Irish Open: golf betting guide

As you will be aware the Irish Open is being played over the stunning Royal Portrush Golf Club this week.

The field is a strong one and with the Irish Major winners of Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington all participating this week.

The course is a superb links test and there is no doubting people with experience and success on links courses should have an advantage.

As for my tips for this week, McDowell, McIlroy and Harrington are simple too short priced to touch, while Darren Clarke has been suffering with form and injury recently so I have stayed clear of him as well.

Ross Fisher at 16/1 with Ladbrokes has had three top 10s from his last three starts, won the 2010 Irish Open and has experience over links courses. Expect him to gatecrash the Irish party.

Chris Wood at 33/1 with Ladbrokes another one who has been playing well of late, finished 3rd last week in Germany. Has finished top 5 at the Open twice in only three starts so does have the skill to conquer links tests.

Bet with Ladbrokes and get up to £50 on free bets:

Michael Hoey at 50/1 with Ladbrokes Now if you are after an Irishman to do well at Royal Portrush then Hoey could be the one. He is well priced here and although recent form has been poor he has won this year. Also won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championhsip in 2011 so is good on this test. Was born in Ballmoney which is just 20-minutes from the course.

Robert Rock at 50/1 with Ladbrokes Finished 2nd in the Irish Open in 2010 and has won already this year. Seems to have decent results during Links tournaments including a top 10 at the Open in 2010. Decent price means he is one to look at.   Stephen Gallacher at 100/1 with Ladbrokes Very nice price here for the Scotsman, has finished 2nd twice on Tour this year, finished 3rd last year at The Irish Open. Has experience and reasonable results on Links tournaments, definitely worth an each way punt.

Irish Open advised bets

3pts each way on Ross Fisher

at 16/1 with Ladbrokes 2pts each way on Chris Wood

at 33/1 with Ladbrokes 1pts each way on Michael Hoey

at 50/1 with Ladbrokes 1pt each way on Robert Rock

at 50/1 with Ladbrokes 1pt each way on Stephen Gallacher

at 100/1 with Ladbrokes