Written by @Matt_Cee for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
The CIMB Classic | Thursday 30 October – Sunday 02 November | Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club
Asian golf fans are in for a treat as the continent hosts two tournaments this week, the BMW Championship and the CIMB Classic. We’ll be focussing on the CIMB Classic for now but be sure to check out our preview of the BMW Championship for more tips. This tournament will be hosted in Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & CC, a short 6,900 yard par 72 course that plays fairly easy. The big hitters will find themselves reaching some of the driveable par 4s whilst those who are shorter off the tee will be giving themselves a lot of birdie opportunities if their iron play is on point. What the course lacks in difficulty in terms of its layout it more than makes up for in weather conditions. As can be expected, it’s going to be incredibly humid in Kuala Lumpur this week and there’s rain predicted which could make for a bit of a challenge to those used to playing most of their golf in the States. So who will emerge victorious this week? Let’s have a look.
To Win Outright
Sergio Garcia 10/1
Charl Schwartzel 14/1
Hideki Matsuyama 14/1
Billy Horschel 16/1
Lee Westwood 16/1
VALUE BETS
David Lipsky (90/1 a win, 20/1 a place)
It’s a fairly competitive field but David Lipsky has shown that he has what it takes to mix it up with the big boys and could be the surprise package of the tournament. He’s the current leader of the Asian Tour order of merit and won earlier this year at the Omega European Masters but perhaps most importantly he showed that he what it takes to handle the tough Asian climate when he finished T3 at the Malaysian Open two years ago. At 90/1 you cannot go wrong with a small each way bet so be sure to include Lipsky this week.
Stewart Cink (70/1 a win, 15/1 a place)
It’s tough to back the older participants this year as they may not be able to handle the difficult conditions in Malaysia but Stewart Cink fired here last year and could do so again this time around. He’s hitting the ball as well as he ever has at the moment and if he continues this season in the same vein as he started off, he’ll be making a lot of birdies this week and will be right up there come Sunday. 70/1 is a huge price; each way here looks a good bet to me.
Marc Leishman (60/1 a win, 13/1 a place)
If course form is anything to go by, Leishman could have a real chance of at least a Top 5 finish this week. He shot a second round 65 in this event last year and the course looked to suit his game as he made easy work of the short layout. Last season he made a bit of a name for himself after pulling off an unexpected fifth place in the Open Championship and he’ll certainly be looking to build on that this season. At 60/1 you can’t go wrong with an each way bet so have a dip on Leishman.
TOP BET: Patrick Reed (25/1 a win, 11/2 a place)
No-one really likes Patrick Reed but you know what they say, bet with your head and not with your heart. He was the only player in the US Ryder Cup team that showed any nerve whatsoever and gave 100% every time he played. He showed there that he can hit the ball as well as anyone on his day and with two wins under his belt already, this could be his chance to pick up his third. 25/1 is outstanding value; each way looks a brilliant bet here.
