Golf – Free Canadian Open Preview

Wed, Jul 21, 2010

The Canadian Open follows The Open and Louis Oosthuizen’s demolition of the Old Course and some of the world best players have made the trip back across the pond to compete. Paul Casey is the highest ranked player in the field and shares favouritism with Sean O’Hair and Luke Donald.

The Canadian Open hasn’t taken place at St Georges since 1968 and with such a quick turnaround for many of the players from The Open; it’s hard to tell how the players at the top of the market will fair. Therefore it may be worth going with some outsiders. Brandt Snedeker has always been an inconsistent type but he has recorded some good finishes this year and I’m hopeful he can build on his 16th place finish at the AT&T. He finished 8th at the US Open and without a break missed his next cut at the Travelers. He did not feature at St Andrews and I would imagine the two week break will have him fresh and looking forward to a good week. Brandt isn’t the longest but that shouldn’t be a problem on a course that reads 7046 yards and as he sits 1st for putting average and putts per round he is more than capable than making up for a lack of distance. Despite teeing up on a different course, Brandt has a good record in this event. He finished 5th last year and 7th in 2007 and I like the quotes of 50/1.

Bettrends Advice

Brandt Snedeker – Each-Way – 50/1 (Ladbrokes)

I would imagine subscribers to the ESP will be singing Sean O’Hair’s praises after his performance at The Open and I see no reason for us not to invest in him once again. The American is enjoying a rich vein of form at the moment and the 18/1 about him should be snapped up. It’s a wonder how he hasn’t already recorded a win this season but with 8 top 10’s, it’s not too far away. In 5 of his last 6 starts Sean has finished in the top 12 and after his 7th place finish at The Open, I would imagine confidence will be sky high. Like I said in the ESP, his stats look fairly average on paper but he is a solid player and importantly for this course, his scrambling is strong. He finished third in this event in 2008 and 2006 and will look to build on that this week.

Bettrends Advice

Sean O’Hair – Each-Way – 18/1 (Bet365)

I have been following Matt Jones for a while now and I’m sure a victory is just around the corner. He sits 7th in all round ranking on tour and his current form means he’s too hot to leave out. A 5th place finish at the John Deere followed 6 other top 15 finishes and this season has been his best by some distance. The break will have done him good and he should arrive fresh. His putting is strong sitting 12 on tour; he’s 16th for scoring average and 20th for birdie average. If he can iron out the kinks in regards to his driving accuracy then another positive week looks on the cards.

Bettrends Advice

Matt Jones – Each-Way – 55/1 (Bet365)

The final player to make my shortlist is another outsider and it is Charlie Wi. The South Korean is enjoying a good season and is already just shy of earning $1m. He comes here with his last three finishes reading 21, 4, 15 and his confidence is sure to be at a high. He led the field for putting at the AT&T and importantly for this week he sits 9th for scrambling and 17th for birdie or better on par 3’s. His approach play looks strong and if he can carry on his low scoring average then he can go close.

Bettrends Advice

Charlie Wi – Each-Way – 50/1 (General)