Swiss Alps Success For Sergio?

Sergio Garcia heads the betting in the Omega European Tour Masters as worthy 7/1 favourite.

The Tournament
Established in 1923, this was the first event to be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, and is one of the more prestigious tournaments on the European circuit. There are two million Euros in prize money and valuable points in the Race to Dubai on offer, and although it has been shifted back in the calendar from September, the field for this year’s renewal looks pretty competitive.

The Course
Set in the Swiss Alps, the Crans-sur-Sierre course is the most spectacular golf venue in Europe. The high altitude means that shots travel further, although if the weather turns rough, the wind can be a problem. With narrow fairways, thick rough, and the recent addition of strategically-placed water hazards, the key at this course is accuracy to fairway and green, and players in good touch with their irons should do well.

In The Bunker
Patrick Reed produced his best performance to date at the British Open, finishing inside the top twenty, and heads to Switzerland as second favourite, but I think he can be opposed this week. His form in recent weeks has been solid rather than spectacular, but more significantly, this is his first visit to this course and I don’t think the emphasis on accuracy from the tee will suit his style. At he doesn’t appeal.

Recommended Bets
Sergio Garcia hasn’t played this event since 2006 but his record at Crans-sur-Sierre is hard to argue with and he’s a worthy favourite this week.

He’s finished in the top four three times in four attempts, including his victory there ten years ago.

He’s yet to record a tournament win this year, but his form has been good and he made the top ten at St Andrews so looks a solid bet at odds of 7/1.

On Monday, Danny Willett recorded his best ever result in a Major, finishing sixth in the British Open and he should be full of confidence in Switzerland this week, at an event where he has a strong record. He’s made the top twenty-five four times in six visits, including a second in 2012 and a fifth last year, when he recorded weekend rounds of 63 and 64.

He hasn’t picked up a trophy in 2015 so far, but he has a string of top tens to his name and it would be no surprise to see him win this week at 14/1.

The final name to add to your shortlist is Victor Dubuisson. He missed the cut at St Andrews, but prior to that he had been playing his way into form at the Open de France and the Scottish Open and he’s worth another chance this week. He does have some form at the course, having finished third there in 2013 and he could offer a touch of value in Switzerland at odds of 28/1.

*Prices correct at time of publication