The 12 members of the European Ryder Cup side line up at Wentworth, starting Thursday, for the BMW PGA Championship – their final competitive action before facing America in Italy.
Victories at the BMW Championship in Illinois and the Tour Championship in Georgia see Viktor Hovland rival Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm for favouritism this week, and he must have a chance the way he is currently playing.
However, we noted that Shane Lowry returned to form last week, with the home comforts of the K Club in County Kildare helping the genial Irishman to a welcome tied third position in the Irish Open.
Justin Rose was handed a wildcard pick by European captain Luke Donald, and will offer a wealth of experience to the youngsters in the side. He lives close to Wentworth, which he uses as his practice base, and has come very close to victory here many times before.
He was runner-up in 2007 and 2012, and also finished eighth in 2019 and sixth in 2021. He last won in February at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but we think he’s a good price to take a punt on him.
Our second selection is Billy Horschel. The American is no stranger to these shores, and has often professed his liking for this course. He won this event in 2021, and has never been outside the top 10. His average score is a little south of 68, and is 47 under par for the 11 rounds he has played (last year’s event was shortened to three rounds because of the death of Queen Elizabeth II).
He will still be annoyed with his disappointing four-over-par 76 in the final round of the Irish Open last weekend, when he had a chance to win, and is likely to go well this week.
Recommendations:
Rose 1 pt each way, at 33/1, 1/5 the odds for the first 8 places, SkyBet
Horschel 1 pt each way at 30/1, 1/5 the odds for the first 8 places, William Hill
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