The opening round of the Irish Open takes place on Thursday as the field go out to get themselves into position to contend for the third Rolex Series event of the season. The field is strong this week and as such we are set to be treated to some decent golf in the first round.
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First Round Leader
Usually I would have a bet on this market but the forecast is a bit indifferent and as a general rule the forecasts are all the more unreliable on these links courses so I’m a little reluctant to get involved here.
Often I would take someone who is out early but with this being a new course for everyone I’m not so sure there is an advantage there especially when taking the forecast into considering. With that in mind I’ll stick to the three balls where we only need to beat two opponents rather than 100+.
Thursday 3 balls
As ever the majority of the groups are priced up on the opening day. All eyes will be on the morning group of Jon Rahm, Hideki Matsuyama and Rory McIlroy but there are some other groups who will get plenty of attention too given the quality teeing it up this week.
I’ve had a good look through the field but in the end I have found just the one bet that I am prepared to chance on what looks like a tricky opening day.
Danny Willett/Matt Fitzpatrick/Ian Poulter
Match tees off at 13.30 BST
Ten minutes after the main group of the day goes off the threesome of Danny Willett, Matt Fitzpatrick and Ian Poulter tee it up in what looks like a decent group. As with last week I just can’t be having Danny Willett at the minute so I’m down to the other two.
I’ve had a good look through Matt Fitzpatrick’s form and there isn’t much links form on his CV as a professional. That surprises me I must admit but when you then factor in that his game isn’t in amazing nick I think he could be vulnerable.
Ian Poulter might not have had much practice on this course but he warmed up for the tournament strongly by qualifying for The Open on Tuesday. I don’t think the course will catch him out too much anyway. I think he is the best links player of the three and he probably has the best form in terms of how his game is too. He looks overpriced at 15/8 to me.
Tips
Back I.Poulter to beat D.Willett & M.Fitzpatrick for a 3/10 stake at 2.88 with Coral
Back him here:
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