Greg Norman’s heroics at Royal Birkdale has ensured that the Senior's version of the Open at Royal Troon takes pride of place in this week’s golfing fare.
The Course: Royal Troon GC, Ayrshire, Scotland (par-71, 7,064 yards)
A typical links course on the west coast of Scotland, widely acknowledged as one of the toughest courses on the Open roster. Narrow fairways lined with trouble make tee shots critical, its bunkers are punishing and its small greens require touch and imagination. It is home to both the longest and shortest holes in Open Championship golf. The par-3 8th ("Postage Stamp") measures a mere 123 yards, while the par-5 6th ("Turnberry") is 601 yards long (575 yards this week). The other par-5’s are the 4th and 16th. Perhaps the most apt description of the course is provided by the club motto: "Tam Arte Quam Marte", which means "as much by skill as by strength".
Ross’ Top Tip: Bernhard Langer @ 13/2 Boylesports
The German certainly still has the ‘skill’ to win this week. In his first full season on the seniors’ Tour, he has won twice and can boast a further nine top-10 finishes from 13 starts, virtually guaranteeing punters a run for their money week in week out. Unlike Norman, he never won the Open, but each way punters would have drawn seven times and he was 13th at Troon in 1982. Boylesports are stand out so grab it while it lasts!
Next Best: Eduardo Romero @ 14/1 BetDirect, Ladbrokes
The wily old Argentine can boast form figures of 2-9-2-4 in this event and was a last-time-out winner on the Champions Tour, so why he’s 14/1 this week is beyond me. Of course, the ‘Norman factor’ might have something to do with it, but don't let his presence in the field put you off having a decent each way bet on Romero.
Outsider: Joey Sindelar @ 33/1 totesport
Most of these are well past their sell by date, so I'm not going too far down the betting list for my ‘outsider’ bet. You may remember Sindelar from the main Tour? He was always the one with the sweaty man boobs (should have worn black!). Well, since turning 50 in March, he’s been making hay on the Champions Tour, recording four top-five finishes and might have won last time out but for an errant tee shot on the final hole. At a generous 33/1, he should make the frame - no sweat.
Ross’ Match Bet: Bernhard Langer to beat Greg Norman @ 10/11 Blue Square
Tournament Lay (Betfair): Greg Norman
Sorry Greg. You were truly magnificent last week, but that is reflected in your price and, although you deserve to win, I very much doubt you can play to the same level this week.
Recommended Bets:
Bernhard Langer 2pts @ 7/1 Boylesports
Eduardo Romero 1pt each way @ 14/1 BetDirect, Ladbrokes
Joey Sindelar 1pt each way @ 33/1 totesport
