The field for this week's Qatar Masters is dripping in quality with five of the top dozen golfers in the world rankings jetting in for the third European Tour event of 2009. And with a total prize fund of $2.5million on offer, who can blame them!
The Course: Doha Golf Club, Doha, Qatar (par-72, 7,388 yards)
Doha has always favoured the long hitters who can take advantage of the four par-5's - the 1st, 9th, 10th and 18th. Scoring is largely determined by the weather, though. If the Shamal Wind gets up, the course becomes a real test and scores go up, but if it's still players can go low - last year's winner Adam Scott shot 20 under par, which included a final round 61.
Ross’ Top Tip: Johan Edfors @ 35/1 bet365
My top tip last week, Henrik Stenson, could never find his rhythm after playing a partner's ball in round one which resulted in a two-stroke penalty and it's sod's law that he'll win this week now I've deserted him. He's a likely winner for sure, but I'm going in search of bigger odds and the power-packed Swede is worth an interest at 35/1. The three-times Tour winner has been in red-hot form in the last few weeks, finishing second in South Africa just before Christmas and fifth last week in Abu Dhabi, and he can keep that run going at a venue where he finished fourth last year.
Next Best: Rory McIlroy @ 20/1 Ladbrokes
The Northern Irish lad covered some of my bets last week when finishing tied-fifth and I'm sticking with him until he wins, which is surely only a matter of time. He's been consistency on stilts for some time now with eight top-10 finishes in his last 11 starts and just needs a half-decent week with the putter to notch that elusive first win. Certainly, Doha will suit his aggressive style so he looks a danger to all this week.
Outsider: Boo Weekley @ 50/1 Jenningsbet (1/4 odds, SIX places)
There are several European Tour players at around the 50/1 mark who can be fancied to play well this week but none have that winning mentality, which can't be said for Weekley. The American is a two-time winner on the PGA Tour and has hit the ground running in 2009 with two solid displays in Hawaii (top-10 last week). On this track, his superb ball-striking can come to the fore and he can be relied upon not to 'bottle it' should he get into contention. "Go Boo Boo Boo".
Tournament Lay: Sergio Garcia for a place - 3.8 on Betfair at the time of writing
Risky I know but, despite finishing in a tie for 8th last week, the Spaniard was never really in contention and the fact remains that not once has he rewarded each way backers in his last six starts in the three Gulf events.
Ross’ Match Bet: Johan Edfors to beat Ross Fisher @ 10/11 Skybet
In-Play Notes:
Expect some dramatic late developments over the final three holes, with the driveable 307-yard par-4 16th, the par-3 17th, and the reachable-in-two par-5 18th all providing birdie opportunities.
Recommended Bets:
Johan Edfors 1pt each way @ 35/1 bet365
Rory McIlroy 1pt each way @ 20/1 Ladbrokes
Boo Weekley 1pt each way @ 50/1 Jenningsbet (1/4 odds, SIX places)