THIS week's European Tour heads to Saudi Arabia for the first time with 4 of the top 5 in the World being paid massive appearance money.
The course is a Par 70 around 700 yards and shorter than normal with only two par 5s. The shortness of the course means the big hitters don’t have a big advantage as normal but the key this week, apart form a hot putter, is accuracy from tee to green.
The other factor is the wind which is expected to blow on the afternoon so good wind player is essential.
No joy on the European Tour last week (Tommy Fleetwood best at Tied 16th) so hopefully we can bounce back this week.
Three selections are;
Matt Wallace
First up is Matt Wallace. The World Number 34 won three tournaments last year and is in good form, finishing 2nd last week in Dubai
He likes this part of the world and showed his excellence on the par 3s and 4s last week and will relish being in contention this week.
He has a new driver in his bag he will enjoy taking on 4 of the top 5 in the world this week and can be a prominent player.
Joost Luiten
I will give Joost another chance after failing to make the cut last week.
He's a good iron player, accurate, and likes this area (won in Oman last year) but more importantly is a good player in the wind.
Apart from last week his form as been very good. Can be a big player this week.
Romain Langasque
Third up this week is Romain Langasque, an outsider. I like this player and he has improved year-on-year since winning the Amateur Championship at Carnoustie in 2015.
He had a good finish to last year and his confidence is sky high after a good start to 2019. Can be a dark horse at a big price.
As normal one point each way and one point on a top 10 finish (Paddy Power and Coral paying 7 places)
Recommended Bets
- Wallace 22/1 Paddy Power
- Top 10 7/2 Betfair
- Luiten 40/1 Paddy Power
- Top 10 9/2 Bet365
- Langasque 90/1 Bet365
- Top 10 8/1 Bet365
Good luck!
