Portugal Masters Tips: Money list movitation makes this quartet top value

Scott Jamieson is in a very precarious position in the money list
Whether PGA or European Tour, this time of year is all about the money list, as lucrative invites and next season's playing rights are determined. Paul Krishnamurty has devised a trading plan involving four players in the heat of those battles on the Race to Dubai.
There are still eight tournaments remaining on this year's Race to Dubai, but this weekend's Portugal Masters is the last on mainland Europe. That means time is fast running out for players to reach various money-list targets, whether it's the top-115 and retention of full playing privileges, or the top-60 and a place in the Dubai World Championship line-up. Just as during the PGA Tour's Fall Series, it often pays to follow the extra-motivated players right in the thick of money-list battles. Here are four such candidates that catch the eye in Portugal with a combined trading plan for the quartet.
Shane Lowry
Race to Dubai Ranking: 65th
Odds: 70.069/1
Irrespective of any money list concerns, Lowry would need shortlisting this week at Vilamoura. This well-established target golf venue is one of the easiest scoring tests on the schedule, where those not making a stack of birdies need not apply. That shouldn't be a problem for Lowry, who ranks first in birdie average over the past three months and finished 16th in last year's renewal. He's thrived in recent similar low scoring affairs, registering top-20s on four of his last seven starts, including second place in Austria. Making the top-60 and Dubai line-up, where he finished an excellent, lucrative eighth place last November, should provide plenty of motivation to keep the run going.
Scott Jamieson
Race to Dubai Ranking: 61st
Odds: 140.0139/1
The case for backing Jamieson is almost identical to that laid out above for Lowry, although notably at a massive 140.0139/1, he's available at twice the Irishman's odds. In 61st place, he's one place outside the Dubai cut-line and has the perfect skill-set to thrive at Vilamoura this week. Scott's game is all about birdies, ranking seventh in that category over the past three months and his power off the tee should provide a further advantage given these wide open fairways. He's in solid form too, registering two top-eights in his last six events.
Steve Webster
Race to Dubai Ranking: 107th
Odds: 90.089/1
Here's a classic case of a well-established pro labouring through the season, before doing just enough when it matters. Webster was in serious money list trouble until a brilliant last weekend at the Dunhill Links, where a 68/64 finish earned 12th place and the relatively safety of 107th place on the money list. The recovery job is not yet complete but that improved showing in Scotland must have given Webster a vital confidence boost ahead of what must be his favourite tournament of the year. Vilamoura was the scene of his last victory back in 2007 and he's never missed a cut here since, finishing third in 2008 and 16th last year.
Lorenzo Gagli
Race to Dubai Ranking: 118th
Odds: 160.0159/1
Following an extremely promising rookie season, the fact Gagli is struggling to avoid a trip to Q-School must be a bitter disappointment. Nevertheless the 26 year-old Italian remains a very capable player, worth keeping an eye on at big prices such as this week's 160.0159/1 when conditions suit. In fairness, Gagli appears to have grasped the urgency of his situation, showing signs of improvement in recent weeks, shooting sub-70 in nine of his last 13 rounds. Interestingly on his Vilamoura debut 12 months ago, Gagli was in contention through 54 holes only to shoot a disastrous final round 75.
Recommended Bets
2u Shane Lowry @ 70.069/1
1.5u Steve Webster @ 90.089/1
1u Scott Jamieson @ 140.0139/1
1u Lorenzo Gagli @ 160.0159/1
Place orders to lay each player 15u @ 8.07/1