Jon Rahm dominated a strong field at the Irish Open, winning at Portstewart by 6 shots and cut to 7/1 with BetVictor to win a first major in 2017. Rahm, now ranked the 8th best golfer in the world, shot a record-breaking -24 and now heads to the Open Championship as the 14/1 from 20s third favourite for the Claret Jug.
He is the fourth favourite behind 11/1 market leaders Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson but it was interesting to see Alex Noren attract support at bigger prices, bidding to make it 9 first-time major winners on the spin. The Swede won the Scottish Open 12 months ago and is 16/1 to win back-to-back Titles at Dundonald. Compatriot Henrik Stenson lifted the Claret Jug at Troon last summer and I expect Noren to go close at Royal Birkdale; the recent Wentworth winner is too big at 40/1 for Open Championship success next week.
Noren is too short at 16/1 this week and I much prefer the chances of Ross Fisher at more than double the price. Fisher has a terrific record playing links golf and has been the model of consistency this season; and has posted top-ten finishes in 6 of his last 8 events on tour.
He lost in a playoff at the Alfred Dunhill Championship back in 2008 and he finished second in that event again last year. He was seventh in this event two years ago boasts a terrific links pedigree that should see him hopefully reward each-way support. At bigger prices, I can see Scot Martin Laird out-perform his odds of 66/1, whilst another that thrives on conditions is Paul Dunne who played well in snatches during last week’s Irish Open.
Across the pond, there’s depleted field for the John Deere Classic where defending champion Ryan Moore should, much like Alex Noren, will go close to winning back-to-back Titles. Moore has suffered with his form this season on tour, and is therefore priced at a perhaps tempting 33/1 with BetVictor.
With injury doubts however, he must be overlooked and likewise with those above him in the market. Daniel Berger, Kyle Stanley and Kevin Kisner are all winners on the PGA Tour already this term, whilst the pair of Brian Harman and Charley Hoffman have suffered several near-misses despite being the model of consistency.
The value looks to be with those further down the market, and I like Bubba Watson at an eye-catching 50/1. Bubba has suffered with his game since returning from a strict diet that saw the two-time major winner shed 20lbs, however there was a lot to like about his recent top-ten finishes at both the Zurich Classic and the Memorial.
His scrambling should help him around the Illinois course, and that key component should put Chad Campbell in the frame after a recent upturn in fortunes. Campbell goes well at the course, firing a 62 here three years ago, and ranked number one on tour in scrambling looks over-priced at 66s.
Selections
Scottish Open
Ross Fisher 33/1 1pt ew
Martin Laird 66/1 0.5pts ew
Paul Dunne 80/1 0.5pts ew
John Deere Classic
Bubba Watson 50/1 1pt ew
Chad Campbell 66/1 0.5pts ew
For all your sporting odds check out BetVictor.com
