Clearly, the 'Race to Dubai' is already influencing player's schedules as there's a stellar field teeing up in this week's South African Open Championship at the Pearl Valley Golf Estate.
The Course: Pearl Valley Golf Estates, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa (par-72, 7,438 yards)
This Jack Nicklaus-designed course is hosting this event for the second year in succession. There are four par-5's - the 3rd (the longest at 623 yards), 5th, 13th and 18th. If last year's winning score of 284 (level par) is anything to go by, it will present a tough test for this week's players.
Ross' Top Tip: Tim Clark @ 15/1 Coral
The massively in-form Henrik Stenson is a worthy 15/2 favourite with Paddy Power, but this event has been dominated by home players in recent times – the last seven winners have all been locally-born – so I’m going to stick with those that know these parts better than most.
Four-time winner Ernie Els (9/1 general) is the shortest-priced Springbok, but he’s coming out of his winter hibernation for this and I’d rather back last week’s Australian Open winner Tim Clark at nearly double his odds. Clark is clearly in good form and is a previous winner of this event (2002 and 2005), so has plenty going for him.
Next Best: Charl Schwartzel @ 18/1 Jenningsbet (1/4 odds, SIX places)
Schwartzel made it into last week's staking plan on the back of his excellent course record at Leopard Creek, so to see him finish only 14th was disappointing. Still, as he showed when finishing sixth in the recent HSBC Champions event in China, there isn’t much wrong with his game right now and, given his record in this event (only once finished worse than 16th), he’s worth persevering with this week. Take the 18's with Jenningsbet as they are offering six places for each way backers.
Outsider: Louis Oosthuizen @ 40/1 Betfred
No apologies for including another South African, and a multiple winning one at that, with four victories from his last 11 events on home soil. True, he missed the cut last week, but that has been no barrier to success in this event in the past - third and fifth in the last two South African Opens on the back of MC's. Snap up the 40's while it lasts.
In-Play Notes:
As with all tough courses, playing catch-up golf is never easy, so expect the winner to be in the last couple of groups out on Sunday.
Tournament Lay (Betfair): Ernie Els
Could be rusty after a lay-off and, besides, his game has looked in decline for some time now.
Ross' Match Bet: Louis Oosthuizen to beat James Kingston @ Evens Stan James
Recommended Bets:
Tim Clark 1pt each way @ 15/1 Coral
Charl Schwartzel 1pt each way @ 18/1 Jenningsbet (1/4 odds, SIX places)
Louis Oosthuizen 1pt each way @ 40/1 Betfred
