World Match Play last autumn. He comes here on the back of a solid performance in the Players where he held on well for tenth place, and that was following on from 17th place at Augusta and a semi-final showing in the WGC Matchplay. At 20/1, he’s a must for any staking plan this week.
Outsider: Andres Romero @ 33/1 bet365
Not so much of an outsider at 33/1, but it would be churlish to leave the fearless Argentinean out this week on that score. Like his compatriot Angel Cabrera (a past winner here), he gives the ball a good pounding off the tee and that should ensure plenty of birdie / eagle chances this week. Not surprisingly, he was 12th on his debut last year after closing with a 68, and I’m confident that he can improve on that and give us an each way payout at the very least.
Ross’ Match Bet: Martin Kaymer to beat Retief Goosen @ Evens Skybet
Tournament Lay (Betfair): Retief Goosen
Has struggled on the greens here in the past - 63rd and 38th in total putts in 2005 and 2006 respectively - and has looked short of confidence in his recent starts, including in last week’s AT & T when, despite being one of the favourites, he could only muster a tied-34th finish. He's worth laying for a place and in match bets this week.
Recommended Bets:
Ernie Els 3pts @ 12/1 888sport, Ladbrokes
Henrik Stenson 1pt each way @ 20/1 Paddy Power
Andres Romero 1pt each way @ 33/1 bet365