The Irish Open tees off on Thursday from the K Club in County Kildare, the final event before the whiole European team gets together at Wentworth next week ahead of the Ryder Cup.
The favourite for this event is Rory McIlroy, who won here in 2016 thanks a majestic five-wood to the 18th green to set up an eagle. The Northern Irish star’s ultra-consistent form means he is a short price for victory, while Tyrrell Hatton and Shane Lowry, both of whom will be in the European Ryder Cup team later this month, are also competing.
McIlroy could easily win, but he is always under intense pressure on his home island and the 7/2 on offer is too short for our blood.
Adrian Meronk claimed the Irish Open at Mount Juliet last year, and the Pole is likely to have plenty of fire in his belly after missing out on Ryder Cup selection, a decision that many have questioned.
However, we’re going to side with an old favourite who has not been part of the race for Ryder Cup qualification, and is thus fresh for the battle. Min Woo Lee has not teed it up since the Open Championship in late July, which may make him rusty. But he did finish tied 5th in the US Open and tied 9th in the Travellers Championship, so the class is undoubtedly there.
Our second selection is Guido Migliozzi. The Italian is a very streaky player, but he showed signs of a return to form last week in Switzerland, finishing tied 13th. He’s a hefty price, and we’ll take a punt each way.
Recommendations:
Lee 1 pt each way at 20/1, 1/5 the odds for the first 8 places, SkyBet
Migliozzi 0.5 pts each way at 90/1, 1/5 the odds for the first 8 places, Paddy Power
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