The BMW South African Open | 07 January – 10 January | Glendower Golf Club
Written by Matt Cee for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
The European Tour is making a much-anticipated comeback this week at the Glendower Golf Club, running from the 7th to the 10th of January. While some of the bigger names are sitting out the South African leg, there’s no shortage of talent eager to take on the challenge. Keep an eye on stars like Branden Grace and Andy Sullivan, both of whom showed impressive form last year, making them tough contenders for the title.
Adding intrigue to the tournament are local legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen — two players who would dearly love to clinch a victory in this event, which surprisingly has never been won by a South African. Will this year change that narrative? We’re all on the edge of our seats!
About the course: Glendower Golf Club is a demanding, tight, tree-lined course stretching 7,500 yards. Don’t be fooled into thinking it favours big hitters, though. Thanks to the altitude, the ball travels much further, so precision is key. Success hinges on avoiding the numerous bunkers and water hazards peppered throughout, as those who navigate these with ease are likely to post low scores.
This tournament poses an exciting question — will one of our own finally take home the trophy, or will an outsider claim the spoils once again? Let’s dive into the contenders:
Top Picks to Win Outright
Branden Grace: 33/10
Andy Sullivan: 8/1
Jaco van Zyl: 18/1
Gregory Bourdy: 22/1
Romain Wattel: 25/1
Value Bets to Watch
Lee Slattery (45/1 to win, 99/10 to place)
Among the international participants, Lee Slattery stands out as a strong value pick. His iron accuracy and recent putting form have been exceptional. Having finished third last year and having stayed in South Africa over the past few months, he’s well-prepared to tackle Glendower golf course’s challenges. Betting each way on Slattery seems a wise move.
Gregory Bourdy (22/1 to win, 48/10 to place)
Bourdy is another favourite thanks to his fondness for competing in South Africa. Although new to Glendower, his consistent form and precise tee-to-green game make him a threat. Watch closely to see how he performs post-holiday season.
Hennie Otto (60/1 to win, 13/1 to place)
Among the seasoned local players priced around 50/1, Hennie Otto offers notable value. He has a history of strong performances at this event, including a win at the BMG Classic hosted here two years ago. An each-way bet on Otto could pay off with a top 5 finish.
Top Bet:
Branden Grace (33/10 to win, 7/10 to place)
Branden Grace is undoubtedly the in-form player in this field. Despite the relatively short odds, excluding him would be a mistake. Currently ranked within the world top 15, Grace’s consistent success last year ensures he’ll be motivated to start the season strong. With a somewhat lighter field, a win here could quickly boost his ranking. Double down on a win with confidence!
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