Golf betting: Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

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Punters that like to lump on short-priced favourites will not be scared off by Paddy Power's best-priced 3/1 about Ernie Els claiming the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, although better value lies with his compatriot - another former winner Charl Schwartzel.

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There is no question that Els excels in his homeland and in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in particular. The European No 2 claimed the 1995 edition at the Wanderers Club, the 1999 version at Houghton Golf Club and also triumphed in 2006 at Leopard Creek - the venue for this week's European Tour event.

Having finished third in the Nedbank Golf Challenge last week you couldn't blame those of a Tiger-chasing disposition to lump on the affable Els for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. However, unless you are backing Woods then 3/1 makes for seriously restrictive odds, and so a more careful look at the European Tour field has to be advised.

As second favourite, Schwartzel makes for far greater appeal at 12/1 with Paddy Power, given his remarkable record at Leopard Creek. This was the South African's first European Tour title in 2005 and he has since proven he has a soft spot for the long-hitting course, finishing runner-up in his two subsequent appearances.

While Schwartzel has a track record worthy of huge respect, Ross Fisher has form to match. The Englishman is beginning to look as though he belongs at the European Tour's top table and came agonisingly close to clinching the HSBC Champions recently, only to be pipped by Phil Mickelson. He will have learnt from that experience, though, and after coming fourth in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship last year Fisher, who got married last month, is worth hitching up with at 16/1 with VCbet.

As an outside tip it might be worth a gamble on another South African who is beginning to make waves on the European Tour. Andrew McLardy is at appropriately fat odds of 35/1 with Stan James - not bad for a South African who has already won on the course when claiming the South African Tour Championship here three years ago.

Verdict: 2pts Charl Schwartzel @ 12/1 (Paddy Power); 1pt Ross Fisher @ 16/1 (VCbet); 1pt Andrew McLardy@ 35/1 (Stan James)

Click here to get your £30 free bet from Paddy Power to bet on the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship