2011 Irish Open Betting Preview

Irish Open Golf All eyes will be on Killarney Golf & Fishing Club in County Kerry from tomorrow when the 2011 Irish Open gets underway. After triumphing at the Open Championship a couple of weeks ago, Irishman Darren Clarke (28/1 Sky Bet) will be eager to claim back-to-back victories but he’ll face some tough opposition especially from his fellow countrymen Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, who head the Irish Open betting. 2011 US Open winner McIlroy is the 11/2 favourite with Sky Bet while the 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell is 16/1, with the same firm.

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The fact that three Irishman currently occupy the first three places in the outright betting (McIlroy, McDowell and Harrington) proves how strong the home challenge is but with bookmakers reporting some early support for Ross Fisher (22/1 VC) and Simon Dyson (25/1 Sky Bet), this year’s Irish Open looks to a very open affair.

Sky Bet’s Head of Golf John Rhodes said: “The eagerly anticipated Irish Open returns to Killarney and the crowds will be out in force to see home heroes and major champions Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke attempting to lift their home title. Defending champion is Ross Fisher, who shot an incredible 2nd round 61 here last year, before holding off Harrington in a thrilling finish. He’ll be hoping to add to his three European titles and usually plays well in July/August time so could be one to watch, despite not being in the best of form at present.”

Padraig Harrington will be hoping to put his disappointing effort at the Open Championship behind him, where he failed to make the cut. He’s currently 18/1 with Sky Bet to claim his second Irish Open title and following his recent work with golf guru Bob Rotella, the 39-year-old is expected to make a bold bid. The other major plus for anybody wishing to back Harrington is his past form at the tournament and the short Killarney course should suit his style of play.

Other players that have attracted some early support in the outright betting are: Richard Green (35/1 Sky Bet), 2009 winner Shane Lowry (40/1 VC) and Danish professional Thorbjorn Olesen (70/1 BlueSQ).

From the other markets that are available, Sky Bet’s two chances to win market could make a lot of appeal. It’s 7/2 for either McIlory or McDowell to win and 8/1 for the pairing of Harrington and Fisher to lift the trophy. Another market that does standout is Betfred’s Top Irish big gun. They make Rory McIlroy the 8/11 favourite to beat McDowell (4/1), Harrington (4/1) and Clarke (13/2).

If you are planning on having a bet on the Irish Open remember to check out the place terms being offered by your bookmaker. Paddypower, Boylesports and Bet365 are all playing six places compared to a lot of other firms that are only offering five places.

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