Dunhill Links Championship Picks

Ernie Els and Vijay Singh, the two best golfers in the world right now go head to head this week, and at bet365 we are struggling to split them, going 10/11 the pair in a 72-hole tournament match-bet. Not surprisingly, they are also our 5/1 joint market leaders, but in a tournament where the weather and the draw are going to play a major part that price does not represent any great value. Of the two, Els is marginally preferred as he is fresh from his victory in the Amex last week, and has finished runner-up on the two occasions he has taken part in this event. On the other hand, Singh, who skipped the Amex to supervise work on his hurricane ravaged Florida home, may be a spent force after turning in a weary performance as he limped to victory in the Lumber Classic. A British player has accounted for this title on all three occasions, and with ten members of the winning Ryder Cup team taking part, a case can be made for the likes of Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington to contend this week. However, a strong case can also be made for David Howell, and at 40/1 he is twice the price of his Ryder Cup team-mates! Howell has put in two good showings recently - 17th at the Heritage and 3rd at the Amex - and could be ready to add trophy number two to his collection (to go with the1999 Dubai Classic). His display last week against the best players in the world would have been great for his confidence, and he will glean further encouragement for this week from his record in this event - 3rd in 2001 and 6th last year. He is obviously comfortable with the tournament's pro-am format, as is fellow Englishman Brian Davis, who has posted finishes of 13th in 2001, 7th in 2002 and 6th in 2003. The fact that he has missed two of his last six cuts should not put you off supporting him this week. He was in similar form in 2001 and 2002 but raised his game for this Championship, and at 66/1 looks worth an each way interest. The final pick goes to the powerful Swede Henrik Stenson, back in the winners circle last time out at Woburn after a lengthy drought. His 6th place here twelve months ago was his best finish of a poor year, and at 80/1 he is value to get into our FIVE places!Bet365's picks Three Off The Tee... David Howell @ 40/1, Brain Davis @66/1, Henrik Stenson @ 80/1. Each-way 1/4 1-2-3-4-5. Bet the tournament In-Running, subject to TV coverage.