After the excitement of the Ryder Cup, the European Tour is back in the UK for the British Masters at the Belfy, which is hosting the event for a third successive year.

The Course: The Belfry, West Midlands (par-72, 7,230 yards)
A relatively flat, tree-lined track, with some narrow fairways and water in play on 7 holes. There are just three par-5’s - the 3rd, 15th and 17th. The pivotal holes are the par-4’s, with the 475-yard 18th being particularly tough. The short par-4 10th is driveable, but requires pinpoint accuracy as the narrow green slopes towards the creek in front of it. A much tougher course than you’d expect given its length.
 
Ross’ Top Tip: Michael Campbell @ 18/1 Stan James
I’ve been tipping up Campbell for a while now and he’s rewarded us with some each-way payouts, including in the Mercedes-Benz Championship two weeks ago when he claimed third place. That was his best finish for nearly two years and he looks a winner just waiting to happen. Considering he was fourth here in 2007 and fifth the previous season, it could happen this week.
 
Next Best: Graeme McDowell @ 20/1 Ladbrokes
The Ulsterman spent last week’s Ryder Cup knocking flags out of the hole and, while there’s a danger this might come too soon, I fancy he can carry over that good form into this week and bag his third trophy of the season. A top-10 finish here in 2006 is further encouragement for a bet.
 
Outsider: Ross McGowan @ 55/1 BetDirect
The final spot in the staking plan goes to the in-form Englishman. After finishing second on the Challenge Tour Order of Merit last season after two victories, he looks close to breaking through on the main Tour judging by recent efforts – tied-6th and tied-7th in his last two starts. BetDirect’s 55/1 is tasty for each way backers.

Tournament Lay (Betfair): Lee Westwood
The defending champion looked out of sorts last week and looks very opposable. Lay him for a place – 4.5 at the time of writing.

In-Play Notes:
This is not a course to play catch-up, so don’t look too far down the leaderboard for the winner at halfway.

Ross’ 72-Hole Match Bet: Michael Campbell to beat Ross Fisher @ 10/11 Skybet 
 
Recommended Bets:
 
Michael Campbell 2pts each way @ 18/1 Stan James
Graeme McDowell 1pt each way @ 20/1 Ladbrokes
Ross McGowan 1pt each way @ 55/1 BetDirect