We’re well into golf’s silly season, when team tournaments, skins games and similar events take over the schedule. But there's nothing silly about the first prize of $1.2 million for this week’s Nedbank Challenge, an annual strokeplay event played at the Gary Player County Club in Sun City, South Africa. The event has suffered somewhat with the withdrawals of Jim Furyk, Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia, but there is still a classy field teeing up, headed by three-time winner Ernie Els.

The Big Easy is the perennial favourite in this event  - this will be his 17th consecutive appearance - and he will be many people's idea of this week’s winner. However, at the risk of looking silly myself, I’m inclined to swerve the market leader as he’ll be playing with new irons in his bag, which every golfer knows may or may not work. At just 10/3 (Coral), we can afford to take the chance that they will not.

Justin Rose is bound to be a popular order with VCBet at 7/1. At first glance, the Englishman has a lot going for him. Born in  Johannesburg, Rose has twice been a winner in South Africa and his strong end to 2007 has seen him vault into the world's top 10. However, he’s making his debut this week and, on a course that takes some knowing, that might just find him out.

Adam Scott doesn’t win as often as he should to justify his odds of 15/2 (Blue Square). On the other hand, Retief Goosen is a proven winner who can boast an excellent record in this event. Okay, it hasn't been a great year for the former Masters winner by his own high standards, but that’s reflected in his odds of 10/1 (Boylesports). Back on a course where he has played well in the past - winner in 2004 and several other high finishes - I can see him having a big week and there’s enough leeway in his price to go in each way (1/4 odds, 1.2.3).

Recommended Bet:

Retief Goosen 2pt each way @ 10/1 Boylesports