Joburg Classic - Preview, Picks & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements 

GEORGE COETZEE delivered on his enormous promise at the Joburg Classic 12 months ago when he won his first European Tour title.

It had been a long time in coming, and the surprise is that he hasn't kicked on since then. The South African seems to have it all - he hits the ball miles, is a wonderful iron player and, on his day, possesses a glorious touch on the greens. But he really should have achieved more by now.

On Thursday he begins the defence of his title, but he will not be the favourite to win. The tour has been to Malaysia, Thailand and India in recent weeks and, to be frank, the fields have not been particularly strong. But some big tournaments are just around the corner and it should surprise nobody that the Joburg Open has attracted one of the strongest fields of 2015.

South Africans have dominated the tournament in recent years - apart from Coetzee, Richard Sterne (twice), Charl Schwartzel (twice) and Brandon Grace have all triumphed here. Schwartzel and Grace are not playing this time, but Sterne is and could be somebody to keep an eye on. Darren Fichardt is one of the most consistent South Africans, and many will fancy his chances, but I prefer Thomas Aiken, who is long overdue another victory.

And I really like the look of Alex Noren, back from injury and firing on all cylinders again. He has made a decent start to 2015 and is ready to return to the winners' circle, and I have a feeling in my water that Johannesburg is where it will happen.

Look out, too, for another big week for Tyrrell Hatton, the elegant Englishman who established himself on tour in 2014 and is missing only a win from his CV. And Andy Sullivan, already a winner in this part of the world, will be chomping at the bit at the prospect of competing in South Africa again. James Morrison is another underrated English golfer. He has played well in this part of the world before and will be looking to draw on some positive memories. He could go close, but he won't beat Noren.

I also believe that Edoardo Molinari is going to win again in 2015. He has had a wretched 18 months or so, while his brother Francesco continues to go from strength to strength. But the older Molinari is a wonderful ball striker and if he can only get that putter going again then he will take some beating.

Joburg Open Betting Picks:

To win: Alex Noren 16/1 Fully fit again, the Swede is ready to claim a title

Each way: Thomas Aiken 14/1 Beautiful golf swing, but has been struggling on the greens.

Each way: Richard Sterne 14/1 Loves nothing better than playing in front of home fans

Joburg Open Fantasy picks:

George Coetzee 10/1 Will return to Joburg with plenty of positive memories

Tyrrell Hatton 50/1 I will eat his hat if he doesn't win in 2015

Andy Sullivan 21/1 Free of pressure after his win, and just loves to play this game

Richard Sterne 14/1 An absolute certainty to finish in the top 10

Thomas Aiken 14/1 Nobody who swings the club the way he does can struggle for long

Alex Noren 16/1 Has a superb game, and is wonderful around the greens

Tom Lewis 50/1 Finally returning to the sort of form that had people tipping him for great things

Edoardo Molinari 21/1 For the Italiian, it is all about the putter. When he gets that going, watch out

James Morrison 40/1 One of the most underrated players on tour

Darren Fichardt 25/1 Seldom out of contention in his own country