Golf: Omega Dubai Desert Classic
Venue: Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, UAE.
Dates: Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st January 2021
Tournament Preview
The gulf swing of the European tour continues with some of the biggest names in the game arriving in Dubai for the Omega Desert Classic. The event is one of the most notorious tournaments in middle-Eastern golf, having first been competed in 1989. Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Rory McIlroy are just three superstars on an impressive list of winning alumni, and it is one of the standout events on the European Tour. The prize purse is a rather handsome $3.25 million and there are the usual plethora of big names lining up to get their share and their hands on the trophy come Sunday.
Betting Preview
Outright Winner
Big names from Europe and beyond will be hoping to get 2021 off to a flying start here in Dubai:
European Tour leader Tyrrell Hatton continues to churn out the results consistently and his win in Abu Dhabi last time out was testament to his continued improvement at this level and he could be tough to beat here.
2020 USPGA champion Collin Morikawa has developed into one of the men to beat on the PGA Tour and he will be looking to transfer that form over to the European Tour this week.
Englishman Tommy Fleetwood has long been one of the men to catch on the European Tour and in favourable conditions this weekend, he could be very tough to beat.
Spaniard Sergio Garcia continues to churn out the results on both the European and PGA Tours and his form so far in 2021 has been pretty solid.
Having dedicated his short term future to the European Tour, Justin Rose looks set to challenge throughout the campaign and he could cause some damage in a congested draw this weekend in Dubai.
1st Round Leader
Producing the goods over 72 holes is often the most difficult thing for any golfer to do therefore here are our first-round leader picks:
Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick didn’t kick on as many expected in 2020 but he looks to be refreshed this year and he could get off to a flying start here in Dubai this week.
Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello showed glimpses of his best form in Abu Dhabi last time out and he will want to find form sooner rather than later in this, a Ryder Cup year.
Australian Jason Scrivener was edged out by Tyrrell Hatton in Abu Dhabi last weekend and he looks significantly overpriced to get off to yet another good start this week.
Top 10 Finish
There are plenty of stellar names in contention to finish in the top 10 come Sunday in Dubai:
Paul Casey has become a hugely consistent performer across both the European and PGA Tours and he will fancy his chances of being heavily involved come Sunday afternoon here in Dubai.
Defending Open champion Shane Lowry has struggled for form throughout the last 12 months, but he has a game capable of causing a real splash here in Dubai.
Lee Westwood is a huge draw on the European Tour, and he will be looking to begin playing his best golf, with a Ryder Cup looming on the horizon.
BetXChange Best Bets:
Outright Winner: Tyrrell Hatton – 7.00
1st Round Leader: Matthew Fitzpatrick – 28.00
Top Ten Finish: Paul Casey – 2.25
