World Cup Golf Tips: Netherlands

The World Cup of Golf is a unique and fascinating event, but it isn’t a betting market where you want to be taking a short price. Good individuals don’t necessarily make for good pairings.

At 33/1 (William Hill) The Netherlands look an attractive bet. Firstly the pairing of Joost Luiten and Robert-Jan Derksen have experience of playing together. They came through qualifying in Estonia at the start of August, finishing second behind Austria but clear of the chasing pack. In such a rare format any sort of experience is vital and certainly gives them an edge over many of these teams.

Qualification seemed to kick-start Luiten’s year and he is now one of the hottest golfers on the planet. Since that World Cup qualifier, his finishes on the European Tour are 15-6-3-6-29-11-MC-5-1.

That win was secured only last week in Malaysia - the 25-year-old’s maiden tour victory. He should still be on a high at Mission Hills and can continue his good run of form.

As partners go, he has been lucky to find Robert-Jan Derksen. A veteran of four World Cups, the pairing has the perfect blend of youth and experience. It is fair to say the 37-year-old hasn’t enjoyed his best season, but lying 82nd in the Race to Dubai, his form is adequate.

Both players don’t need to be firing at the same time, dovetailing is key and The Netherlands look a team more than the sum of their parts. At 33/1 with William Hill they are the best value of the outsiders. Back them each way and get ¼ odds for a top four finish.