British Masters Tip: Aaron Rai

The British Masters has provided breakout wins for the likes of Matt Fitzpatrick and Paul Dunne in recent years and it can provide the launch pad for Aaron Rai’s professional career. The 23-year-old is enjoying a fine first full season on the European Tour, sat 69th on the Race to Dubai and there is plenty to like about his game.

A terrific ball-striker he doesn’t miss many fairways or greens and that led to him winning three times on the Challenge Tour last season. His best results this year have been top-10s at the Indian Open, BMW international and Scottish Open but he could eclipse those at Walton Heath.

The Surrey course is one that has been kind to him in the past. The Old and New are used for US Open Qualifying (they are playing the Old this week) and he topped Qualifying in 2017 after rounds of 64-66. This year he missed out on qualifying in a playoff but he should great spirit to bounce back from a 73 with a 66 when many players would have quit halfway through. It’s obviously a course he fancies his chances on; even in adversity.

A run of form that reads 24-MC-MC-MC-MC isn’t hugely encouraging btu he was unlucky last week when getting the worst of the weather at Carnoustie. To his credit he bounced back from a 78 with rounds of 68-68. That has been the story of recent events, good rounds mixed in with bad but there are enough positive signs to warrant an investment at 150/1.