Niall Lyons picks out a team of five heading into this week's Irish Open.
Irish OpenSee All Odds
Five years ago, post the birth of our second child, me and my wife headed to Doonbeg for the first break as a twosome in a few years. For folk with children, maybe Blackpool (no offence) would have felt like the Ritz, but the Trump resort at Doonbeg really did offer a few days of pure luxury. My dad didn't take to well to the fact I was lining the President's pockets, but I was busting to see this Doonbeg golf course. I didn't get to play it unfortunately, but I did walk the front 9 and it was one of the most spectacular sights I had seen on a golf course.
The weather as ever around these parts will dictate how difficult the course will play. Chilly enough conditions throughout the four days will test some of the best golfers in the world who assemble here this week. A constant breeze should keep a lid on scoring somewhat and with enough rain in the forecast this course will not be without challenges.
Most will be seeing Doonbeg for the first time but we have a bank of links form going back a long time to draw upon to perhaps narrow down our search for a potential winner here.
Irish Open Betting Tips
| Player | Bet | Odds | Stake | Terms | Bookmaker | Bet Here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmus Neergaard Petersen | Each-way | 70/1 | 1.25pts E/W | 1/5 odds, 8 places | Bet365 | Click Here |
| Matthew Jordan | Each-way | 45/1 | 1.25pts E/W | 1/5 odds, 8 places | Bet365 | Click Here |
| Sepp Straka | Each-way | 66/1 | 1pt E/W | 1/4 odds, 5 places | QuinnBet | Click Here |
| Thorbjorn Olesen | Each-way | 60/1 | 1pt E/W | 1/5 odds, 8 places | Bet365, Betfred | Click Here |
| Haotong Li | Each-way | 80/1 | 1pt E/W | 1/5 odds, 6 places | General | Click Here |
Rasmus Neergaard Petersen at 70/1 (Eight Places)
One I'm really keen on at the prices here is Rasmus Neergaard Petersen. Recent golf has been a bit of a nightmare for the Dane and he arrives here off the back of four missed cuts. Two missed cuts Stateside have been followed by the same fate at the British Masters and at the Omega European Masters. Prior to that all was going swimmingly having finished 9th in the Open Championship and 20th at the 3M Open. That finish in the Open is the latest in a long line of very decent relevant efforts when it comes to links golf. A win at Royal Melbourne, runner up at Grand Reserve in Puerto Rico, 2nd in Qatar and 4th in the Dunhill Links all give the impression his best work comes when the breeze is blowing. His victory at Royal Melbourne came off the back of a miserable effort where he missed the cut at the Australian PGA Championship, therefore we can't rule out a 180 here and a return to some of his best golf when the conditions suit. I really enjoy taking the chances with somebody of his calibre at really high prices. Only a couple of pts separated Chacarra and Rasmus when they teed it up a month ago at the Danish Championship and now there are 40+ pts between them. He looks a no brainer type bet when you consider what he is capable of.
Matthew Jordan at 45/1 (Eight Places)
Matthew Jordan can be forgiven a little for his 26th placed finish at the British Masters following two weeks at the business end of events in Scotland and Denmark. He hit the front around the turn in Denmark during the final round but couldn't quite hold on. A week later at Trump International in Aberdeenshire he had an even better chance only to have a mishap when holding a 2 shot lead and opening the door to Scott Jamiseon. Jamieson was very impressive throughout that final round and was a tough opponent to beat. It was another example of Jordan's preference for links golf adding to his fine record. A top 5 in the Dunhill Links and two top 10s in the Open Championship mean there is plenty of evidence to suggest he can compete in these conditions, and even in these fields. He has faced a few knocks recently but is playing really well and may improve next time for his recent experience in the lead on Sundays.
Sepp Straka at 66/1 (Five Places)
Although this isn't your typical DPWT field Paul Casey last week was an example of a classy operator coming back to Europe and performing really well. Not so much dropping back in class but looking back he was a big price in that field. Sepp Straka didn't make the final 30 in East Lake but he did make it to the BMW and that sort of form can count for a lot in this field. His putter has been a big thorn in his side during his last few starts but his tee to green game has been impressive. 13th from tee to green at the St Jude was followed by 24th in the same statistic in the BMW. Similar golf to that will go a long way to competing here over the four days. 2nd to Brian Harman at Royal Liverpool back in 2023 was a sign of what he is capable of on this terrain whilst a win at PGA National and runner up at Pebble Beach is also relevant. Anything 50/1 or above looks tempting as the market leaders are only getting their first look at this golf course as well.
Thorbjorn Olesen at 60/1 (Eight Places)
In a week where I believe it is worth chancing outsiders I'll side with another links specialist in Thorbjorn Olesen. The Dane had a pretty much miserable year on the PGA Tour but when dropping down to this level it is worth noting that his last four outings on the DPWT read 9-39-10-7. The most recent of those was at the Belfry where his short game was the shining light. Short game should turn out to be important this week with missed greens inevitable in the conditions. A former winner and runner up at the Dunhill Links this should be a perfect examination. I don't quite believe he should be double the price of his countryman and similarly named Jacob Skov. The latter is still a maiden and even though he has impressed in these conditions on numerous conditions in a short career to date, quotes of 35/1 seem particularly short in a field that includes the likes of McIlroy and Rahm. At double the price I much prefer Thorbjorn who is still capable of winning on a links course in this field strength
Haotong Li at 80/1 (Six Places)
Haotong Li looks like one to side with following a slightly better return these last few weeks. He didn't do a whole lot wrong when finishing 37th the Belfry two weeks ago but he stepped it up a notch last week in Crans when finishing 18th. His game off the tee was in fine shape but it was his approach play that stood out ranking 4th in the field. With little or no negatives these last two weeks we look to his links form which is really eye catching. He has posted two top 4 finishes in Open Championships at Birkdale and at Portrush. Throw in 5th and 7th at the Dunhill Links and we have someone who is very capable of scoring well in these conditions even in strong fields. Having taken down McIlroy and Hatton in the Dubai Desert (all be it a long time ago) he has that experience banked and if in contention over the weekend can draw on that.
