Thomas Detry has been threatening a European Tour victory ever since graduating to the main circuit in 2016 and the Belgian bomber has been presented with another golden opportunity in this week’s Austrian Open.
The low-key gathering at Diamond Country Club will hold no fears for Detry, who will do for many at 8/1.
The 28-year-old, who won on the Challenge Tour by a 12-shot margin at the age of 23, finished eighth in last season’s Austrian Open.
Most of his market rivals are making their course debut, so Detry may be able to settle quicker and do the early running.
From Augusta to Austria
It's #AustrianGolfOpen week! pic.twitter.com/nsS5fHgXAL
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 13, 2021
This is a significant downgrade from his previous outing – the Corales Puntacana Championship on the PGA Tour – where he finished tied for 13th place.
On the European Tour this term, Detry has finished ninth in both the Dubai Desert Classic and the Qatar Masters. With so little to beat in Austria – and a soft course looking ripe for birdies – the attacking blond can make merry.
Horsfield Looking to Complete Tour Hat-Trick
One of the main dangers to favourite backers this week is surely Sam Horsfield, who is looking for a third European Tour title.
Back problems meant the Manchester-born, Florida-based Englishman had to have some time off, but on his return to action in Kenya he got straight among the birdies.
Eighth place in the Kenya Open was followed by third spot in the Kenya Savannah Classic, easing any fitness concerns for his fans.
Last August, Horsfield got off the mark in the Hero Open, then won again in the Celtic Classic, underlining his status as a potential star.
He has never played at Diamond CC before, but the soft, long course seems ideal for him and 14/1 is arguably a juicy price given the silverware he already has in his locker.
Detry finished second to Horsfield in both the Hero Open and Celtic Classic, so the Belgian will be hoping to avoid the Englishman on Sunday.
Besseling a Proven Dutch Diamond
The 50/1 alongside the name of Wil Besseling may be of each-way interest to many.
There are a host of course debutants filling prominent places in the betting for this event – and they could make a hesitant start – but Besseling excelled on this track last season and can hit the ground running.
In the final round of the last Diamond CC shootout, Besseling outscored everyone, firing a 66 which hauled him up to third place.
The Dutchman finished last year strongly, qualifying for the DP World Tour Championship, and he rewarded himself with a long close-season.
The 35-year-old has been a bit rusty on his return, lacking sharpness, but he should find a groove soon enough.
A drenched Diamond CC could be the perfect location to provide a launchpad to Besseling’s campaign. He is one of the longest drivers in the field and can take full advantage of the four par-fives on a layout which plays a little under 7,500 yards.
*All odds correct at time of writing