Golf: Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
Venue: St Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns, Scotland, UK.
Dates: Thursday 30th September – Sunday 3rd October 2021
Tournament Preview
Following a week of disappointment for many European golfers in the Ryder Cup, the cut and thrust of the European 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:-
English Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton has started very well here in Scotland, with an opening round of 8 under par and having won this event before, he is a strong candidate to go all the way this week.
Another Ryder Cup player looking to make his mark is Tommy Fleetwood. The Englishman struggled out at Whistling Straits but enjoyed a return to form here on day one and he’s only two strokes back.
Home favourite Robert MacIntyre was deemed by many as rather unlucky to miss out on Ryder Cup selection last week and he is in contention this weekend, just 5 shots off the pace after round one.
Belgian Nicolas Colesarts is sharing the lead in Scotland after an opening round of 8 under and his ball striking qualities make him a strong candidate in any event he plays.
Irishman Shane Lowry displayed glimpses of his quality on his Ryder Cup debut last weekend, and he loves links golf. He is 7 shots off the pace after day one here in Scotland, but a decent round will propel him straight back into contention.
German Martin Kaymer is looking to break his long standing tournament duck in recent times, having not won an event since 2014. He is currently only 5 shots back and he could sneak under the radar a bit in favourable conditions.
Top Five 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 5 come Sunday afternoon:-
American Billy Horschel has really taken to the European Tour this season and his consistent performances across all conditions make him a serious candidate to feature heavily on Sunday here.
Englishman Danny Willett has enjoyed a slightly improved season in 2021, despite not making the Ryder Cup side but the former Masters winner should be able to finish the campaign strongly here in Scotland.
Northern Irishman Michael Hoey won this event back in 2011 and his flying start of 7 under par makes him a serious candidate to feature heavily on the leader board again in 2021.
2021 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship betXchange.com Best Bets:
Outright Winner: Tyrrell Hatton – 5/2
Top Five Finish: Danny Willett – 5/1
