Fancy a flutter on the Irish Open?

A star-studded field, top quality course and a prize fund of $7 Million makes the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open the one to watch this week. With only a couple of weeks until The Open Championship, there will be many looking to hit the right form at the right time at Portstewart. Rory McIlroy starts as the favourite which is fair enough considering it’s his home Open and defending champion. 

However, with some quality names in the field, there is plenty to look out for in terms of the betting market. Some great odds are available from those who could mount a charge and contend. Sometimes you just have to look beyond the big names. So here is who the Spiv thinks provides the best value this week. 

Tommy Fleetwood: 16/1 (Bet365) 

Fleetwood enters as the fifth favourite and his price has been cut since his win in France. Two victories on the European Tour and a strong showing at the U.S Open has seen him become a real contender. With the Southport native preparing for his home Open Championship, he’ll be looking to maintain his excellent form. 

Thomas Pieters 25/1 (SkyBet) 

Not one of the favourites due to the big names but he is quality. A poor U.S Open surprised many but has bounced back with a strong showing in France. He will see this as ideal preparation for the Open Championship. Great price for him in a European Tour event and should be taken. 

Graeme McDowell: 55/1 (Sportingbet) 

Returning home a course he knows well should inspire GMac as he aims to make a challenge. His European Tour form is strong despite a missed cut last week in France. Furthermore, he knows he needs a big week to climb up the rankings. Strong on the greens and could be a great E/W bet. 

Soren Kjeldsen 80/1 (BetFred)

Kjeldsen is a class act and a former winner at this event. The links of Portstewart will suit him well. He loves it. Finished in a tie for 19th last season at the K Club. He’s been mixing it up on the PGA Tour and European Tour so comes even more experienced than ever. Great price for a great player. E/W on this one at this price. 

Bradley Dredge 100/1 (BetFred)

The Welshman has a strong record in Ireland and finished second at the Irish Open last season. He is comfortable on the links and is looking strong this season. Although he is still looking for his first top ten finish of the year, he is consistently making cuts and producing top 50’s. However, don’t write him off. A quality player at a stunning price. 

Related:

Tommy Fleetwood gatecrashes World Top 15