Jim (15) 5/2 FAV There is a growing suspicion amongst golf historians that Grimes' multiple early major victories can be filed alongside the 15 wold snooker championships won by Joe Davis. Namely: nobody else gave a shit and/or could see straight through the booze-fug. As the strength-in-depth of the men's game increases, so Grimes' visits to the winner's podium become so rarely-seen even the Loch Ness Monster has stopped believing in them. But that would tell only half the story. Grimes remains the most consistent golfer on tour, and over a two day event that has to count for something. If the hip, groin, arms and back can stand up to the demanding punishment that is two whole rounds of golf in the space of three days - he could be a player. Gerry (18) 11/4 Carr's consistent inability to make his UK form count on the Irish tour remains a source of frustration for this London-based golfer determined to put his home town on the map. After the triumphant Olympics of 2012 the city needs a boost and Boris Johnson is known to be 'supporting the bid'. Could it happen? This competitor must hope his recent dry spell is more McIlroy than Duval (and that there is a difference). The suspicion remains that the tougher course conditions and superior counting ability of the Irish crowds work against him on the big stage. But the Maida Vale magician can never be ruled out and on form he more than merits his slim-looking odds of 11/4. This could be the year.
Alex Doyle (25) 3/1 "Frailty, thy name is Doyle!". There seems little doubt that had the immortal Bard lived through the last ten years he would have found ample material for a couple of comedies and a tragedy in Doyle's chequered major history. Once dubbed 'the metronome', when the pressure's on his steady allegro moderato dissolves into the kind of syncopated freestyle be-bop normally associated with John Coltrane with a bad dose of the hiccups. But all that said, no competitor has put down a more impressive warm-up round than Doyle's recent 37 point, two birdie stormer. His recent move to Brigton has brought a flambouyant style to his game and gay abandon is now par for the course. 3/1 could represent a steal.
Malcom (18) 10/3 After setting the world of golf alight with his extraordinary debut win in 2010 it has been a difficult few years for the 'Roscommon Rocket'. There must be a feeling that the law of osmosis has kicked in. A man can only be surrounded by mediocrity and downright incompetence for so long before his once high standards start to slip (accompanied by a concentration of French curses not witnessed since Zinedine Zidane nutted Marco Materazzi in the world cup final). Dalton also appears well in the handicapper's grasp off 18 and pundits feel he lacks the mental fortitude to "bring it" in the big events. Can this amiable contender finally ditch the nice-guy act and bring the title west of the shannon for the first time in 3 years? 10/3 says YES.
Tom (23) 4/1 Is the holder of two major championships really available at 4/1 for this event? Two words can sum up his changed prospects for the big one in 2013: "gainful employment". Now forced to work up to 40 hours a week, and having made a controversial decision to summer on the US tour, Farrell is going into this event as cold as his chances: absolute zero. Rumours that this weekend he'll be on the kind of intensive training camp that should be edited into a musical montage and inserted in a Rocky movie have yet to be confirmed.
Bob (26) 5/1 A mystery wrapped in a puzzle, shrouded in an enigma. Three years ago when Kiernan set the Glen of the Downs alight and swiped the Masters from under Carr's nose, the golfing world seemed to be at his feet. Since then it's been one disappointment after another for the man fondly dubbed "BK Maxx" for his awesome power off the tee (and the fact that his game largely consists of poor quality shots nobody else wants). 5/1 reflects the fact that Kiernan has the game to win a major. Those who witnessed his legendary charge in 2012 can testify to that. But too often on and around the greens the 'Phibsboro footler" drops the shots that cost him the big prizes. One to watch.
Full Post
No comments:
Post a Comment