Golf: Dubai Desert Classic Tips

We’re staying in the Middle East this week on the European Tour for the Dubai Desert Classic. After a thrilling Abu Dhabi Championship, which at times, saw the players deal with gusty conditions, the forecast appears to be sunny for the second of the Rolex Series events this season.

Betfred are paying 7 Places for Each Way bets at 1/5 odds for the Dubai Desert Classic.

Thomas Pieters will be on a serious high after his biggest career to win to date in Abu Dhabi, and the Belgian could garner more attention this week.

Anyway, we are very excited about this competition, and we have handpicked three intriguing, and maybe surprising tips to keep you entertained.

Viktor Hovland to win the Dubai Desert Classic @ 10/1 with bet365

Viktor Hovland is one of these players that has a maturity beyond his years, and while from the outset his rapid ascent is surprising, golf aficionados will disagree. The Norwegian – who finished in a tie for fourth on -8 at the Abu Dhabi Championship last week – is calmness personified around the greens, and he just goes from strength to strength.

He may only be 24, but like so many young stars that have broken through, he’s got a bright future ahead of him. And if he could land the Dubai Desert Classic, then he would certainly be making a statement of intent, especially if he wants to win a Major this year.

Anyway, bet365 have installed Hovland as the second favourite at 10/1 to win this week, and it’s hardly a price we can quibble with.

Tyrrell Hatton to secure top 5 finish @ 7/2 with Paddy Power 

He may have had some issues to put it politely with the 18th at Yas Links last week, but Tyrrell Hatton’s talent is undeniable. Getting into the winners’ circle is never easy, especially when you have a world-class field to contend with in Dubai.

Last week, Hatton finished in a tie for seventh along with compatriots Ian Poulter, and James Morrison. Although his temperament has been called into question in past, Hatton could go on a bit of a birdie roll. He could come up short in Dubai, but Paddy Power fancy him for a top-five finish, and they have offered odds of 7/2 for him to do so.

Rory McIlroy to miss the cut @ 7/1 with bet365

It is very rare for Rory McIlroy to miss the cut on the European Tour. While he is currently trading as the favourite with most leading bookmakers, there are some chinks in the Ulsterman’s armour that need to be ironed out.

The problem with McIlroy at the moment, is that he struggles to string together four impeccable rounds of golf, which is what you need to scoop the big prizes. He was lucky to make the weekend at the Abu Dhabi Championship as he was right on the cut line.

Although he is a two-time Dubai Desert Classic winner, you can get 7/1 with bet365 for him to miss the cut this weekend, which perhaps isn’t as long as you might think.