Rory McIlroy failed to fire in The Open following his sensational win in the US Open, however, in Irish Open betting, bookmakers have brushed aside that performance and installed him as a clear 5/1 favourite to win. Irish golf is the strongest it has ever been with Padraig Harrington, Open winner Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, and McIlroy all having won majors – and all lining up to challenge for the title in their home country. Clarke is coming off a great win in The Open that took 20 years to achieve – it’s been even longer when it comes to the Irish Open.

While McIlroy is favourite, there is plenty of good value in the players behind him. Graeme McDowell is second favourite at 18/1 just ahead of former winner Padraig Harrington at 19/1. Ross Fisher is well in this at 24/1 from Simon Dyson at 25/1. Open winner Clarke is quoted around 22/1 in most areas although some bookies have drifted him out to 28/1 – with bookmakers offering a quarter the odds for a top five finish, he could be really good value.

This tournament will swing on the likes of McIlory and McDowell. They are the two who have the best form for the year and who would want to put their talent on display for their home crowds. In an era where prize money keeps on growing, it’s a surprise to see this year’s Irish Open prize money halved. Many of the top players are therefore skipping this event and setting their eyes on their preparation for next month’s US PGA Championships.

McIlroy is a brilliant player when he switches everything on. Being young, he is still unpredictable and is a little suspect at 5/1. Harrington hasn’t shown a lot of form this year, his saving grace being that he almost always puts his best foot forward when playing at home. I like Clarke’s attitude at present – he goes out to play golf with no expectation of winning. He led coming into the final day in The Open but stayed composed and held of all challengers. Having proved he can win, I expect him to build on it – and this is his best test, doing it at home. If you can find 28/1 for him, grab it, even if it’s just on an each way basis.