Scottish Open

FINAL RESULT: 2-1; +12.00pts

Goosen 44th
Clarke 2nd
Clark 1st

Great result, just the wrong way around! Clark looked as shaky as expected when he took the lead on Saturday, but not on Sunday and the place-only play turned out to be the least profitable option. Clarke did play extremely well and could have easily won this event himself, but for losing a poor inward half on Saturday. Profitable event, but still plenty to rue!

Further outright play (total stake: 1.5pts)

Tim Clark to finish in the top-five 7/1 @ Centrebet and IASbet
This is an event that, bar Tom Lehman, has always been won by a European Tour player and while Clark is not that, at least he has won twice on this Tour with a couple of wins in the South African Open. Those are his only Tour wins to date, so the place-only option looks the best market here, though he has been showing enough form to suggest that he should go close again. In the last three years here, he has finished 3rd, 24th and 5th, and has he finished in the top-15 in his three PGA Tour events in June, including a 3rd place finish in the U.S. Open. And if that is not a good enough indicator of his form, he has just finished 2nd in the JP McManus Invitational against a very strong field.

Outright plays (total stake per play: 1.5pts)

Retief Goosen to win 12/1 e.w. @ Sportingbet, Sporting Odds, Victor Chandler and Ladbrokes
The event boasts a very impressive roll-call of winners and that includes Goosen in 2001. Only once since 1997 has he finished outside the top-15 here and showing very good form before the winds caused mayhem at the K Club last week. With that being his first event since the U.S. Open, he should still be fresh for this event and looks more likely to win here than Els or Mickelson.

Darren Clarke to win 20/1 e.w. available generally
Clarke had looked in even better form before the winds rose last week. That he finished with so well and earned the "highest-finishing Irishman" award will give him good impetus heading into this week and he will also be fresh from having spent time away from the golf course. His course form is not as good, but top-25 finishes in every year bar one and a 2nd place finish two years is good enough to suggest that he may finally convert one of his chances for victory this year.