The Nedbank Golf Challenge – Africa’s Major – is upon us and it could be the time to back a South African to come out on top, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
Top pick: Tommy Fleetwood (25-1)
Out of the bookies top 15, Fleetwood gets my vote. He’s had a wonderful year and I reckon he’ll take full advantage of Justin Rose’s absence and give himself some breathing room with a good result this week. He was superb into the greens in Turkey and has a decent-ish record at the event.
Next in line: Rafa Cabrera Bello
Value pick: George Coetzee (32-1)
Playing really well since his swing changes took effect. He has four top 15s in his last six starts and knows how to play in these conditions. A home win may be around the corner and Coetzee is a good option to take up if that does happen.
Next in line: Ian Poulter
Outside chance: Dylan Frittelli (59-1)
Won in June. Chipped in five times last week. Shot 64 in the final round. Top-ranked Saffa in the Race to Dubai. These are facts and they all point to a good week for Frittelli on home soil. He’s happy, swinging well and ready to upstage the ‘big guns’.
Next in line: Padraig Harrington
One for record books: Jordan Smith (104-1)
Bit of a bolter but then again those odds tell that story. Englishman have fared well at this event and Smith could jump back into the spotlight with a good showing this week. He was third at the SA Open in January, so that’s another indication that SA could just be a happy hunting ground.
Next in line: Haydn Porteous
