It’s the final event of the year on The European Tour calendar and the long anticipated wait for The Race to Dubai reaches its conclusion this weekend with The DP World Tour Championship, Jumeirah Golf Estate, Dubai.
It’s just not been the same since last week and it's great to see this amazing community continue together in honour of our leader, to continue the legacy and pay tribute in memory of a legend and tipster like no other. In his name the show goes on, we all miss you Mr F.
Last week both my Naps landed with Andy Sullivan 11/10 finishing in the Top 20 at the Golf in Dubai Championship – not only did he get a Top 20 but he also was my main selection to win at 28/1 each-way and he didn’t disappoint, finishing 2nd.
The other Nap was Brendon Todd 10/11 to beat Curtis Ortiz at The Mayakoba Classic. Well done to everyone who followed my selections.
The DP World Tour Championship
So here it is, the last European Tour event of the year with big names in the 65-field competing for the $8M purse, a cool $3M to the winner.
The chance to lift both trophies, whoever collects The DP title could also win The Race to Dubai prize, so it’s all to play for and an exciting four days of golf to look forward to as the festive period begins.
This event will be played on Tne Earth Course this week just opposite from The Fire course where last week's Golf in Dubai Championship was held. This stunning par 72, Greg Norman desert course is a spectacular venue for any season finale. The last four holes stretch almost a mile with Greg Norman commenting, “the most challenging mile in golf” so expect to see drama, especially with all the water and streams surrounding these holes.
The weather is forecast to be sunny and warm with just moderate breeze in the afternoons for the duration of the tournament.
I’d expect to see a big power-hitter winning here come Sunday, with wide fairways and greens to be attacked and not many trees or obstructions, well apart from the water, which could definitely be a factor in determining the winner.
Robert MacIntyre
So on to the selections, for my first pick I like the look of our very own Robert MacIntyre 30/1 EW betfair.
The Scotsman has been in magnificent form lately. He finished in the Top 20 here on The Fire Course last week contending on many occasions over the weekend.
In his past three tournaments previously to last week he finished in the Top 10 with two of those in the Top 5, whilst winning The Cyprus Shootout at Aphrodite Hills.
This form at the end of the season makes MacIntyre just simply hard to ignore. He also has form in this Earth Course finishing 14th at this event last year which confirmed his success and earned him Rookie of the Year.
The young Scot just seems to relish playing golf in these warm conditions and it’s hard to believe he is only 24 years-old and not long turned professional.
I can only see MacIntyre go on to good things and having already tasted success just a few weeks ago in The Cyprus Shootout, there will be many more big tour events on the CV I’m sure. Let’s hope the home grown Scot can end the season and year on a high and make it win number two on the European Tour and cap off a good sporting year for Scotland all round.
Colin Morinkawa
For my next selection I’m going to suggest one of the golfers flying in from the States, Colin Morinkawa 16/1 EW Ladbrokes.
The world No.7 at only 23 years-old has had an amazing start to his PGA tour career. Here’s an interesting fact; the young American began his PGA Tour career with 22 consecutive cuts, a feat only surpassed by none other than Tiger Woods who went on to make 25.
This talented youngster has already collected three wins on the PGA tour including a major. He won the Barracouda Championship and this year followed that up with The Workday Charity Open and the one most golfers can only dream about, The PGA Championship.
He had nine Top 20 finishes this season with six of those performances in the Top 10. I just have a feeling that the talented Morinkawa can finish an amazing season on a high and will definitely be a contender here in Dubai on Sunday.
Victor Perez
For my next selection I’m going to, as usual, look for some value in this relatively small field and for that reason I’m going to suggest Victor Perez 55/1 EW betfair.
The Frenchman finished in the Top 20 at this event last year. Perez has some of the best greens in regulation figures in this field which will be a key attribute over the weekend.
He enjoys playing on these Desert tracks, finishing 2nd at The Abu Dhabi Championship in January.
His big hitting and accurate game backed up by having JP Fitzgerald on the bag, an experienced caddie who knows this Earth Course better than anyone could well be an advantage and a winning combination.
Perez finished runner up at Wentworth in October playing some sublime golf in a talented field. He has won four events on the Tour so I’m backing him to make it win number five or at least be in the place money at an attractive price.
Danny Willett v Henrik Stenson
For my final selection I’m going to again select a matchbet and make it my Nap. Danny Willett 10/11 Nap bet365 to beat Henrik Stenson in the 72-hole match bet. The Englishman just seems to be in much better form recently and I think he has the Swede in his pocket here.
Loving The Caddys tips, I’m going to bet with my heart here & take a patriotic & speculative small stakes e/w punt on some Scotsmen.
M Warren 150/1
C Syme 150/1
G Forrest 150/1
S Jamieson 125/1
R Macintyre 20/1
All prices with P/Power. With such huge prize money, only 65 entrants & 7 places available – anything can happen. Gl
Good luck John 🏴👍