2011 Australian Open: Best bets and dark horses

Rather than trying to pick the winner, here are a few smarter bets and a few long shots for the Australian Open starting tomorrow.

If you know my golf betting style, you’ll know that picking a winner isn’t the way I like to go. Especially given the strong field at this week’s Australian Open at The Lakes in Sydney.

It is the Top-25’s and Top-10’s that are worth keeping an eye on and there are a few golfers flying under the radar this week who you should be watching out for.

Best bets
John Senden (Top-25)
Ever since (and even a few weeks before) Senden missed out on Presidents Cup selection, he’s been playing very well. He has finished Top-20 in his five of his last nine starts including two top-10s.

Matt Kuchar (Top-25)
Kuchar is also one of my picks to win the tournament but if he doesn’t, he will be in the hunt on Sunday. This is a certain bet given that out of all 25 starts on the PGA tour this year, he finished 25th or better on 19 occasions.

Andre Stolz (Top 10)
With two tournaments to go, Stolz is well ahead on the OneAsia Tour order of merit. He has won twice this year and finished a shot behind at last week’s NSW PGA Championship. Could surprise this week.

Dark horses
But if you’re looking for a big winner this week and want to put a bet on to have some fun and see if you can win big. These guys are a silly chance, at rather large odds.

Peter Senior ($81)
This price for a Peter Senior win reflects his age only. If you were to factor in his Champions Tour form, it would be much lower. He may be dwarfed by the American long hitting brigade this week but is wily enough to eke out some good early scores. If he’s in contention Saturday, he won’t be anywhere near $81.

James Nitties $81
Until thwarted by a nasty flu and missing his 12:30pm tee time a few weeks ago, Nitties was all set to join the PGA Tour next year. He will be keen to bounce back, has been playing well and possibly a good Top-25 bet too.

Andre Stolz $67
As above, he’s a sneaky chance this week but may get out-hit by some of the big boys.