Seve Trophy Betting Guide

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THE LOWDOWN

It really must be said that as far as team events go, the Seve Trophy is a poor relation to the rest. None of the three previous runnings have really captured the imagination, all won by GB and Ireland.

Mostly though, its the lack of any real rivalry between two sets of European Tour regulars who would normally be far more interested in qualifying to play alongside one another in the Ryder Cup.

BETTING FACTORS

Once again GB and Ireland start favourites with a marginally stronger side on paper that includes world stars Rose, Casey and Montgomerie. There?s plenty of inexperience in their ranks this time though, with the likes of Oliver Wilson, Graeme Storm and Marc Warren hardly among the European Tour elite.

As for the continental Europeans, they may lack the world status of the three Brits, but there?s plenty of quality running through the side. Their weakest player is probably Greg Havret, who has at least won a couple of times including the prestigious Scottish Open in July.

I wouldn?t take the one-sided view of bookmakers here, and expect to see a typically close matchplay encounter. At 13/8, the Europeans definitely look the value.

TOP PICKS

The team scorer markets really do look a bit of a lottery. As in Canada, only two players from each side will miss out on playing the maximum number of matches so everyone has a decent chance of top scoring.

It?s hard to back Casey or Monty for top GB and Ireland honours after the former?s withdrawal last week and the latter?s shocking final day at The Belfry when in contention. Justin Rose, having spent the whole year competing at the very highest level, could be forgiven for lacking a little motivation here.

For an interest, I?m going in here with PHILIP ARCHER at 14/1, on the basis of his excellent recent form. Having finished runner-up twice this month already, this could be a chance for some minor consolation.

And for the Europeans, I?ll have a crack on one of Seve?s wild-card picks, the excellent young Spanish prospect, GONZALO FERNANDEZ-CASTANO. I?m sure Seve will want him to play in all five matches especially given his youth.

ADVISED BETS

10pts CONTINENTAL EUROPE @ 13/8 (BET365, PADDY POWER, SKYBET)

TOP GB & IRELAND POINTS SCORER

1.5pts ew PHILIP ARCHER @ 14/1 (BETFRED, LADBROKES)

TOP CONTINENTAL EUROPE POINTS SCORER

2pts ew GONZALO FERNANDEZ-CASTANO @ 12/1 (PADDY POWER)