For Whom will the Abu Dhabi Do?

Posted on January 14th, 2009 by admin

Defending Champ Martin Kaymer

World Number Two and Race to Dubai leader Sergio Garcia joins current Major Champions Padraig Harrington and Trevor Immelman as the headline acts in a high profile production for the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, the first leg of The European Tour’s exciting three-week ‘Gulf Swing’.

With a ‘supporting’ cast containing 2007 champion Paul Casey, defending champion Martin Kaymer, eight time European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie, World Number 12 Henrik Stenson and his Ryder Cup team-mates Miguel Angel Jiménez and Oliver Wilson, as well as rising stars Ross Fisher and Rory McIlroy, the 2009 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship has genuine ‘blockbuster’ potential.

Henrik Stenson

With such a strong field at such an early part of the season, it is always difficult to pick a winner. It is worth noting though that Henrik Stenson (8/1) has yet to finish outside the top ten in his three previous starts at this track. He stays in the gulf now also so is well acclimatised to the conditions. Furthermore his form at the tail end of 2008 was excellent and if he maintains that he should contend strongly. He can also be backed at 11/8 to be the top ranked Scandanvian, which I think is a good bet.

Obviously, Sergio Garcia (8/1) and Padraig Harrington (13/1) can always be trusted to give you a run for your money. In terms of outsiders, Rory McIlroy (20/1) has had a strong start to The Race to Dubai and if he can bring his “A game”, he can challenge. Elsewhere, Ross Fisher (33/1) and Owen Wilson (50/1) look intriguing value.

However, my outside tip this week is Charl Schwartzel (40/1), who I also tipped last week and was placed. Charl is a long hitter which will stand him in good stead around here, is in good form and has finished in the top 10 twice in his last three appearances here. He certianly represents good value and is worth an each-way bet.

Therefore, Henrik Stenson (8/1) to reign supreme with Charl Schwartzel (40/1) occupying a top 5 finish.