The European Tour heads back to Asia this week for the Shenzhen International Open from the Genzon Golf Club in Longgang, Schenzhen, China. It is only the second edition of this tournament that is con-sanctioned by the European Tour and the China Golf Association with an intriguing field led by Bubba Watson and the defending champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
Event Details
Event: Shenzhen International Open
Category: EPGA
Date: April 21-24
Location: Genzon Golf Club, Longgang, Schenzhen, China
The fact that this will be just the second edition of the Shenzhen International Open doesn’t leave us much to work with in terms of evaluating how this field could potentially fare although the 2014 China Open was hosted by this course as well. Aphibarnrat won this event in 2015 with Alex Levy coming out on top at the 2014 China Open.
2015 Shenzhen International Open Winner: Kiradech Aphibarnrat -12
2014 China Open Winner: Alex Levy -19
What To Know About The Course
Driving Distance could be a major factor here after Levy had the best score on those holes when he won the 2014 China Open. Aphibarnrat fared well on the long holes as well last year including an eagle on the par five 17th so it could be something to watch out for this week. Jason Dufner once described this course as being very similar to mission Hills and he pointed out the fast greens. It’s also important to keep in mind the potential home advantage that is in play with several golfers from China in the mix as well. Home-field advantage isn’t something that we often talk about in golf – and many people will feel it’s even less relevant after Sergio Garcia failed to cash in on his home territory last week – but it could come into play this weekend.
The Field
The world No. 4 Watson will lead this year’s field as somewhat of a surprise returnee after he placed 28th at this event a year ago. Watson is still the betting favorite at +500 odds but it might be better to look elsewhere when it comes to picking a winner for this event. Aphibarnrat is an option as the 2015 winner and he is listed right behind Watson at +1200 odds. Meanwhile, Joost Luiten, Ross Fisher and the 2014 China Open winner Levy round out the top of the list when it comes to the favorite for this week’s tournament. Hao Tong Li could make for an intriguing deep sleeper option if you buy in to the home advantage for this week as he is listed at +5500 odds to win the Schenzhen Open outright.
A Good Matchup To Bet: Ross Fisher over Bubba Watson
Watson will head halfway around the world to China in his first start since falling apart at The Masters and we are betting against a strong performance. He struggled at this course last year and we will double down on another disappointing outing by betting against him with Fisher as a strong matchup play. Fisher is coming off a sixth-place finish at the Open de Espana and he placed third in the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions last November. Factor in that he placed 15th at this event last year and it’s enough to convince us he will edge out Watson as a strong underdog play matched up with Watson this week.
Top Five Pick: Kiradech Aphibarnrat
Aphibarnrat is coming off a respectable 15th place finish at The Masters and he certainly has the best course form out of the entrants in this field. He should have an edge this week with familiarity and experience coming in to play, which some bettors might overlook. Aphibarnrat is the best bet on the board to pick as the outright winner this week so it only makes sense to bank on him delivering with a top-five finish at the very least.
Top 10 Odds To Win The Shenzen International
Bubba Watson 6/1
Joost Luiten 13/1
Kiradech Aphibarnrat 13/1
Ross Fisher 19/1
Tommy Fleetwood 21/1
Victor Dubuisson 23/1
Alexander Levy 26/1
Peter Uihlein 26/1
Julien Quesne 34/1
Pablo Larrazabal 34/1
Peter Hanson 34/1
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