Finding the favourite, let alone the winner, is hard enough at this week's KLM (Dutch) Open with some bookmakers going 22/1 'the field'.
The Course: Kennemer GC, Zandvoort, Holland (par-70, 6,626 yards)
Situated on the Dutch coast, this short, old-fashioned course has a links feel. The fairways are fairly wide but very undulating, while the greens are smaller than average. Wind is always a factor here and position off the tee is crucial. There are just three par-5's -the 2nd, 7th and 12th - and all are easily reached in two.
Ross' Top Tip: Jamie Donaldson @ 33/1 Betfred
Those odds might not seem that attractive for a non-winner, but there's no getting away from the claims of the Welshman. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the first two days so Donaldson - whose two best finishes in 2009 have both been when the wind is blowing, including when runner-up in the recent SAS Masters - should be in his element. Well-rested after a two-week break, I'm confident he can improve significantly on his tied-20th finish here last year.
Next Best: Gareth Maybin @ 33/1 Ladbrokes
Another non-winner, but the sweet-striking Ulsterman comes right into this on recent form which has seen him post three top-12 finishes in his last four starts. Last time out in the Czech Open, he played himself into a winning position but found water twice in the closing holes, eventually finishing seventh. He will have learned a lot from that experience and this week's weak field affords him a wonderful opportunity to land his first Tour win.
Outsider: Jeppe Huldahl @ 90/1 Stan James
The talented Dane has achieved something my other two selections haven't - won a main tour tournament. That came earlier this season at the Celtic Manor Wales Open - his outstanding final round 68 in difficult conditions giving him a one-stroke victory - and he showed that was no fluke with a third place at the SAS Masters. He was perhaps over the top when 29th at the Czech Open the following week but will be raring to go again after a two week break and his current odds look generous to say the least.
Tournament Lay: Chris Wood
I'm not confident enough to lay anyone to lose this week but Chris Wood, who is amongst the market leaders this week, will surely be feeling the effect of his USPGA exertions. Granted, he wasn't under any pressure over the weekend - beat only one home in the end - but four rounds around Hazeltine plus the cross-Atlantic travelling make him a player to take on in match and group bets.
Ross' 72-Hole Match Bet: Gareth Maybin to beat Chris Wood @ 9/10 Expekt
Recommended Bets:
Jamie Donaldson 1pt each-way @ 33/1 Betfred
Gareth Maybin 1pt each-way @ 33/1 Ladbrokes
Jeppe Huldahl 1pt each-way @ 90/1 Stan James
