Australian Open

The new DP World Tour season got off to a flyer in Queensland last week, with Aussie superstar Min Woo Lee taking it out in dominant fashion. But with barely enough time to draw breath, competitors will be taking to the tee box at The Australian Golf Club and The Lakes in Sydney for the Australian Open! As impressive as Min Woo Lee was last weekend, Cameron Smith was equally disappointing and will be looking to resurrect his form, while the likes of Adam Scott, Cam Davis, Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert all turned in handy scorecards. Defending champion Adrian Meronk returns, heading a strong contingent of internationals looking to spoil the Aussie party. Let’s try find a winner!

 

WISHTIPS

KEY PLAYERS

Min Woo Lee

We discussed Min Woo Lee’s chances in last year’s PGA Championship and didn’t he deliver, with a final score of 275 to finish 4th. Since then, the Aussie superstar has announced himself on the world stage with some huge performances, earning a temporary PGA Tour card in the process. The Perth-born Lee missed the Top 20 in only one of his nine appearances on the DP World Tour this season, lead The Players heading into the final day back in March and recorded his best result in a Major with a T5 in the US Open. These experiences has brought on some maturity that will hold him in good stead for a big season, potentially kicking off with a win here. Whether it’s in 2023 or in year’s to come, Min Woo will have his name on this trophy at some point. He’s world class.

Price: $6.75

Marc Leishman

Leish returned home and put on a show at Royal Queensland last week, displaying some of the better golf we’ve seen from the big man in a while. A ball striking clinic and some clutch puts saw him finish third with a final score of 268 (-16). This is on the back of an impressive backend to his LIV season where he found himself on the podium twice, so it’s no real shock to see him relish being back on home soil. He looks like he’s relaxed and enjoying himself, which is when the laidback Aussie is at his best. He has a great record at the event and proven performers at The Lakes. A product of Warrnambool, bleak and blustery conditions will bring him right into calculations.

Price: $14

Robert MacIntyre

We discussed Bobby Mac’s chances prior to last weeks event and I thought he did okay in his first start Down Under. With an extra week under his belt to settle and an event to find his groove, I think the Scot is ready to fire. He built really nicely into the event last week, saving his best for the final round where he penciled in a -3 68. Both the course and conditions should serve him well, especially with the wedge in hand and he can make big moves here at a nice price.

Price: $31

Alex Fitzpatrick

Younger brother of major winner Matt Fitzpatrick, 24-year-old Alex is looking to put his own name in lights with a hallmark win on the tour. He only went pro last year, but has put together some nice performances including a 17th at last years Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. Finishing a reputable 18th in his first Australian start, he shot plenty of birdies across the weekend showing he can go low. Playing a softer course in Sydney with predicted rain, the conditions will play to his liking and I think he can find himself within the thick of it come Sunday.

Price: $51

Matt Jones

One worth considering at longer odds is current LIV Tour member and two-time Australian Open winner Matt Jones. He boasts an extraordinary record at the course, boasting a record of two wins and a second in his last three events here. He didn’t enjoy a great season with LIV but his record here alone is food for thought.

Price: $26

WISHTIPS

BETTING STRATEGY

Best Bet: Marc Leishman

Price: $14

Best Roughie: Alex Fitzpatrick

Price: $51