Omega Masters Preview

The Omega Masters is perhaps best known for being the tournament that in May 2006 allowed 16 year-old Michelle Wie to play (thanks to sponsors Omega). Wie grabbed some headlines during the event though ended up finishing last. Just who will be grabbing the headlines this time around?

The Swiss venue of Crans-Montana event is where the European Tour is headed this week. It is a tournament that has proven to be a happy hunting ground for Scandinavian golfers who have won here in two of the last three years (Thomas Bjorn in 2011 and Alexander Noren in 2009). Bookmakers think a Scandinavian can come out on top again this year with Peter Hanson the 18/1 (Sporting Bet) favourite. The Swede has had a great year in the majors finishing tied third in The Masters, tied 7th in the PGA Championship and tied 23rd in the Open Championship. While being ultra consistent it has been almost two years since Hanson won a trophy on the tour and he is not one I would being adding to my staking plan at those prices.

Maybe the bookmakers have got it right that a Scandi golfer will win this event, but got it wrong as to which one. My preference is for another Swede Henrik Stenson. Stenson has started to return to form after a couple of years in the wilderness and has had three top ten finishes in his last three European Tour starts. The design of the course should suit Stenson with the course a short par 71 (under 7,000 yards) that should reward players with a good iron game who scramble well. He is 28/1 (general) which looks great value and on a player of such undoubted ability.

Others expected to go well here this weekend are Alexander Noren at 20/1 (general). The Swede won this event in 2011 and he has been in good form this year including a top ten finish in the Open Championship. To me Noren is not the player than his compatriot Stenson is and I would rather be on Stenson at the bigger price. Matteo Manassero is also 22/1 (general) hope and is one who warrants respect. The Italian has previously commented on how much he likes the course and this should be noted. He has not looked at his best in recent weeks though and plenty of other players both have the game for the course and more recent form. One such player who has great recent form is Paul Lawrie. The Scot was the winner of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles last weekend. The result secured him a spot on the Ryder Cup and this coupled with the demands of a difficult weekend makes him one I would be prepared to swerve despite his undoubted skill with the clubs.

A good EW hope is Jamie Donaldson who was tied for third here last year. As well as this proven course form the Welshman has good recent form. He finished seventh in the PGA Championship and was a winner at the Irish Open in July. At 30/1 (Totesport/betfred/BetVictor) he looks good value in a wide open field.

Those looking for some even bigger EW value might want to consider Gary Boyd at 100/1 (general). The Scotsman sat fourth here last year with a round to go before a poor Sunday cost him. Boyd tends to repeat perform at courses that suit him and Crans-Montana might be one such course. At these prices he has to be worth a small interest.

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30/08/2012     © Frixo 2024