Qatar Masters: Get on Goose

Qatar Masters (January 28th-31st)

Format: Strokeplay (126-man field)
Course: Dohar GC, Qatar (par-72, 7,388 yards)
Weather: Clear all week but getting hotter at the weekend
Where to watch: Live on Sky Sports all four days, starting 8.00am (UK time) Thursday
Bets on by: 3.40am (UK time) Thursday
2009 Winner: Alvaro Quiros (19 under)

Ross'''''''' Three Off The Tee:-

Retief Goosen @ 14/1 Ladbrokes
The last five winners of this event have all been proven winners and such is the quality of this week’s field, it’s hard to see past those players priced at 25/1 or less. Of these, Goosen looks the pick on the basis he’s in good form – solid efforts (6-4) in the two PGA Tour events staged in Hawaii - and the fact he’s a past winner here - an amazing birdie-eagle finish three years ago gave him victory over Nick O’Hern. Putting has been his Achilles heel in recent years but that part of his game looks much improved after some winter practice and there’s never been much wrong with the rest of his game. My only concern is his recently acquired habit of tossing away winning positions with feeble last rounds, so be prepared to trade out on Betfair should he get into contention.

Louis Oosthuizen @ 25/1 Totesport
The South African has an excellent record in the Gulf with form figures of 2-2-7-5 over the last four Desert Swing tournaments, and there is no reason he can’t keep that run going back on the Doha course he shared second place with Henrik Stenson 12 months ago. He’s still a maiden on the European Tour, but his compatriot and friend Charl Schwartzel’s brilliant start to the year might inspire him to victory this week.

Alex Noren @ 50/1 Coral
While I’m expecting one of the market leaders to oblige, a win for the German at 50/1 wouldn’t be the biggest shock in the world. He’s already had a couple of top-25 finishes here and last week’s effort in Abu Dhabi (opened with a 66 before fading to 43rd) will have blown away any cobwebs. After breaking his duck on Tour when winning the European Masters at Crans last September, I’m expecting him to kick on in 2010 and become a regular winner.

Bubbling Under: Darren Fichardt (125/1 Skybet)
Won this event in 2003 and finished sixth the last time he played here in 2006. That’s going back a long way, I know, but he went close in the recent South African Open, finishing sixth, and won twice on the Sunshine Tour last year. It’s hard to see him winning but a top-20 finish is entirely possible – a 9/2 shot with Skybet.
 
Punters Beware: Martin Kaymer
Last week’s hero and top pick (hope you were on at 14/1!) is vying for favouritism this week but he’s struggled on this course over the last two years, missing the cut by some margin 12 months ago.

Recommended Bets
Retief Goosen 2pts @ 14/1 Ladrokes
Louis Oosthuizen 1.5pts each-way @ 25/1 Totesport
Alex Noren 1pt each-way @ 50/1 Coral

 

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Tags: Alex Noren,  Darren Fichardt,  Doha Golf Club,  European Tour,  Golf Betting,  Louis Oosthuizen,  Martin Kaymer,  Qatar Masters,  Retief Goosen