The DP World Tour continues its tour of the Middle East with the Bahrain Golf Championship 2024, where Rasmus Hojgaard, second last week in the UAE, is once again a single figure prize to continue his excellent record in this part of the world. The Dane found only compatriot Thorbjorn Olesen one too good at The Ras Al Khaimah Championship, with ‘Thunderbear’ blitzing the field during Rounds 2 and 3.
Olesen went on a run of 18 birdies in 32 holes during his middle rounds last week, following Friday’s 62 with a 63 on Saturday and has taken the week off to put his feet up as a result. That leaves his Danish peer Rasmus as the well-supported market leader for the second consecutive week.
Bahrain Golf Championship 2024 prices from kwiff
– Rasmus Hojgaard 8.40
– Yannik Paul 15.10
– Keita Nakajima 17.30
– Jordan Smith 17.40
– Zander Lombard 19.30
– Antoine Rozner 21.0
– Sebastian Soderberg21.50
– Alex Fitzpatrick 23.50
30.0 Bar
Rasmus is undoubtedly the best raw talent in the field and it’s still amazing to think that he, and indeed his twin Nicolai playing this week on the PGA Tour at Pebble Beach, is just 22 years of age. The talented ball-striker is already a four-time winner on the DP World Tour, but you would worry about his decision-making and his course management. Nevertheless, he still hits the ball a mile off the tee and is likely to make plenty of birdies but is short enough at 8.40.
Market Movers
Others who have shortened in the market after good weeks in the United Arab Emirates include Frenchman Yannik Paul, Japan youngster Keita Nakajima and Sebastian Soderberg. The latter, put up at a tasty price last week, had to settle for a T9 finish after an excellent start and the Swede continues to be frustrating tee-to-green. He’s short enough given his questionable temperament.
Bradon’s Back
The market has heavily contracted with Olesen’s defection and the money for the likes of Hojgaard and Paul, but that only means there is value elsewhere and chances taken on those at bigger prices. One of whom is South African Brandon Stone who is back after regaining his card late last year on The Challenge Tour. The 30 year old, a three-time winner on tour, has spoken of rediscovering his love of the game and seems to be in a good place in life.
Stone challenged well last week, finishing T4 (despite three bogeys on the back nine on Sunday, in what was his best finish since winning The Limpopo Championship on The Sunshine Tour all the way back in 2021. He looks sure to go well at a tasty price again this week.
Magic Mike
Another who is entering the twilight of his career is Mike Lorenzo-Vera, but father time isn’t calling on the Frenchman who continues to churn out results on tour. The 39 year old was unable to capitalise on an excellent start in UAE, entering the weekend just five off the lead and eventually finishing T9 after a bogey-free round of 69 on Sunday. Should the putter catch fire he has to have tremendous each-way claims.
Callum Can Challenge
Englishman Callum Shinkwin was arguably the biggest disappointment of the week, having started with eleven birdies on Thursday in a sensational opening round of 62. Shinkwin was well-backed all week to go well and looked poised to challenge when entering the weekend just one behind leader Manuel Elvira. Nevertheless, he struggled on Saturday in windy conditions making four bogeys on a fairly soft course.
Such is his streaky nature that he could easily produce another low-round and I expect him to learn from last week’s mistakes. He remains a huge challenge on tour.
Bahrain Golf Championship 2024 Selections
– Callum Shinkwin at 41.0 (9.0 for Top 5 Finish)
– Brandon Stone at 68.0 (12.60 for Top 5 Finish)
– Mike Lorenzo-Vera at 85.0 (16.60 Top 5 Finish)
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By Jack Milner
