Just as the Christmas coffers called for a filling, cue the timely return of The Doc with an unrivalled betting preview of this week’s DP World Championship.
Matthew Fitzpatrick 16/1
With Justin Rose, Sergio and Jon Rahm in the field this week, the media glare on Matt is lessened but for me he is the one to beat. Since winning at Crans, the Englishman has quietly added another six consecutive top-15 finishes, all built on a foundation of unerring accuracy with woods and irons. Loves the place too having scored a T4 on his debut here in 2015 and then won last year. In a game of so many variables, consistency is key and whether you take Matt on the nose to win or each-way, make sure you take him at 16/1.
Tyrrell Hatton 18/1
I really don’t mind to see Tyrrell in the “who’s not hot” column with some bookies this week because I think he’ll be right up there again this year. Now on his fourth visit to the Jumeriah Estates, Tyrrell has gone T6, T13, 2nd here and has his course management strategy nailed down. Since winning back to back in Scotland and Italy he’s been T11 in China, T16 in Turkey and T19 last week in South Africa and must be cruising on fumes right now. However, with €2.7 million banked and lying fifth in the Race To Dubai, I’m sure he’ll find the energy to be right up there again.
Victor Dubuisson 20/1
I was away in the USA competing in Ironman last week and didn’t have time to compile my tips but my money was on Victor Dubuisson in South Africa. Granted he didn’t win, but even by his demeanour on the golf course you could tell he was in a good headspace. And the health of that six inches between his ears is the only difference between Victor being among the best in the world and not. That 3rd in South Africa couples with a T3 on the links last month bringing Dubuisson back to a course he has come close on before. T4 here in 2016, T2 in 2014 and solo 3rd in 2013 and in this form, it’s no brainer, excuse the pun, to have Victor on your shortlist.
Nico Colsaerts 50/1
It took Nico a few goes to figure out the course but a solid T4 in 2016 after missing out in 2015 was quality. And he’s another who has been improving in form since a T25 Scotland, with a T15 in Italy then a T2 last time out in Turkey. That caught the eye for an averaging driving clip of 310.4 yards with a T8 stat in fairway accuracy leading to a solo 2nd in GIR and his weight of scoring on the par-4’s, rather than the par-5’s. Decoding all that, I mean to say Nico is a long hitter scoring like a short hitter and that’s a super combo heading into this week. Way overpriced at 50/1.
Thorbjorn Olesen 40/1
I’ll opt for Thorbjorn Olesen for last pick though it was close between him and Joost Luiten. Thor played great in Turkey finishing with a pair of 66’s for a T5 and followed it with a T12 at the Nedbank last week. The Dane has played the last six Tour Championships and finished in the top 20 in all but one (T21 in 2012), and on this form could have his best finale yet.
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