Live on Sky Sports 4: Thu 06:00 & 21:00: Angus Loughran previews this week’s Dubai Desert Classic and Phoenix Open tournaments
Rory Mcllroy is a top price of just 7/2 with William Hill to land the Dubai Desert Classic, although slightly higher odds might be available on a ‘Win Only’ basis, and the Northern Irishman is proving to be a popular favourite.
Tiger Woods, who shot a woeful 79 at Torrey Pines to miss the cut last weekend, is an easy-to-back 6/1, but Paddy Power go 1/4 odds about the first six places, which to me represents real value as the field has not got the greatest strength in depth.
Of the bigger priced runners meanwhile, Rafael Cabrere Bello appeals most at 25/1 with 100/1 shot Steve Webster also overpriced.
Having secured both Mcllroy and Woods in the field it was perhaps no suprise to see them paired together for the first two rounds, along with defending champion Stephen Gallacher. Woods is 13/10 to beat Mcllroy over 72 holes, the biggest price I can ever recall seeing him at, to win a match bet.
Phil Mickleson is the 14/1 favourite to retain the Phoenix Open but will make a late decision on whether he will be fit enough to play following a long term back injury.
I like the chances of Gary Woodland here at 33/1, despite his inability to close out and win last week. His putting and scrambling was superb while his length off the tee has never been questioned.
Don’t rule out a big show from Martin Laird at 80/1 either given that the Scot finished third here in 2011. Finally, Charlie Hoffman also appeals at 45/1 in a very open event, which attracts huge crowds and has great atmoshere.
Good luck
Angus Loughran
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