Danny Willett, Lee Westwood and Luke Donald are also competing this week, while Sarah Stirk reacts to the dramatic events at St Andrews
It is a reflection of the prolific global golfing calendar that, just days after the Open Championship witnessed one of the most thrilling finishes in its 144-year history, the focus of both players and followers is already on future tournaments.
The European Tour and PGA Tour – having been united at St Andrews – go their separate ways this week at the Omega European Masters and RBC Canadian Open respectively.
Sergio Garcia heads to the stunning Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland and, despite a nine-year absence from the event, is considered the man to beat. It is with good reason, too: the Spaniard’s last three visits to the course have yielded top-four finishes, while his confidence will be high after sharing sixth place at the Home of Golf.
15/2 – Sergio Garcia to win the Omega European Masters
Danny Willett, who led the Open at various stages before finishing alongside Garcia and Justin Rose – joining the latter as the tournament’s top-performing Briton – is another player who knows his way around, having added a top-five spot last year to the runner-up position he claimed in 2012.
Willett will play his first two rounds alongside defending champion David Lipsky, who is seeking to become the first player since the legendary Seve Ballesteros in 1978 to retain the title, and 1999 winner Lee Westwood, who is teeing up at the event for the first time since 2011.
14/1 – Danny Willett to win the Omega European Masters
Jason Day and Luke Donald are just two of the names who have crossed the Atlantic to take their place in the field at Glen Abbey GC – home of the Royal Canadian Golf Association – and are both experienced enough to overcome any feelings of fatigue.
Day was visibly distraught after missing out on the claret jug play-off, ultimately finishing one shot back in tied fourth despite closing with two bogey-free rounds. But the Australian has demonstrated admirable resolve in the past and it would be of no surprise if he justified his place as tournament favourite on Sunday.
8/1 – Jason Day to win the RBC Canadian Open
Donald, meanwhile, followed his tied-seventh finishes at the Travelers Championship and Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open respectively with a share of 12th at the Open. The Englishman continues to show signs of returning to the form that elevated him to world number one just four years ago and is due a tournament victory.
22/1 – Luke Donald to win the RBC Canadian Open
Unsurprisingly, Open champion Zach Johnson and runner-up Louis Oosthuizen – plus two-time major champion Jordan Spieth – are not in action this week. Their exploits at the Home of Golf drew admiration from Sky Sports Golf presenter and Betway brand ambassador Sarah Stirk.
“I don’t know many who picked Zach, but it goes without saying that he’s one of the best wedge players in the game,” said Sarah. “I also think he’s underrated as a competitor – he’s one of the toughest guys out there when it comes to battling it out. He’s not intimidated by anyone and loves the heat of competition.
“Louis had a great week, as expected – he simply didn’t putt well enough. He had so many chances on the final day. He’s an unbelievable player, but sometimes that’s his slight weakness.”
Sarah added: “I think it’s amazing to think Jordan nearly won despite putting poorly all week. That shows, firstly, how good he is, secondly, his ability to grind out scores when he’s not on and, thirdly, his unbelievable competitive spirit.
“It was a lovely touch for him to come out and congratulate Zach following his victory. He said post-round how much he was looking forward to the US PGA Championship next month – that speaks volumes about him.”
