Estoril Open de Portugal Tips

The 2009-2009 European Tour makes its 19th stop at the tricky Oitavos Dunes course, which is playing host to the Estoril Open de Portugal for the second year running.

The Course: Oitavos Dunes, Cascais, Portugal (par-71, 6,893 yards)
A links-style course which, as the name suggests, has sand dunes around many holes and can get quite exposed to the elements near to the sea, although this week's weather is expected to be fairly benign with sunny conditions all four days and temperatures in the low 70s. There are four par-5's - 7th (the shortest at 501 yards), 8th, 13th and 16th. The tree-line fairways place an emphasis on accuracy off the tee rather than length.

Ross' Top Tip: Alastair Forsyth @ 25/1 William Hill
The Scot has struggled a bit since finishing ninth at last year's US PGA, but he seemed to find his game at last week's Andalucian Open when finishing fifth, which would have done wonders for his confidence. Furthermore, his second place finish here last year (only beaten in a playoff) should ensure he's in the right frame of mind mentally for the task at hand.

Next Best: Jose-Manuel Lara @ 33/1 Blue Square
The accurate Spaniard has been playing some nice golf this year and we know this course suits his style of play as he shot an opening 64 here last year on his way to finishing ninth. In this fairly mediocre field, I'll be disappointed if he can't do better this time round.

Outsider: Damien McGrane @ 40/1 Ladbrokes
With no strength in depth this week, my 'outsider' pick goes to the Irishman, who also boasts some good course form having finished sixth here 12 months ago when shooting all four rounds in the 60's. His recent third place finish in Madeira confirms he's in decent nick and I'm confident of a bold bid.

Tournament Lay (Betfair): Louis Oosthuizen
The South African deserves to be favourite based on some terrific (albeit non-winning) early-season performances. However, he looks to have gone off the boil of late.

Ross' Match Bet: Alastair Forsyth to beat Graeme Storm @ 10/11 bet365

Recommended Bets:
Alastair Forsyth 1pt each way @ 25/1 William Hill
Jose-Manuel Lara 1pt each way @ 33/1 Blue Square
Damien McGrane 1pt each way @ 40/1 Ladbrokes

 

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Tags: Alastair Forsyth,  Damien Mcgrane,  Estoril Open De Portugal,  European Tour,  Golf Betting,  Graeme Storm,  Jose Manuel Lara,  Louis Oosthuizen,  Oitavos Dunes