Presidents Cup Tips: Local knowledge vital at Royal Melbourne

Golf Events / Paul Krishnamurty / 15 November 2011 /

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Few players will know the course as well as Geoff Ogilvy

"Geoff Ogilvy is my idea of the likeliest star man this week. He's been talking a good game in the run-up, knows Royal Melbourne inside out, and produced an eye-catching warm-up with a fast finishing fourth at the Australian Open."

Paul Krishnamurty focuses on the Top Internationals Points Scorer market where a trio of Royal Melbourne specialists will be carrying his money

Getting to grips with typically firm and fast Australian conditions will be the key this week, so the handful of Internationals players with extensive experience of Royal Melbourne should enjoy an advantage. Renowned for it's nuances, this is a course that takes some learning.

However it is not quite so simple as just focusing on the Aussies. As a three-time Royal Melbourne winner, Ernie Els is undoubtedly the course specialist on show, although they came during the peak spell of his career. Nevertheless, Ernie isn't in terrible form, finishing fourth in last month's Frys.com Open, and as one of the world's great match players, is well capable of rising to the occasion.

Speaking of great match players, Geoff Ogilvy is my idea of the likeliest star man this week. He's been talking a good game in the run-up, knows Royal Melbourne inside out, and produced an eye-catching warm-up with a fast finishing fourth at The Lakes. Moreover, as a twice winner of the World Matchplay, we know he loves this specialised format.

Finally, it also makes sense to include captain's pick Aaron Baddeley, as he ticks all the right boxes. Badds is one of the best putters on the PGA Tour so should relish these Royal Melbourne surfaces, and has a fine record in his homeland. Rather like Ogilvy, he caught the eye with a strong weekend showing at The Lakes. He also looks just the type for matchplay, displaying a strong temperament right from the start of his career, when winning consecutive Australian Opens as a teenager. He's also won over half his matches at the World Matchplay.

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