Colin Montgomerie hasn't been quite the same since twisting his ankle in Druids Glen, has he? It makes the odds of 7 to 1 on him winning the Volvo Scandinavian Masters at the European Tour Club in Stockholm this week appear a mite mean, especially given the quality of the opposition.
Monty is actually a roaring hot favourite to land the title and is five points ahead of Jesper Parnevik, a past winner of this title and someone who normally revels in front of his home crowd. Indeed, this particular tournament has always attracted huge attendances and the stadium-designed course at Stockholm should suit long, straight hitters.
Using that criteria, another man of viking extraction - not a Swede - could emerge as the man to watch this week. Thomas Bjorn is enjoying his best season since pipping Padraig Harrington for the rookie of the year award two seasons ago and the Dane is on offer at 14 to 1 to win.
Good each-way value should come from Patrik Sjoland, the Swede who made such a tremendous start to the season. He showed signs at Hilversum last weekend that his game is on the way back. He's available at 25 to 1.
To win: Bjorn at 14 to 1.
Each Way: Sjoland at 25 to 1.
7-1 - Colin Montgomerie (Scot).
12-1 - Jesper Parnevik (Sweden). 14-1 - Jose Maria Olazabal (Sp), Thomas Bjorn (Den), Darren Clarke.
20-1 - Costantino Rocca (It).
25-1 - Patrik Sjoland (Swe), Migeul Angel Jimenz (Sp), Peter Baker (Eng).
33-1 - Andrew Coltart (Scot), David Howell (Eng), Gary Orr (Scot).
40-1 - Per-Ulrik Johansson (Swe), David Gilford (Eng), Greg Turner (NZ), Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), Stephen Leaney (Aus), Sam Torrance (Scot), David Carter (Eng), Peter O'Malley (Aus).
(Prices supplied by Ladbrokes Ireland).
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