Money going towards experienced Els for Scottish Open victory
Published:With the opening round of the Scottish Open just a day away it transpires that wily South African Ernie Els is the golfer favoured to win it by those betting on the event.
The Big Easy has attracted the most money and is currently the second favourite to triumph at 12/1, behind Phil Mickelson at 8/1.
The 40-year-old Els seems to have as good a grip on the Loch Lomond course as he does on his putter, having won there in 2000 and 2003. He is 3/1 to be the top player from the rest of the world.
A Ladbrokes spokesman said: “Ernie wasn’t originally going to play in the tournament, however his poor result in the BMW International meant that he changed his plans and had to accept a sponsors invite as the entries deadline had already passed.”
Money is also going towards English youngster Chris Wood. The 22-year-old is making his debut at the course and is a 66/1 shot to win it first time out.
“While Wood had a good May with three top ten finishes, June has not been as prosperous for him,” the spokesman said.
Intriguingly, there has been little action surrounding last year’s Scottish Open winner Martin Kaymer. The 25-year-old German won it with a 15 under par score and is a 16/1 chance to be the first champion to retain the title.
The spokesman said: “Maybe it’s the English punters snubbing the German after Frank Lampard’s no goal.”
He continued: “The tournament on the majority is won by the shorter priced players although there have been a few surprises in recent times.
“The French seem to like it here and I see Raphael Jacquelin going well again after last year’s runner up spot and some good recent form.”
Jacquelin is currently a 66/1 price to win his third European Tour title, while also being 25/1 to be the top Continental European.
“At a big price I can see Seung-yul Noh going well,” the spokesman added. “The 19-year-old big-hitting Korean has already won on the European Tour this season and is definitely one to watch in the future.”
Seung-yul Noh is an outside 80/1 shot.
Who do you think will triumph at the last European Tour event before the Open? Graeme McDowell is 20/1 to win the Scottish Open. See the full tournament betting.
