Golf: Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
Venue: St Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns, Scotland, UK.
Dates: Thursday 29th September – Sunday 2nd October 2022
Tournament Preview
With just under a year to go until the Ryder Cup gets underway in Rome, the cut and thrust of the DP World Tour returns with the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships in Scotland. Played over three of the most iconic courses in world golf, the event is one of the flagship competitions on the European Tour and some of the very best players on the continent are taking part in 2021. Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood, and Padraig Harrington are just three of the stellar names that have won this event before and with over $5 million in the prize pot, it promises to be a fascinating 4 days of golf in Scotland.
Betting Preview
Outright Winner
Having to adapt your game across three different courses is always a huge test for every golfer and this week should be no exception in Scottish autumnal conditions:-
Having Rory McIlroy within this field is a real mark in the sand for the DP World Tour and the Northern Irishman arrives here in good form and justifiably tops the betting odds.
Irishman Shane Lowry has displayed glimpses of his quality once again this season and he loves links golf, with conditions set fair he is a tough man to stop once he gets going.
Another Ryder Cup player looking to make his mark is Tommy Fleetwood. The Englishman has struggled for consistency this season, but his game too is tailor made for links golf.
English Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton is a player who has always enjoyed this event and home conditions, making him a serious candidate from the off here in Scotland.
Home favourite Robert MacIntyre has stepped up a level over the past few months, culminating in his victory at the Italian Open and he could be in Ryder Cup contention this time next year.
First Round Leader
Getting off to a fast start here in this unique, three-course event is key and all of the top players will be seeking a low score on day one:
US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick is a real figure head for the European game across the globe currently and he will be eager to lay down a marker on day one here at the Alfred Dunhill.
Swede Alex Noren has rekindled some very good form in recent weeks and whilst links golf wouldn’t be his strongest suit, he will enjoy the playing set up here in Scotland.
Top Ten Finish
With so many quality players assembled here in Scotland, getting into the winning enclosure could be tough but there are plenty of candidates to finish in the top 10 come Sunday afternoon:-
American Billy Horschel has really taken to the European Tour in recent seasons and his consistent performances across all conditions make him a serious candidate to feature heavily on Sunday here.
Englishman Danny Willett has enjoyed an improved season in 2022 and the former Masters winner should be able to finish the campaign strongly here in Scotland.
Frenchman Victor Perez is a player who could also squeeze his way into the Ryder Cup picture next season, and he will be looking to put a good performance in here in Scotland.
2022 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship betXchange.com Best Bets:
Outright Winner: Rory McIlroy – 5/1
First Round Leader: Matt Fitzpatrick – 18/1
Top Ten Finish: Danny Willett – 5/1