The Belfry Is A True Test
After an absence from the golf calendar for several years, the British Masters came back in 2015, and since 2021 it has been hosted at The Belfry. The course is well known among golf fans, as it has hosted the Ryder Cup on several occasions over the years, mostly recently in 2002. It has tight fairways, plenty of water, and challenging greens, making it a true test of golf.
Hatton On Ryder Cup Quest
The favourite for this year’s renewal of the British Masters is Englishman Tyrell Hatton. Since the LIV Tour started, players have not been able to switch to DP World Tour events and have only been able to play at the majors. The reason why Hatton wants to play this week is because it’s one of the only opportunities for him to try and qualify for the European Ryder Cup team. It will be interesting to see how he fares.
Too Open To Take 7/1
His form going into this event has been mixed. On the LIV Tour, he won at Nashville back in June and then came second at LIV Golf UK in July. However, he did miss the cut at the Open Championship and departed after only a couple of days. The 32-year-old is currently 7/1 with Rhino, and he is the only single-figure price golfer in the field. I think he is way too short, and I am more than happy to take him on.
A Home For Hill
I’m looking at course form for my first pick, and that is going to be Calum Hill at 50/1. The Scotsman has been in the wilderness at times this year, but coming back to The Belfry can see him in a better light. In his last three visits to this event, he has yielded three top-ten finishes, and he has the best scoring average at this course of anyone taking part in this year’s event. Though he has been quiet in 2024, he was able to finish second at the Mixed Scandinavian Open, demonstrating that he can pull out a performance when required. With his excellent course record, I’m happy to take a chance on him.
Luiten Can Linger
Next on my list is Joost Luiten. The Dutchman has played at the British Masters the last two years and has made the cut on both occasions, which included a tie for eight in 2023. His form this year has been steady, and he hasn’t missed a cut in his last five events.
Siem The Silky Scrambler
I could be too loyal with my next selection, but I think Marcel Siem is overpriced at 100/1. Some of you might remember I put him up as a wild outsider for the Open Championship, and on Day 2, he found himself in the lead, only for him to throw it away on the back nine. The German is a familiar face for those who follow the DP World Tour and has had a fantastic career over the years. In 2024, he played well, and back in June, he came through a playoff to win the Italian Open.
Willett Is The Wildcard
Last but not least on my shortlist this week is Danny Willett, who is my outside pick at 175/1. It’s more than fair to say that the 2016 Masters Champion has lost his way in recent years. However, there have been glimmers this year to suggest he is capable of playing well. At the Masters this year, he was in contention in the first couple of rounds before falling away and finishing in a tie for 45th. Despite that, he has enjoyed playing at The Belfry over the years and finished in a tie for 16th and 11th in his two appearances at the British Masters. I can see him putting in a better display this week, and it wouldn’t shock me if he was in or around the money.
British Masters shortlist
Calum Hill EW (50/1)
Joost Luiten EW (55/1)
Marcel Siem EW (100/1)
Danny Willett EW (175/1)
