The European Tour resumes after a few weeks off due to WGC and Major events taking priority. This will be the first time since November that the European Tour has actually been played in Europe; The Austrian Golf Open will take place at the Diamond Country Club, Atzenbrugg, Austria.
The 144 field will be competing on the par 72 parkland course for a $1million prize pot with the winner collecting €145,670.
Scotland’s Marc Warren will not be in attendance to defend his title but other course winners taking part include Chris Wood, Ashun Wu and Joost Luiten.
The weather forecast is for cold conditions throughout , it has been snowing and more is expected with temperatures peaking in between 10C-13C.
This event will be screened live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf starting Thursday 12.30pm GMT.
The key attribute will be power in this big-hitters paradise but with soft conditions expected this will have an effect on how far the ball can travel.
Matthias Schwab
So on to the selections, for my first pick I’m going to advise Matthias Schwab 18/1 EW Bet365.
In his last eight tournaments, Schwab has finished in the Top 20 on four occasions with two of those in the top 10. He was 7th last time out at the Kenya Savannah Classic and will be on home soil for this event.
The Austrian made his professional debut on this course and has been playing tournaments here since he was able to hit a ball.
He certainly has the long game for this track and combine that with his excellent iron play suggests to me Schwab should dominate in this field which lacks world class quality.
Sam Horsfield
For my next selection I’m going to suggest Sam Horsfield 20/1 EW Betfair.
The Englishman fared well at the Kenya events last time out. At his last two tournaments he finished T3rd at the Kenya Savannah Classic and 8th at the Kenya Open.
His most recent wins on the Tour include the Celtic Classic and the Hero Open so he knows what it takes to win an event like this. Experience will definitely be an advantage in this field and with his big-hitting credentials Horsfield can power on to his third European Tour victory here this weekend at The Austrian Golf Open.
Wil Besseling
For my next pick I’m going to look for someone who catches my eye further up the field and the one who may represent some value is Wil Besseling 55/1EW Bet365.
The Dutchman finished 3rd at the Austrian Open last year and conditions will suit this talented big hitter.
Besseling has not won a tournament for over 12 years, this may be enough to put anyone off but he has just far too many runners up, Top 3s 5s 10s and 20s to mention.
He always gives it his all and seems to always there or thereabouts on the European Tour. I'm just thinking that without being disrespectful, with not too much competition to worry about in Austria this week then Besseling can use his big power hitting to his advantage and won’t find much better chances to get that maiden European Tour victory.
With some firms offering 7 and 8 places then 55/1 looks like decent Each Way value.
Joost Luiten v Martin Kaymer
For my final selection I’m going to pick a previous winner here, Joost Luiten to get the better off Martin Kaymer in the 72 hole matchbet 10/11 Nap Bet365
In December 2020 we sadly 
Dean burmester 28/1 e/w and 30/1 e/w first round leader,plenty of power needed around this course and dean has this in abundence.
Thanks The Caddy, After reading your write-up, I had an E/W wager on Wil Besseling at 40/1.
Have just checked the result and I see he tied for 4th, so a nice 8/1 return.
Have also gone for Matthew Fitzpatrick in the RBC Heritage, another E/W punt at 25/1, paying
8 places, and I see he is sitting in 6th place at the start of the final round. Don’t think he can catch
Cink, but he is only 3 shots off 2nd. Will keep my fingers crossed he can have a good final round.
Thanks again for some great tips!
Your welcome, well done mate 👌