Runaway US Open champion Rory McIlroy has decided to take this week off, which is probably good news for the players in action in this week's BMW International Open in Munich.
In his absence, the field - at least according to bookmakers - is headed by reigning USPGA champion Martin Kaymer, the winner here in 2008, who is the general favourite at 10/1. The sponsors normally manage to 'persuade' at least one big-name American to make the trip over and this time it's Dustin Johnson, who is no bigger than 14/1 with Skybet. US Open seventh Sergio Garcia - would have finished second if he hadn't missed so many short putts - is next in the betting, with Sportingbet the most generous at 18/1.
All three will be looking to take advantage of the easy scoring on offer at the Nord-Eichenreid course in the Bavarian capital, which offers up plenty of birdie opportunities and rewards aggressive play. John Daly shot 27-under (261) when winning in 2001 and winning totals have been generally in the mid-260's since, although more serious rough and extended bunkering contributed to David Horsey's 270 last year.
My Three Off The Tee:-
Chris Wood @ 50/1 Sportingbet
It could pay to avoid those players who contested the US Open this week as they are bound to be feeling a bit jet-lagged, and that applies to the tournament favourite Martin Kaymer. Besides, he is not firing on all cylinders right now, which can also be said of Dustin Johnson. I'm also going to give Sergio a miss as I just couldn't cope with watching him putt with money riding on it!
In fact, I'm going to swerve all the market leaders and take a chance on the young Bristolian breaking his Tour duck this week at what looks a value price. Granted, he has blown what have looked gilt-edged opportunities to win in the past and he's probably one to lay at a short price in the final round if in contention, but there's no doubting he's playing well enough to win and he'll love the course. He's twice gone close to winning this season: in South Africa back in January, when beaten in a three-man playoff; and in Spain last month, when he looked all over the winner before being overhauled by an inspired Darren Clarke in the final round. And his tie for 23rd place last time out in the Italian Open is better than it looks as he was joint leader after an opening 64 and was still well-placed after a second round 69.
A strong GIR game (ranked 18th on Tour) should ensure he sets up plenty of birdie opportunities on this relatively easy track and a half-decent week with the putter should see him right up there on Sunday, when we can lay off the win part of the bet to ensure a profit, should we wish. Well, that's the plan.
Joost Luiten @ 40/1 Skybet
Also well rested after a week off is the young Dutchman and he too should be able to make plenty of birdies on a course that suits his aggressive style. A closing 65 12 months ago when finishing tied-11th demonstrates that and he arrives here in great form too after a season-best fifth place last time out in Italy. He's one of those players that fall into the 'winner in waiting' category and he could well lose that tag this week.
Gary Boyd @ 100/1 bet365
I hope you took my advice and backed Boyd each-way at 150/1 for the Italian Open two weeks ago as he finished tied-second there and I can't see any reason to desert him this week with triple figures odds still on offer. Not for the first time, he showed he could handle the pressure of being in contention and, now he's hit form, he could go on the sort of roll that saw him post seven top-25s on his last starts in 2011, which included three top-four finishes.
Recommended Bets:-
Chris Wood 1pt each-way @ Sportingbet
Joost Luiten 1pt each-way @ 40/1 Skybet
Gary Boyd 0.5pt each-way @ 100/1 bet365
