Golf Betting
Thorbjorn Olesen’s first European Tour win didn’t come without a challenge, but the Dane was up to the task at the Sicilian Open. Olesen’s final-round 69 gave him a 15-under par total, one better than hard-charging Englishman Chris Wood.
The oddsmakers liked Olesen’s chances entering the event, listing him among the favorites at 33/1. Wood, meanwhile, was a 50/1 choice, with Italy’s Matteo Manassero on top at 13/2.
Olesen’s third-round 67 bumped him two clear of the field – and six ahead of Wood – entering Sunday’s finale. While his nearest competitors failed to mount a challenge to the steady Olesen, Wood bolted out of the gate with four birdies and an eagle in a front nine of 30. He would catch Olesen on the lead four separate times throughout the day before finally faltering with a bogey on 17.
Olesen hung tough by parring the final two holes, among the most difficult on the Verdura Golf and Spa Resort course. “It feels amazing,” he said afterward. “I had three seconds last year, so to finally get my first win is great.”
Nicolas Colsaerts and Soren Kjeldsen tied third on -13, with Jose Manuel Lara alone in fifth.
The U.S. Masters serves as this week’s official European Tour event. European stalwarts Rory McIlroy (6/1), Luke Donald (16/1) and Lee Westwood (20/1) rank alongside Americans Tiger Woods (9/2) and Phil Mickelson (12/1) as the betting favorites, according to Ladbrokes.
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