"Crans-sur-Sierre is about the worst course on Tour" according to Colin Montogmerie and he won this event in 1996 in a record low score! Wonder what the less successful ones thought about the course! Two years ago Seve Ballesteros was brought in to toughen up the course - it is only 6848 yards long and is played in thin mountain air - and the winning score last year was 7 shots more than the average for 1996-98, but yet criticisms prevailed. Where it not the first event of the Ryder Cup qualification process, this would rank up there with the Madeira Island Opens of the world!
The problem remains the greens which are very crusty, so patience is of the essence. That said, course compatibility table shows that it has been players who are ranked high in greens in regulation that finish highly in this contest. Even on the worst of tracks, the best ball-strikers seem to come to the fore which is some relief from a betting angle. Top-ranked is Lee Westwood who won this event last year, but the odds look far too short at the moment (7/2 - 5/1) and so will be passed over.
Instead better value should be found with Michael Campbell. He finished 15th last year after being in contention throughout and has been a costly go-against several times this year. With Westwood, Clarke and Bjorn in the field he is currently available at 20/1 and above and this looks a good price. Bjorn and Clarke should go close again, but their odds are rather skinny and they could easily be passed over. Will have final outright plays when the tee-times are known.
One early 72-hole play:
Michael Campbell to beat Miguel Angel Jimenez +100 @ Easybets
Jimenez may have been 6th and 7th the last two years on this course, but his form since the US Open has been dreadful. Definitely one to oppose with lesser-fancied players
The problem remains the greens which are very crusty, so patience is of the essence. That said, course compatibility table shows that it has been players who are ranked high in greens in regulation that finish highly in this contest. Even on the worst of tracks, the best ball-strikers seem to come to the fore which is some relief from a betting angle. Top-ranked is Lee Westwood who won this event last year, but the odds look far too short at the moment (7/2 - 5/1) and so will be passed over.
Instead better value should be found with Michael Campbell. He finished 15th last year after being in contention throughout and has been a costly go-against several times this year. With Westwood, Clarke and Bjorn in the field he is currently available at 20/1 and above and this looks a good price. Bjorn and Clarke should go close again, but their odds are rather skinny and they could easily be passed over. Will have final outright plays when the tee-times are known.
One early 72-hole play:
Michael Campbell to beat Miguel Angel Jimenez +100 @ Easybets
Jimenez may have been 6th and 7th the last two years on this course, but his form since the US Open has been dreadful. Definitely one to oppose with lesser-fancied players
