Malaysian Open Preview, Tips & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements

THIS is a BIG year for Lee Westwood. The 41-year-old, who now lives in Florida with his wife and children, would be the first to admit that the past two seasons have not been his best...or anywhere close.

But he made a good start to the campaign at the Dubai Desert Classic, where he played in the final group with Rory McIlroy on the final day. And this week he defends one of two titles that he won last season, the Maybank Malaysian Open. He likes this part of the world, having also won in Thailand late in the year.

During his struggles, Westwood's achilles heel has been his putting, but there have been encouraging signs on that front too. Towards the end of 2014, he began to find his touch on the greens, and it continued at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.

“I'm pleased with where all aspects of my game are at," he said. “I'm normally a slow starter to the year. I've had six weeks off, so I wasn't sure whether my scoring would be there and whether I would be sort of match fit, but all aspects of my game have pleased me  so far.”

Four years ago, Westwood was ranked No1 in the world and seemingly in contention every time he teed it up in a major. During 2013 and 2014 his ranking began to slide and at one point he must have feared that he was going to fall out of the top 50. The consequences would have been unthinkable. But he is now back in the top 30.

The man from Worksop will be a tough man to beat in Malaysia, but there will be plenty of men trying to get the better of him. One of those is Miguel Angel Jimenez, the incredible Spaniard who just seems to improve with age. He recently won his second event on the Champions Tour - on his second start. Jimenez has never been a long hitter, but he possesses a ferocious fighting spirit and, despite appearances to the contrary, he is actually in pretty good shape.

There will be at least one player from this part of the world in contention - there always is. Thongchai Jaidee will carry the hopes of many, but Kiraderch Aphibarnrat is the one to keep your eye on. He won the tournament two years ago and has come on in leaps and bounds since then.

Betting Picks

To win: Lee Westwood - 16/1 Defending champion, in form and likes this part of the world

Each way:  Kiraderch Aphibarnrat - 40/1A big man with the touch of an angel

Tommy Fleetwood 25/1 I have a feeling that this could be a big year for the young man from Southport

Fantasy picks:

Lee Westwood 16/1 If he is going to win, how could you not pick him for your fantasy team?

Graeme McDowell 20/1 Got the rust out of his system in Dubai - don't be surprised to see him in the mix

Danny Willett 20/1 Has grown in stature since winning the NedBank Challenge (as has his bank balance)

Miguel Angel Jimenez 50/1 The Spaniard gets better with age and will fancy his chances

Stephen Gallacher 20/1 Expect the Scot to continue the excellent form he showed in defence of the Dubai Desert Classic

Tommy Fleetwood 25/1 Has become a consistent money winner

Andy Sullivan 25/1 I LOVE watching this guy. He enjoys what he does for a living and let's everybody know it

Peter Uihlien 25/1 The American is really impressive, with not a single weakness

David Horsey 80/1 Will surely be inspired by what his friend, Willett, has achieved

Tyrell Hatton 66/1 Steady, even-tempered and blessed with a wonderful short game

Matt Fitzpatrick 80/1 This young man is going to feature in a lot of my fantasy picks this season

Scott Jamieson 66/1 Another streaky golfer. The Scot reserves his best golf for this part of the world

Image credit - Druh Belts Twitter