Euro Optimism

Ryder Cup Warriors

All eyes will be on the triumphant European players from Celtic Manor and an expectation that the many impressive performances from the blue team will transfer into continued success in 2011. Of those players, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy strike me as being the most promising to follow this year. Westwood will clearly build his entire season around peaking at the majors. Due to his consistency and versatility, he has strong claims in all four championships – unlike other perennial contenders who play to a style (the doe-eyed Phil Mickelson, for example). If he could pick a time to peak however, it would almost certainly be in June and July, for both Congressional and Royal St George’s should be right up his alley. Assuming he stays healthy, we should expect to see the current world number one in contention many times this year, although from a betting point of view, the 7/2 on offer for him to win his first major looks a wee bit skinny.

Luke Donald, however, tempts me at 12/1 for any of the big ones. Another player who has struggled with injury, Donald now seems back to his best and has the experience, temperament and ‘feel’ of a major winner. The US Open or USPGA would seem his best chances, although he likes Augusta and can more than handle himself on a windswept links. So if, like me, you fancy Donald’s overall chances, I recommend a few early notes on him for a major and for fun maybe add a small flutter on the teaser bet for him to finish in the top 10 of all the majors at 100/1.

As for McIlroy, if he can chalk up an early victory, he could get the momentum to have a truly stellar year. Be warned however that as the current punter’s darling, the bookies have already gotten hold of him. Sharp odds on for any single tour victory and 16/1 for the Open Championship are much too short for value in January. A bit more tempting is the 9/2 on him winning the Race to Dubai as his schedule will prioritise the European Tour and you get the feeling he would love to have that distinction.

That the Race to Dubai concept has currency at all says a great deal about the viability and development of the European Tour, its players and fans. Many believe it offers a truer climax to the season than the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup and make no mistake, the Euros take it seriously. Westwood, 2010 winner Martin Kaymer and McIroy are the short priced favourites (all under 5/1) but outsider hunters may want to look for better value with Miguel Angel Jimenez, who’s currently a very healthy 80/1. The old goat still has great game and is resolutely committed to playing in Europe. The price reflects his unfashionability (that ‘tail surely has to go soon!) and I suggest a minor punt each-way or go short the index at similar prices.