BETTING: How the bookies see the European Open

Those of you of a patriotic disposition will probably rush to Supremeodds and Paddy Powers both of whom offer a very generous 5 to 1 on an Irish winner at this year's Smurfit European Open at the K-Club. Darren Clarke is the defending champion over a course that has never been in better condition.

Padraig Harrington's excellent finish at Fota bodes well and along with Clarke should challenge strongly. Paul McGinley (66 to 1) returns to competitive action, hopefully refreshed. A decent each-way punt is Graeme McDowell (150 to 1) playing in only his third professional tournament.

This tournament is for the long hitters and in this respect Angel Cabrera (22 to 1), Michael Campbell (28 to 1) and Niclas Fasth (33 to 1) will all have their supporters. However this column will once again invest its meagre savings in Thomas Bjorn, who is showing sustained good form and available at a handsome 20 to 1.

Remember the great Dane was 14 under for the par fives last year and in achieving that mark won a diamond from Appleby Jewellers. A €100,000 offer will once again be on offer to any golfer hitting the 14-under mark for the par fives.

Eduardo Romero (33 to 1) and a rejuvenated Lee Westwood (50 to 1) may also tempt a little each way money. Supreme and Powers pay a quarter of the odds for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.