Drive For Show Putt For Dough
Overall, the course doesn’t play very long, so you won’t see too many players getting the driver out this week. It’s about keeping the ball in play and taking your chances with the putter. You often see a lot of low scores at this event, so expect a lot of players to be making birdies.
Fitzpatrick Is The Class Act
When it comes to this event, course form has often been the way to go in recent years. That’s why I am looking to side with the favourite Matt Fitzpatrick at 9/1. The 30-year-old has an excellent record, winning it twice in 2016 and 2017. He has also finished in the top three at this event on two previous occasions.
Putting Is The Key
However, the Yorkshireman isn’t in the greatest form of his career coming into this tournament, though he did finish fifth at The Players Championship, which is considered by some to be golf’s fifth major. Despite this, he’s still one of the classiest players in the field. He currently holds a World Ranking of 27, which makes him heads and shoulders above the opposition. The key to his game is his putter. Last season, on the PGA Tour, he ranked 11th in the putting standings. If he can get the putter going this week, then he is surely going to be towards the top of the leaderboard.
Wallace Coming Into Form
Next on my shortlist is Englishman Matt Wallace. Last week he finished 8th at the British Masters when playing at The Belfry after a slow start. The 34-year-old hasn’t won since 2018, but in recent weeks he’s been hinting at a return to form after making his last three cuts.
Furthermore, coming back to this event should be a plus for him. Back in 2022, he finished second at this event, and he probably should have if he hadn’t crumbled on the back nine. The key to him this week is he can get his approach play in shape. If you look at his stats, then you’ll see he ranked in the Top 50 on the PGA Tour for strokes gained on approach shots. As I’ve already said, it’s not about your driving distance this week, so therefore you need to look at solid iron players, and Wallace certainly fits the bill.
Another Chance For Luiten
One player I put up last week was Dutchman Joost Luiten. He didn’t play too badly at The Belfry, as he recorded an 18th-place finish at the British Masters. The 38-year-old has been playing well all year, which has yielded some top-10 finishes. Coming back to Crans-sur-Sierre won’t be a bad thing for him, as he’s played well at this event before, which included a tie for fifth place last year. He’s currently 45/1 to win this week, and I won’t be surprised if he goes close again.
Omega European Masters Shortlist
Matt Fitzpatrick EW (9/1)
Matt Wallace EW (16/1)
Joost Luiten EW (45/1)
