Joburg Open Tips: The pick of the first round three-ball bets

Can Branden Grace get the better of Charl Schwartzel and Danny Willett?

Three players to follow on Thursday at the Joburg Open, courtesy of Dan Geraghty 

If Kristoffer Broberg were a racehorse, he'd be described as unexposed. The Swede's phenomenal record on the Challenge Tour is still fresh in my mind and I can forgive his recent missed cuts. Before the desert swing Broberg admitted he'd never seen the venues before or even been to that part of the world. He has, however, been to South Africa and the last time he was there he finished second to an inspired Charl Schwartzel at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in December. Playing partners Keith Horne and Richard Finch may well be playing second fiddle to the promising Swede.

Charl Schwartzel is an unbelievably short price in a 210 man field this week but if you spend much time looking at the form you're probably more likely to back than lay. However, Schwartzel has just taken an immense break from golf - six weeks - and he may well take a round or two to hit top form. With that in mind I'll side with defending champion Branden Grace in round one at a nice price.

John Parry hasn't made the fastest start on his return to the European Tour but I think it's only a matter of time before he makes his presence felt. Parry showed his class at Q School in November when romping to a four shot victory, this week's venue is the scene of the Yorkshireman's first European Tour top ten back in 2010 when he opened with a 66. His juicy round one three-ball price stands out. Playing partners are Tyrone Van Aswegen and Gregory Bourdy.

Recommended Bets
2pts Back Kristoffer Broberg @ 2.55n/a 
2pts Back Branden Grace @ 2.77/4 
2pts Back John Parry @ 3.211/5 

Season Profit/Loss: +11.89pts

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