After Justin Rose's historic US Open triumph, the European Tour heads to Germany this week for the BMW International Open.
The BMW International Open is traditionally one of the most popular events on the European Tour schedule, and the strength of field this year reflects that.
The likes of Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Matteo Manassero and Paul Casey have all made the trip from Merion Golf Club to take part.
The BMW International Open is generally a low-scoring event, and the Golfclub Munchen Eichenried - the soon-to-be 21-time tournament host - should offer up numerous birdies.
As such, long hitters, sound putters and those capable of going on low-scoring runs should be considered this week.
Garcia is the 12/1 favourite with Ladbrokes, and whilst he's had success here before, I think there are better options in the field.
Henrik Stenson, at 14/1 with Ladbrokes, is one of those. The Swede has enjoyed a fine resurgence over the past 12 months, and his newfound confidence has translated into some impressive recent performances. He played some excellent golf at last week's US Open en route to a tie for 21st, his fifth top-26 finish in his last six European Tour starts. He currently ranks 18th on tour in Driving Distance and ninth in Greens in Regulation, a potentially deadly combination at the BMW International Open.
Joose Luiten, at 25/1 with Ladbrokes, can't be ignored at such a price. The Dutchman won his second European Tour even at the Lyoness Open two weeks ago, his last outing on tour. He's recorded three top 15s in his last six starts, and he currently ranks sixth in Driving Accuracy, 12th in Stroke Average and 23rd in Greens in Regulation. He's also shown form at the BMW International Open in the past, finishing tied for third in 2011 and 10th in 2010.
Paul Casey, at 40/1 with Ladbrokes, is slowly but surely clawing his way back up the world rankings. Sky Sports commentator Ewan Murray suggested last week that he'd win in the next two months, and I tend to agree with him. He played some fine golf at the US Open and he's swinging the club as well as he has done in a long while, as highlighted by his current third-place ranking in the Greens in Regulation statistics. Felipe Aguilar, at 50/1 with Ladbrokes, has been playing some solid golf this season. The Chilean finished second at the Open de Espana, eighth at the Volvo China Open and ninth in his last outing at the Nordea Masters. What's more, Aguilar has a good record in the BMW International Open, finishing 11th in 2011 and tied fourth in 2009. Paul Waring, at 100/1 with Ladbrokes, is a good outside bet this week. The Englishman has notched three top 15s in his last six starts, including a tie for fifth at the Lyoness Open - his last European Tour outing. He looks on course to retain his card for next season, and I wouldn't be surprised if he recorded his maiden European Tour victory this year. Waring also finished 11th at the BMW International Open in 2010.
BMW International Open advised bets:
3pts each way on Henrik Stenson at 14/1 with Ladbrokes 2pts each way on Joost Luiten at 25/1 with Ladbrokes 2pts each way on Paul Casey at 40/1 with Ladbrokes 2pts each way on Felipe Aguilar at 50/1 with Ladbrokes 1pt each way on Paul Waring at 100/1 with Ladbrokes
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