The European Golf Tour has begun its Middle Eastern leg with the first tournament being held in Abu Dhabi. Most of the European stars are in action with Martin Kaymer hoping to retain his Abu Dhabi Open title whilst also moving ahead of Tiger Woods into the world number 2 ranking. Padraig Harrington has been one of the early casualties after being sensationally disqualified for not replacing his ball in the right spot – it was a fraction of an inch out of the spot.

Unfortunately for Harrington, what is normally a two-shot penalty turned into a disqualification because the infraction was found after he had signed his card. What caused the problem, as he brushed a bit of grass off his ball, it rocked forward then back ever so slightly. The tournament referee determined it ‘didn’t rock back far enough’. If you’re a punter who backed Harrington, what a way to lose your money.

Online bookmakers now have Kaymer at 1/5 to win with Rory McIlroy next best at 8/1. You can back any of the others at 50/1 or better at this point in the tournament. Charl Schwartzel is the best placed player and with 50/1 on offer, could be worth a dabble for a nice return. However, Kaymer, who has never shot over 70 in 15 rounds at this venue, does look to be in commanding position. In fact, if you’re hoping he falls in a hole, he is on a roll having now played 79 consecutive holes of golf without a bogey on this course. No wonder he loves coming back here all the time.

Graeme McDowell has lost the plot and dropped from third to equal sixth some nine shots of the lead. Rory McIlroy carded a great 65 on day three to move into second place, but that is still five shots off the lead. We can’t see Kaymer being beaten, but if you add McIlroy and Schwartzel you may get decent odds for picking the top three.