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Casey to make his mark in Munich

Paul Casey has the class to contend in Munich this week © Getty Images

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Click here to bet on the BMW International Open at bet365

It feels a little bit like after the Lord Mayor's Parade, following Rory McIlroy's breathtaking display at the US Open, but there is a surprisingly good field for the BMW International Open.

Teeing it up at the Golfclub Munchen are the world No.3 and five other players inside the top 30 in the world, making for an intriguing event. Many eyes will be on Martin Kaymer at his home event and it is no surprise that he heads the betting at 10/1.

The German has form on the track, having won the tournament in 2008, and will be many people's idea of the winner. But there are grounds for opposing Kaymer. He comes into the event on the back of a disappointing effort at the US Open and he really is struggling with his game at present. Kaymer has rebuilt his swing and now plays a draw, as opposed to the fade that took him to US PGA Championship success last year, and it is a work in progress.

"My swing change is a process I'm going through and I just thought it might be a little quicker," Kaymer said. "I know I'll get there but I just need patience. I made the cut at the US Open with problems with my swing so that tells me I'm not too far away from playing well again."

Betting bullets

• Paul Caset E/W in the BMW International Open - 25/1 at bet365
• Richie Ramsay E/W in the BMW International Open - 90/1 at bet365

Kaymer is a high-class player and is hugely driven to succeed and you get the impression the change will pay dividends down the line, but until he starts to strike the ball consistently well he is one to take on.

It is nice to see Dustin Johnson (12/1) making the trip over the Atlantic to take in the event and the big-hitting American will find the reachable par fives playing to his strengths. The course is technical test but if Johnson can get his driver working he could pose a real threat.

There are a string of past winners in the field, headed by defending champion David Horsey. Nick Dougherty (2009), Colin Montgomerie (1999), Thomas Bjorn (2000 and 2002), Miguel Angel Jimenez (2004), David Howell (2005), Henrik Stenson (2006) and Niclas Fasth (2007) all tee it up.

Spaniard Sergio Garcia, who showed some good form with a tied-seventh finish at the US Open, is also in the field but he is too short to back at 16/1 given the unpredictable nature of his putting.

Retief Goosen (18/1) has been in good form this year and the South African brings a touch of class to the event, while Italian sensation Matteo Manassero (20/1) seems sure to be challenging on Sunday.

But our idea of the winner is Paul Casey. The world No. 12's form has been solid rather than spectacular this year, although he does have a win under his belt, but he like Johnson is a player whose big-hitting style will be suited to the demands in Munich. Casey has form on the track, having finished third in 2008, and at 25/1 is too big to pass up.

For those looking for someone to follow at huge odds, Richie Ramsay is worth a punt. He racked up the air miles last week to no avail, having travelled to the US Open as first alternate and had his hopes of a place in the field raised due to Robert Rock's visa problems - only to be dashed on the Thursday morning when the paperwork came through.

The Scot will likely have a bit of frustration to unwind and will surely be keen to impress - and he can be backed at 90/1 with bet365.

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

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