2016 Olympics: Men's Golf Preview & Betting Tips

2016 Olympics: Men’s Golf Preview & Betting Tips

Where: Olympic Golf Course, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: Thursday 11^th August (9:00pm first tee)

Golf returns to the Olympics after a 112-year hiatus. It was last played at the 1904 Olympic games in St. Louis, Missouri. Back then Glen Echo Country Club measured at around 6000 yards. Fast forward to 2016 where the new Olympic Golf Course will measure in at almost 7200 yards. We can thank technology and evolution for the extra 1000 yards. Where will golf be in another 100 years?

The course itself looks like a traditional links-style golf course. That’s why the Open Champion Henrik Stenson is a clear favourite at $6.50. However, after following twitter comments and also the thoughts of Australian team manager Ian Baker-Finch. I now believe this course will play more like a soft Asian Tour course.
There has been comments of its very “sand belty” referring to the likeness in the Melbourne sand belt courses (such as Royal Melbourne & Kingston Heath). Although, Ian Baker-Finch responded with “It looks like home but doesn’t play like home” the grasses are much grabbier and the course is playing very soft. He believes they have watered it too much so it looks green on the television.

Keep an eye out for the wildlife. Ricky Fowler had the pleasure of meeting some locals in a practice round. They came in the form of a Caiman (miniature crocodile) and some Capybaras (or Giant Rats). Golfers will also be sharing the course with Boa constrictors, monkeys and my favourite Sloths.

The greens are running at a sluggish 10.5 on the stimp-meter. The best players in the world are a custom to much faster greens and may find it harder to adjust. The weather forecast looks perfect for golf with temperatures between 22-28 degrees and a slight breeze. I will be staying away from the short priced favourites as there are many golfers at higher odds with a great chance to win.

 Jhonattan Vegas

My first choice is the almost-local Venezuelan born Jhonattan Vegas. When Vegas fired a final round 64 and won the Canadian Open at the end of July he was immediately on my radar for the Olympics. Vegas is hitting over 70% of greens in regulation this season (tied 4^th) and he is no stranger to a round in the low 60’s. He will have plenty of support in Rio and looks like a great value play.
Tip: Jhonattan Vegas to win outright - $67 at crownbet
+ Vegas to win a medal - $23 at crownbet

Emiliano Grillo

This would be a good story if the young Argentinian could win gold. Earlier this week he tweeted that American Airlines had lost his golf clubs. After a few days’ things weren’t looking promising until earlier today when Grillo was reunited with his clubs. I’m sure the club house would have had a hire set for Grillo if the Airline didn’t pull through. Despite the distraction Grillo is playing some great golf finishing 12^th in the Open Championship and 13^th in the PGA Championship.
Tip: Emiliano Grillo to win outright - $29 at crownbet

Thongchai Jaidee

Representing Thailand, Thongchai Jaidee is a great world golfer. He plays on the European Tour, the PGA Tour and the Asian Tour. He won the French Open in July and currently sits 14^th in the Race to Dubai standings.
Tip: Thongchai Jaidee to win outright - $56 at sportsbet
+ Jaidee top Asian player - $5.50 at sportsbet

Marcus Fraser

Aussie Aussie Aussie. Marcus Fraser is currently leading the Asian Tour with over $600,000 US in earnings. He won the Malaysian Championship and finished 2^nd at the Panasonic Open. Fraser drives the ball very straight and if the course does play soft he is a much better chance than his odds suggest.
Tip: Marcus Fraser to win outright - $151 at crownbet
+ Fraser to win a medal - $51 at crownbet