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By James Cochrane

As Charlie Wi followed his eagle at the 11th with a birdie at the 12th in the 4th round of the Canadian Open I was jumping out of my chair in the hope of a miraculous 9 holes and the chance of a juicy payout. At the same time, I wondered if any of the followers of the golf updates were in a similar situation, but after I stepped down from my chair, I realised it was unlikely. However, the joy was short lived, Charlie cemented his place in the top 5, but so did about 25 other players meaning the dead heats killed any chance of a decent each way payout.

We move back across the pond this week and travel to Killarney in Co. Kerry for the 3 Irish Open. Shane Lowry produced the shock of the season last year and won the event as an Amateur. He beat Robert Rock in a play-off and has gone on to be a consistent player on the tour.

Rory Mcilroy is a strong favourite at 7/1 and is sure to have a large contingent of fans behind him. Take away his second round at The Open and he would have been very close and he has the ability to take down tournaments like this with ease, however, at 7/1 I won’t be backing him.

Outright

Ross Fisher had a great season in 2009 and at one point led all four majors. This season hasn’t been quite as spectacular but there has been warranted distractions off the course as he has started a family. However, Ross has shown form of late that suggest he is getting back to his best and a victory looks close. A 2nd place finish at the BMW Open was swiftly followed by an 8th at the Scottish Open and although his 37th place finish at The Open doesn’t look inspiring, he faced the worst of the weather and played solid golf throughout the week. His Irish Open pedigree isn’t immensely strong but with it taking place at a different course every year, that’s not a worry. He will be able to deal with whatever weather may be thrown at him and with his accuracy being strong; he can go close this week.

Bettrends Advice

Ross Fisher – Each-Way – 20/1 (General)

The Irish challenge is likely to feature at the top of the leader board but with the prices reflecting that with better known players, it may be worth taking a chance on Damien McGrane. Damien isn’t a flashy player and goes about his business on the European Tour without much fuss. However, he has been in good form of late and it may be the time to catch him in his home event. His last three starts have resulted in 8th, 16th and 11th place finishes and confidence should be high after shooting 69, 69 over the weekend at the Scandinavian Masters. He may need to improve his accuracy on this tight course but at 50/1 he has good each-way value.

Bettrends Advice

Damien McGrance – Each-Way – 50/1 (Ladbrokes, Boylesports)

Bradley Dredge has been somewhat of a punters nightmare of late. He has put himself into some great positions but has failed to capitalise with a run of poor rounds on Sunday. That is sure to knock his confidence but he will arrive here feeling comfortable after some good results in this event in recent years. The Welshman has picked up €350,000 and with only one missed cut, it’s been a good year on the tour. He finished 3rd at the BMW, 12th at the Scottish Open and 27th at The Open so he will know he can challenge with the best. In the Irish Open he finished 8th in 2008, 2nd in 2007, 5th in 2006 and 18th in 2005 so he will have fond memories of travelling to Ireland and that may well be enough to push him forward come Sunday this week. Quotes of 50/1 make him a good each-way option.

Bettrends Advice

Bradley Dredge – Each-Way – 50/1 (Bet365, Stan James, Will Hill)

Matchbets

Justin Rose has been in great form on the PGA Tour and picked up two wins in three events. He was the hottest golfer in the world but the transition back to the wet and windy St Andrews looked somewhat of a struggle and he missed the cut after a dismal second round and he may still be struggling to adjust to the conditions. The weather is likely to be rough this week and therefore I want to take him on and the evens available on Ross Fisher beating him over 72 holes looks too tempting.

Bettrends Advice

Ross Fisher to beat Justin Rose – Evens – (Hills)

Nicolas Colsaerts looked a likely winner at the Scandinavian Masters last week after his front nine on Sunday but after a double and two bogeys on the back nine he soon faded away. Before that he has been on a bad run of form and he struggled at the Scottish Open. Falling away like he did will have done his confidence no good and therefore I want to take him on with Jamie Donaldson. Jamie recorded his sixth top ten of the season at the Scandinavian and spirits should be high for the Welshman.

Bettrends Advice

Jamie Donaldson to beat Nicolas Colsaerts – 10/11 – Ladbrokes