Irish Open Tips

He used to play this course in his junior days in all weathers and showed the benefit of that experience when finishing tied-5th here in 2004.

There’s a quality field assembled for this week’s Irish Open, headed by the two highest ranked Irishmen, Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy.

The Course: Co Louth GC, Drogheda, Ireland (par-72, 7,063 yards)
This links-style course was last used for the 2004 Irish Open, which was won in convincing style by 150/1 shot Brett Rumford. It's short by modern day standards but, with wind and rain forecast for all four days, it is expected to provide a stern test. There are just four par-5’s – the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and the closing 18th, which is easily the longest at 559 yards.

Ross’ Top Tip: Paul McGinley @ 50/1 Paddy Power 50/1 (1/4 odds, SIX places)
The local golfers will enjoy a huge following, with boy wonder Rory McIlroy the star attraction. He could easily outclass this field, but conditions might produce a more level playing field and his fellow Irishman McGinley looks more likely to excel in them. He used to play this course in his junior days in all weathers and showed the benefit of that experience when finishing tied-5th here in 2004. Paddy Power, who just happen to be joint top-priced at 50/1, are offering six places this week (along with Boylesports), so they deserve your custom.

Next Best: Raphael Jacquelin @ 40/1 Paddy Power (1/4 odds, SIX places)
The Frenchman's steady action will stand him in good stead in this week's conditions and he looks to have found his game at just the right time having finished second in last week's Italian Open. Furthermore, he'll have positive mental associations with the course having finished second to Brett Rumford back in 2004. The early birds may have snapped up the 50's, but Paddy Power's 40/1, which comes the extra place insurance, is more than fair.

Outsider: Gareth Maybin @ 60/1 Boylesports (1/4 odds, SIX places)
The Northern Ireland golfer could run into a place at big odds, as he did in South Africa a few months ago. Since then, he's been playing consistently well and his eighth place in Turin last week, which included a first round 64, was his his third top-10 finish of the season. 66/1 is on offer but I'd rather have the extra place with Boylesports at slightly shorter odds.

Ross’ 72-Hole Match Bet: Paul McGinley to beat Darren Clarke @ 10/11 Victor Chandler

Tournament Lay (Betfair): Padraig Harrington
I know he's got to be 'favourite' this week but his recent form has been abysmal by his standards and he was hardly sounding confident when admitting last week to fighting his "addiction" to working on his swing and saying "I won't be quite ready for it [the Irish Open]." Plus, the fact he's coming here straight from the Players is another major negative.

Recommended Bets:
Paul McGinley 1pt each way @ 50/1 Paddy Power
Raphael Jacquelin 1pt each-way @ 40/1 Paddy Power
Gareth Maybin 1pt each-way @ 60/1 Boylesports
All above at 1/4 odds, six places

 

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Tags: Darren Clarke,  European Tour,  Gareth Maybin,  Golf Betting,  Irish Open,  Padraig Harrington,  Paul Mcginley,  Raphael Jacquelin,  Rory Mcilroy