King Louis Oosthuizen back in action after shock Open victory
Published:Louis Oosthuizen’s new-found position in golf’s higher echelons was marked by the player arriving in Stockholm for the Scandinavian Masters via private jet.
After winning the Open Championship at St Andrews on Sunday, the formerly little-known golfer is 20/1 to repeat his success with victory in this European Tour event.
One thing that hasn’t changed since Oosthuizen’s maiden major triumph, though, is the man accompanying the South African around the Bro Hof Slott course.
Alongside him still is Soweto-born caddie Zack Rasego, who not surprisingly has kept his job a week after being told The Open could be his last event with Oosthuizen.
The player’s manager Chubby Chandler said: “It was a possibility, but it is not going to happen now.
“There was a feeling Louis needed a more experienced caddie. Now Zack has proved his worth.”
After shooting up to 15th in the world rankings and fifth in the Race to Dubai, the 27-year-old is officially the best player at a tournament, which he decided to honour his commitment to despite his major win.
“To be honest, when I am playing well I want to keep playing,” he said.
Oosthuizen confirmed on Monday that he would be continuing as a member on this side of the Atlantic, although his next two tournaments next month will be in America, with the latter being the US PGA Championship, which he is 80/1 to win.
Ryder Cup hopeful Edoardo Molinari has made a fine start to the Scandinavian Masters, sitting four-under par through 15 holes. Molinari won the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond before The Open, where he finished a creditable tied-27th, and would be a smart bet, at 7/1, to win here.
Englishman Robert Rock ended his Open Championship superbly, shooting a 69 to come tied-seventh, and looks likely to continue that good form in Sweden. The man ranked 31st in the Race to Dubai is a 25/1 chance to sit atop the pile come Sunday.
Australian Richard Green has raced to five under after 13 holes to claim the early lead. He is 8/1 to maintain that position for the full four days. See the full Scandinavian Masters betting market.
