HENRIK STENSON'S 7-iron into the 187-yard par-three 16th at the Deutsche Bank wasn’t what Ace expected from the big Swede.
He only needed to par the final three holes to prevent Rickie Fowler from winning but after landing in the water he could only manage a double bogey five and that was that.
Ace really thought he had picked up a winner until that point but had to do with another second … his 13th this year. Luckily they have all been each-way bets.
Meanwhile, the big talking point is what’s happening with Jordan Spieth. That’s two missed cuts in his last two outing and he seems to be struggling a bit and Ace wonders if it’s to do with the heavy schedule he has had since winning The Masters.
With the PGA Tour having a week off he has time off to recharge his batteries and hopefully can come out with all guns blazing next week.
Ace writes: This week on the European Tour it's the KLM Open at the Kennemer Golf and Country Club in Zandoort, Holland. The 6626-yard par 70 course is quite exposed and has a links feel about it. The wind could play a part over the weekend so a links specialist might be the choice here.
I like the look of Joost Luiten here. He missed the cut in both The Open and the US PGA but finished a good fourth in the Scottish Open at Gullane which could see him in good stead for this course. He also won here in 2013 after beating Miguel Angel Jimenez. His accuracy off the tee (60%) and GIR (69.2%) could be important this week.
Another one who sticks out here is Richie Ramsay who was runner-up in 2012. Richie has five rounds of 66 or better in his last 11 rounds at the KLM. In his last 13 European Tour starts he’s had a win and seven top-15 finishes. His driving accuracy is 64% and GIR over 69% so again he has the game for this course.
Tyrrell Hatton must be pleased with his last three tournaments. A third in the European Masters, T5 in the Paul Lawrie Match Play and then a superb T25 in the USPGA. The 23-year-old is on top of his game and with some bookies paying on six places he could be worth a small wager.
I really like the way Matthew Fitzpatrick is playing. He had a really good D+D Czech Masters finishing third behind Thomas Pieters and also was second in the Omega European Masters. He’s not far away from his first European Tour win and looks really good at the moment for at least a place. He’s ninth in driving accuracy (70.7%) and sixth in GIR (74.8%).
KLM Open recommended bets
Joost Luiten 2.5pts ew (20-1, Betfred)
Richie Ramsay 2pts ew (40-1, boylesports)
Tyrrell Hatton 1pt ew (28-1, bet365, William Hill)
Matthew Fitzpatrick 1pt ew (33-1, Betfred)
Ace Venturer
A Stenson Double Bogey is the difference between 0.5pts up overall and being 300+pts up, oh well that’s gambling.
Not got time for huge write up but agree about Luiton you can not get away from him course form down the past 4 years and previous winner. ALSO on Hatton winner in the waiting t11 last year and a far better more consistent player this year.
Just the one in the BMW J.Furyk. Huge course form here plus he shot a 59 in the 2nd round here 2 years ago and that is impressive stuff by anyone’s standards.
3Pts EW J.Furyk 20/1 Skybet
3Pts EW J.Luiton 18/1
3Pts EW T.Hatton 30/1
1pt EW Doubles J.Furyk/J.Luiton……J.Furyk/T.Hatton.
30.5Pts in the betting bank. 22pts Staked.
Andy Sullivan finished third last year and could be good value at 35/1. Also think Donaldson (28/1) and Pepperell (33/1) could have a shout. Jacquelin perhaps overpriced at 70/1.
Not a great week at golf but scott arnold saved me..probably level over week..
KLM ..Horsey green fleetwood peperell
Web.com..Stuard pride hoge castagno
Evian..henderson ernst jy ko..w/o big 2..
Bol guys..tricky as ever to get winners
There is no PGA tournament this week..they are having a week off to count there dough
Hi lads any thoughts on the walker cup? I like Jack Hume to be highest points scorer for GB and Ireland.
Done a daft trixie
KLM Keiffer 45/1
Kazakhstan Heath 40/1
Hotel Fitness Stuard 50/1
E/W
Good luck all
Forgot US PGA had week off :( already put the double bets on. oh well! :P
Craig, I like Ace’s European tips – it’s Ramsay and Fitzpatrick for me and Hatton ew first-round leader.
Eddie pepperal @ 30/1 PP
J luiton @18/1
Ew PP paying 6 places
Luiten Fitzpatrick dual forecast 325/1 skybet
Dual forecast requires both players to finish 1st and 2nd in either order.
Work £1 for fun
i like them European ones too :)
On Hatton 1st round leader Mr F. happy hunting.
Great start for Luiten -7 two shots off.
Had a fiver on luiten 16-1.
Some round that by Matty Fitz!! Good Luck Ace and Mr F.