Golf: Soudal Open
Venue: Rinkven International Golf Club, Antwerp, Belgium.
Dates: Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th May 2022
Tournament Preview
The European Tour continues with the rebranded Soudal Open, formerly the Belgian Open, which first originated on the tour back in 1910. In recent seasons, the tournament has endured a stop start existence on the tour, but it now looks to be back on the calendar for good. Plenty of the biggest names on the continent and beyond are in action here in Antwerp and with major season very much on the horizon, there is plenty to play for – not to mention the 2 million euro prize pot that is up for grabs too. With playing conditions set to be perfect, low scoring could be the order of the day here at the picturesque Rinkven International Golf Club.
Betting Preview
Outright Winner
With the European Tour now very much in full swing in 2022, plenty of big names are in action and are chasing precious ranking points and prize money in Belgium this week: –
Austrian Bernd Wiesberger hasn’t enjoyed his best 12 months on the European Tour but as a former Ryder Cup player, he certainly has the game to compete in events such as these.
Englishman Sam Horsfield is as consistent as they come on the European Tour, and he should relish the playing conditions in Antwerp this weekend.
Home favourite Thomas Pieters is a proven performer at this level and with home support backing him to the hilt, he could easily gather plenty of momentum here.
Thomas Detry – 30/1
Fellow Belgian Thomas Detry will also have his compatriots backing him here in Antwerp and there have been signs in recent weeks that he is finding his best game.
Spaniard Adrian Otaegui hasn’t quite managed to pick up a win in recent in recent months, despite some excellent performances and he looks good value in Belgium this week.
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:-
Scot Richie Ramsay was just edged out at the British Masters last weekend, and he should arrive in Belgium in fine form from the off here.
Chinese superstar Haotong Li has endured a quiet season by his high standards so far and he will be out to put the record straight from the off here at the Soudal Open.
Top Ten Finish
With so many decent players assembled here in Antwerp, getting into the winning enclosure could be tough but there are plenty of candidates to finish in the top 10 come Sunday:-
Frenchman Victor Perez is always box office viewing and whilst he hasn’t been at his usual best over the past few months, a return to familiar surrounds could be the boost he needs this week.
Scot Connor Syme finished in the top 5 at the British Masters last weekend and his game could be tailor made for the playing conditions in Belgium this weekend.
Welshman Jamie Donaldson is always in the mix on the European Tour and is often the forgotten man in events such as these, a role he relishes in most weekends.
Soudal Open betxchange.com Best Bets:
Outright Winner: Sam Horsfield – 22/1
