2012 Perth International: 5 dark horses

Here are a few golfers who may slip under the radar this week at Lake Karrinyup.

We’ve already taken a look at the favourites for this week’s Perth International at Lake Karrinyup but what about the other guys who could win? The lesser known golfers who are in a bit of form and may surprised us all.

With an emphasis on form, here’s five golfers (+1) who may have slipped under your radar and may pay to keep a close eye on this week.

Lorenzo Gagli ($51)
The 27-year-old Italian has struggled to find the consistency he had last year and a 12th place finish in Portugal was Gagli’s best finish of the year. On top of five consecutive cuts made and a string of decent finishes, Gagli is ready for a shot at a big tournament and it may happen this week.

Scott Jamieson ($51)
This Scot was on fire in 2011. So much so I thought Scott Jamieson was going to be the next great Scottish golfer. Things haven’t gone so well for Jamieson since but his recent tournaments show that maybe his game has come back with the highlight at the KLM Open last month where he lead going into the final round before finishing fourth.

Matt Griffin ($51)
Matt Griffin is having a great year. He won on the OneAsia Tour in early September and played some good golf to finish second in New Calendonia a few weeks ago after travelling back from the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland. Will feature on Sunday if he gets off to a strong start.

David Howell ($71)
The veteran Englishman hasn’t had a stellar year by any means, but much like Gagli, he’s begun to show some consistency in recent weeks. It’s worth remembering that Howell is one of the few golfers in the field this week with experience at Lake Karrinyup. He finished in a tie for 17th and 18th in the 2002 and 2003 Johnnie Walker Classic’s when it was played here so he knows the course well.

Steve Webster ($71)
Englishman Steve Webster is no stranger to Australian shores and notches up a tie for 21st at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth back in 2006 and a tie for 11th at the 2009 Australian Masters. Coming off a good finish at the Portugal Masters and a Top-20 at the Dunhill Links Championship.

+1
Peter Wilson ($161)
Last week’s winner in Kalgoorlie, I’m surprised Peter Wilson is at these sorts of odds. Form means a lot in any sport and it’s no different in golf. Could surprise and a top-25 is not beyond him at the very least.