Golf . Open de Andalucia. Only one year’s course form to go on but what stands out is that the course is short at 6881 yards and with the winning score at -20 last year, it is too easy for pro golfers. Not only is it short but it is a par 72 and some of the par fours could be driveable from the tee for the bigger hitters and at least 2 of the par 5’s will be reachable in two. Of course the shorter hitters will like the course as they will be knocking in short irons rather than the mid to long irons needed on the longer courses. Distance off the tee will not be the defining factor, but a powerful hitter with a hot putter could shot the lights out, much as Westwood did when winning last year. The layout of the course will also allow players that find the fairway off the tee, maybe laying up with an iron and then attacking the pin with a short iron. Risk and reward for the bombers, or accuracy and a strong second shot game, both routes can set up birdie chances and at the end of the day, good putting will be the key The defending Champion has all the credentials to do it again, but at 10/1 makes little appeal. 1 point e/w Martin Kaymer @ 20/1 generally available. lost 2 points Excellent form on the European Tour so far in 2008 and he really does look like a star in the making. He has been playing in America for the last three weeks, without much success it has to be said, but now back in familiar surroundings, he can carry on the form that has sine a win and runner up spot in the ‘Middle East Swing’ in much stronger fields than this. Tiredness is a worry after a busy schedule, but he is young, fit and keen. 1 point win and place Joost Luiten @ 60.00 – 16.00 with Unibet. lost 2 points Accuracy is the cornerstone of the young Dutch players game (ranked 4th for shot accuracy), but he averages nearly 290 yards off the tee, so he has a good tee to green game and is ranked 21st of putts per GIR. That is the kind of game that should do very nicely on this course. He is young, aggressive and has shot some very low numbers in his short career. He has had a couple of top 5 finishes already in 2008 and looks decent value at the odds. 1 point e/w Martin Wiegele @ 80/1generally available. lost 2 points Wiegele was an up and coming talent in 2003/4 but completely lost his way until last year when he rebuilt his swing and finished 2007 by winning the European Tour qualifying School. Since then he has made five cuts from his six tournaments with four top 25s’ and was 9th last week on another short course. He is long and straight off the tee, a decent iron player but his putting is only average. However his tee to green game should give him plenty of chances and Hills quote of 40/1 is nearer the mark. |
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