The DP World Tour heads to Melbourne for the Australian Open, promising intense competition and key updates. Who will prevail, and what is the best bet for this week’s event? Read on for our expert preview and to find the best tips and analysis.
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Golf betting tips: Australian Open
Who Will Master Melbourne’s Sandbelt This Year?
- The Sandbelt courses demand top-tier scrambling, with past winners ranking among the best in this category.
- Jordan Smith’s driving accuracy aligns perfectly with the narrow fairways at Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club.
- The tournament’s unpredictable weather often rewards players with adaptive shot-making skills.
Our Tips
Best Bet: Justin Thomas to Win | |
12/1 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Justin Thomas, with elite approach play and tee-to-green strength, is a top contender for the Nedbank Golf Challenge, perfectly suited to the Gary Player Country Club's precision demands. | |
The Australian Open is one of the most storied events in golf, steeped in tradition and prestige. First held in 1904, this tournament has long been a fixture on the PGA Tour of Australia. The winner is awarded the illustrious Stonehaven Cup, a symbol of excellence in golf. Although its global prominence has slightly waned since being dubbed the “fifth major” by Jack Nicklaus, the Open remains a coveted title, attracting both local and international stars.
This year’s edition unfolds on Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt courses, with Kingston Heath Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club sharing hosting duties. Known for their challenging layouts and strategic demands, these courses provide the perfect backdrop for a tournament that blends history with contemporary skill. The first two rounds will alternate between the two venues, with the weekend’s final stages set exclusively at Kingston Heath. Both layouts require precision and strategy, with narrow fairways, unforgiving bunkers, and fast greens offering no respite to even the most seasoned professionals.
Last year’s champion, Adrian Meronk, conquered this layout with a formidable display, highlighting the need for scrambling prowess and a sharp short game. As players descend upon Melbourne, the stage is set for another thrilling showdown, with unpredictable weather and course complexity sure to play a significant role in shaping the leaderboard.
Best Bet for the Australian Open: Jordan Smith to Win
Jordan Smith stands out as a prime contender for this year’s Australian Open. His consistency and technical precision make him ideally suited for the challenging Sandbelt courses. The layouts at Kingston Heath and Victoria demand exceptional scrambling skills and a strong putting game, areas where Smith excels. His ability to recover from tricky positions, combined with his approach to the green, offers him a significant advantage in navigating these complex layouts.
Key to Smith’s prospects is his driving accuracy. With fairways as tight as those at Kingston Heath and Victoria, staying in play off the tee is essential. Smith’s statistics underline his capability in this department, boasting driving accuracy that will likely put him in favourable positions throughout the tournament. Moreover, his performance in pressure situations suggests he has the mental fortitude to thrive amidst the challenges posed by Melbourne’s Sandbelt courses.
Smith’s adaptability is another factor that cannot be overlooked. These courses often test players with variable conditions, including windy days that demand creative shot-making. His past performances on similarly demanding courses demonstrate his ability to adjust and maintain his composure, a trait that could prove decisive as the competition progresses.
Given the unique demands of the Australian Open and Smith’s aptitude for such conditions, he is well-placed to challenge for the title. The synergy of his skillset with the courses’ characteristics positions him as a smart pick to claim the Stonehaven Cup.
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