IF there’s one thing I’ve learned from last week it’s stick with your first pick. At least we had an each-way with Ian Poulter and Jamie Donaldson nearly did us a favour. I talked up Henrik Stenson but his wrist problems put me off.
This week we turn our attention to the South African Open at the Glendower GC in South Africa and the out-and-out favourite is Charl Schwartzel but his price of 7-2 just seems too short for a player not in the greatest of form.
My first pick is third favourite Hennie Otto. The big-hitting South African has had a pretty good end of season with a sixth in the Portugal Masters and 12th in the Alfred Dunhill and he’s on his home soil so I take him for a solid each-way bet as South Africans usually win here.
Last year Scott Jamieson beat Steve Webster and Eduardo de la Riva in a play-off to secure his maiden win in the Nelson Mandela Championship. He also had a second earlier this year behind Louis Oosthuizen in Durban so the Scot likes the South African courses – or maybe just the weather.
Darren Fichardt is another South African who is out to win his national Open. He won the Africa Open in February and although he had good start to the year fell away in the middle but he is happy with his game at the moment. He is second in the tour putting averages so looks a good bet.
Jaco van Zyl is another South African who had a decent Sunshine Tour this year. He has won 10 titles on the Tour since he returned home in 2007 after a spell on the PGA Tour in America. He also was a joint runner-up in the Africa Open behind compatriot Fichardt earlier this year. An accurate driver and his putting averages aren’t too shabby either so worth a chance.
In the World Cup of Golf in Australia it's difficult to back against home hero Adam Scott at 10-3 with Stan James. In the team event – with Scott joined by Jason Day – the Aussies are 6-4 favourites but USA look worth an each-way punt at 8-1 with Matt Kuchar and Hunter Mahan their duo.
10pt staking plan
Hennie Otto 2pt ew (25-1, McBookie.com)
Scott Jamieson 1pt ew (40-1, McBookie.com)
Darren Fichardt 1pt ew (30-1, 888sport)
Jaco van Zyl 1pt ew (33-1, Betfred)
Ace Venturer
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
This week I have gone with 3 home based players in Van Zyl, Fichardt and Fisher Jnr. Have also selected two Europeans in Wattel and Campillo.
Not touching the World Cup of golf, poor event with strange system this year.
S.African Open
T.Aiken 33/1 £2 e/w
G.Mulroy 40/1 £2 e/w
C.Lee 66/1 £1 e/w
World Cup
M.Kuchar £4 win