THE European Tour heads north of the border this weekend to St Andrews but not quite as we know it. The field won’t be at the Old Course but instead, 600 years and 4 miles difference at the Torrance course, Fairmont.
Last week I suggested Andy Sullivan to win the BMW Championship at Wentworth each-way and although he didn’t he certainly didn’t disappoint, finishing a very respectable 3rd, so well done to anyone who backed him at a very tidy 70/1 SP each-way .
The Torrance at Fairmont St Andrews is a semi-styled links par 72 course making its debut on the European Tour because of the cancellations at other events due to the ongoing pandemic. With conditions forecast as cloudy and chilly but no wind this weekend, this course is there to be attacked so big hitting, short-game accuracy and putting will be the order.
Matt Wallace
For my first selection I’m going to stick with Matt Wallace at 12/1 each-way with bet365. The Englishman was 24th at Wentworth last week, 30th at the Scottish Open on the wrong side off the draw, 4th at the Memorial Tournament on the PGA tour and is a four-time champion on the European Tour.
If Wallace can find the groove then I feel he can overpower most of the 103 competitors in this depleted field and looks the most likely winner.
Shubhankar Sharma
On the value side I’m going to suggest Shubhankar Sharma at a very attractive 80/1 each-way (888sport).
I feel the two time European Tour winner is slightly overpriced, especially with the field depleted and the drop in grade.
Sharma has recently improved his long game and with no breeze forecast this is a good chance for him to get back in the mix. If he can back up his long hitting accuracy with his 12 ranked approach play last week and slightly improve on his putting then 80/1 seems pretty decent.
Matthew Southgate
Another to consider for value is Matthew Southgate at 33/1 each-way (bet365).
The Englishman likes playing on links courses and won as an amateur on the Old Course. He finished 9th at the Scottish Open a fortnight ago so brings some decent form into this event.
Southgate was ranked 2nd in greens hit in each of his last two events and combining this with his much improved long game means he has to be one to consider.
Matt Wallace & Jon Rahm Double
My final selection this week is a special cross tour double Matt Wallace Scottish Championship and Jon Rahm CJ Cup to both finish in top 5 at an enhanced price 17/2 Ladbrokes.
