The European Tour cranks up a gear in terms of quality for this week’s Irish Open, played at the Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort. Last year, Padraig Harrington became the first home winner in 25 years when beating Bradley Dredge in a play-off.
 
The Course: Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort, Co. Limerick (par-72, 7,453 yards)
A picturesque parkland course which, on the evidence of last year, should suit the longer hitters this week. At 631 yards, the ninth is easily the longest of the par-5’s, the others being the 7th, 12th and 18th. The Maigue River meanders through the back nine, while a 14-acre lake anchors the front nine.
 
Ross’ Top Tip: Oliver Wilson @ 30/1 Stan James
Harrington and Westwood are the class acts this week, but my money’s on new-kid-on-the-block Wilson, who has been playing some superb golf in recent weeks, including second place in last week’s Italian Open. He didn’t card one bogey over the weekend in Milan and has finished 11th or better in his last four outings, including another runners-up position in China. Odds of 301 are too good to resist.
 
Next Best: Paul McGinley @ 50/1 Ladbrokes
Could do best of the home contingent this week as he’s used to handling the well-lubricated Irish crowds and his recent form is solid – seventh in Portugal and third in Korea, and nine of his last 12 rounds have been in the 60’s. Only 58th here last year but hard to believe he can’t do much better and, at odds of 50/1, it’s worth chancing.
 
Outsider: Francesco Molinari @ 75/1 sportingbet (66/1 general)
Missed the cut last week when perhaps the weight of expectation in his home open got to him. But at least that ensures he’s a good price this week and, considering he was in good form in Asia before that flop and did well here last year when seventh in difficult conditions, he’s worth an each way flutter.
 
Ross’ Match Bet: Francesco Molinari to beat Gregory Havret @ 5/6 bet365 (Tie no bet)

Tournament Lay (Betfair): Padraig Harrington
Risky I know as he could easily outclass this field, but his putting was atrocious when missing the cut in the Players. Plus, defending a title is never easy with all the distractions that entails.
 
Recommended Bets:
Oliver Wilson 1pt each way @ 30/1 Stan James
Paul McGinley 1pt each way @ 50/1 Ladbrokes
Francesco Molinari 1pt each way @ 75/1 sportingbet