Golf Outsider: Irish Open

It is the Irish Open this week and with such a strong field it means the choice of outsiders is overflowing! To whittle it down we can look at in-form players, players with good form on links and coastal courses, and to a lesser extent tournament form, as the championship visits Royal Portrush for the first time.

Irish Open Selections
Irishman Shane Lowry looks a good place to start having won this event as a 1000/1 amateur in County Lough. His most recent form is not exactly eye-catching with three missed cuts, but he has two top-7 finishes this season, both of which were at tracks near the sea. He finished 4th at the Harry Colt designed Wentworth last year, who also happens to have designed the course here at Royal Portrush. I think he could be the surprise package of the home players.
Recommended Bet: Shane Lowry at 110.0 (Betfair)

Joost Luiten looks overpriced considering his second place in Wales just two starts ago. He continued his good form at the BMW International before fading over the weekend. His only main Tour win came at the Iskandar Johor Open – just 2 miles from the coast and he has other links/coastal form with a 2nd in the 2007 KLM Open and a 9th at the Dunhill Links last year.
Recommended Bet: Joost Luiten at 85.0 (Betfair)

One man who may feel the tournament owes him something is Richard Green. After finishing second last year, 5th in 2010, and 4th in 2007, he obviously relishes the challenge that the Emerald Isle presents. Growing up on the blustery coasts of Melbourne this should come as no surprise. He is in great form with three top 12 finishes in his last 8 starts, including an 11th at the Sicilian Open.
Recommended Bet: Richard Green at 140.0 (Betfair)