BMW Masters

Subscribe

Louis Oosthuizen to beat Charl Schwartzel - 7.5 points @ 4-5 (Bet365)

It seems a long time ago that Schwartzel won his Major and, to be honest, he has done little since to think he is up for winning a big World event any time soon.

Schwartzel was opposed last week in this market after some average displays and he seems to be getting worse. Finishes outside the top-20 are commonplace and last weeks effort in Perth was pathetic, continuing a streak of poor stats. He seems to have lost it off the tee, well out with irons and seemingly unable to putt his way out of trouble he looks in need of a break and a rethink. There is a case for him based on regional form amd he was 4th in last years HSBC, but it is stretching the point to think he is anywhere like the player he was. In fact, his recent form reminds me of the slump that Martin Kaymer suffered not long after winning his Major and he has to be avoided like the plague.

As Schwartzel was missing the cut in Oz, his compatriot Louis Oosthuizen was a fast-finishing 4th in the OneAsia China Masters, a far more suitable warm-up for this week's test. Oosthuizen was another to face problems after his Open win, but he has recovered his form superbly and should have won far more than two events this season. Take away his effort in the Alfred Dunhill Links and his form is extremely consistent with four top-10s in his last seven events, including the Bridegstone Invitational and Barclays. Certainly his tee-to-green stats read different level to that of his oppo and his iron play has been excellent throughout the past six months.

Oosthuizen has equally impressive stats in China, with last weeks 4th backed up with a 7th in the 2011 HSBC and three other top-20s in eight starts. Overall form suggests there may be little between them, but they are poles apart on form over the past three months or so, and Oosthuizen must be the happier and more confident player coming into this week.