Irish Open golf betting guide

Irish Open golf betting guide

The Irish Open returns to Carton House for the first time since 2006, Jamie Donaldson defends the title he won at Royal Portrush in 2012.

The field looks strong with Rory McIlroy Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington in the field, and the home crowds should lap up the entertainment in their thousands.

The three Irish Major winners are the short priced favourites for the tournament but I will be looking elsewhere.

The Montgomerie course demands excellent strategy and rewards solid shot making and my picks reflect this.

Thomas Bjorn at 16/1 with Ladbrokes. Was the winner last time the Irish Open visited Carton House in 2006 and following his second-place finish in Germany last Sunday he will be expecting to compete again this week.

Shane Lowry at 20/1 with Ladbrokes. I was always going to pick one Irishman and I have gone for Lowry as he is a former winner of the event and has local knowledge as Carton House is his home course and he plays it every week. Also shot a final round 65 in Germany last week.

Brett Rumford at 50/1 with Ladbrokes. Was 2004 champion at Carton House and is still in very good form having won back to back tournaments at the end of April and finished 35th last week. He could well have more success on and old victorious stomping ground.

Pablo Larrazabal at 50/1 with Ladbrokes. Having had a good run of results from April to the start of June Pablo has had a poor few weeks, however his sensational ball striking could mean he does well at the Montgomerie Course this week - depends on how his putter behaves.

Alvaro Quiros at 100/1 with Ladbrokes. Having had injury and swing problems the Spaniard seems to be turning a corner... if not slowly. Will be chipper this week having qualified for the Open  on Monday at IFQ at Sunningdale. His stats suggest he is not far from getting back to his best.

Irish Open advised bets:

3pts each way on Thomas Bjorn at 16/1 with Ladbrokes 3pts each way on Shane Lowry at 20/1 with Ladbrokes 2pts each way on Brett Rumford at 50/1 with Ladbrokes 2pts each way on Pablo Larrazabal at 50/1 with Ladbrokes 1pt each way on Alvaro Quiros at 100/1 with Ladbrokes