Live on SS2 & 3: Thu 09.30 & 20.00: Angus Loughran previews this week’s Sicilian Open and the Houston Open. Selections.
Matteo Manassero may have missed out on Augusta (just) but he continues to impress and is a worthy market leader in this week’s Sicilian Open but 15/2 (bet365) is hardly an attractive price although another big finish is likely as this field is not the strongest seen on tour.
Tommy Fleetwood and Tom Lewis are two others I have been following closely. Lewis, back from a spell in America, is great value at 40/1 via Betfred while Fleetwood can be backed at 66/1 with Coral which looks generous.
After a great run from British and Irish golfers in recent weeks, Lee Westwood at 12/1 (Boylesports) and Padraig Harrington at 50/1 (Skybet) look to have the best chance of that carrying on this week along with Graeme McDowell (last week’s runner up who did us a favour at 40/1) and is 25/1 here with BetVictor at the Houston Open.
Charl Schwartzel defends his Masters Title at Augusta next week and has a great chance of heading to Augusta as a winner. He played really well here two years ago, just missing out on a playoff, and although last year he was just outside the top 20, I expect him to perform well this week and he looks a big price at 22/1 with William Hill.
Bud Cauley looks a winner waiting to happen on the PGA Tour and he is a tempting 55/1 (bet365) to open his account this week in the final build up for The Masters. Ernie Els needs a win to get into Augusta (unless he gets a late special invite) and will have his supporters at 30/1 (Boylesports) while Ladbrokes and Paddy Power offer 6 places to each way backers.
This week’s golf has very much the feel of the calm before next week’s eagerly awaited Augusta storm. It is one of the most eagerly awaited Majors in recent years with Tiger Woods making a winning return at Bay Hill and Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, Justin Rose and Lee Westwood all out for a first Green Jacket.
Good luck
Angus Loughran
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