• The Betting Bunker

Rory's the strongest link in Scotland

Rory McIlroy impressed at the Ryder Cup © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Westy fears losing focus in battle with Tiger
  
• Profile: Rory McIlroy

After the giddy high of a triumphant Ryder Cup campaign, Europe's stars must bring themselves back down to earth for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, which kicks off in Scotland on Thursday.

Following the exhausting adrenaline rush of Celtic Manor, the Europeans teeing it up would surely have hoped for a gentle re-introduction into Tour battle. No such luck, however.

The pro-am is being contested over three courses - the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns - before those who qualify for the final round enjoy a second day out over the Old Course on Sunday. That means some draining travelling, and necessitates the ability to quickly adjust to the demands of the different venues.

So, in terms of the Ryder Cup participants, it's a case of who can return to peak condition in the shortest time - and, with the notoriously volatile weather promising to wreak havoc, you can guarantee that the victor here will have to be right at the top of his game.

Whenever it comes to links golf in Scotland - particularly at St Andrews - there's always one man who excels: Rory McIlroy (12/1). The Ulsterman hit an incredible nine-under 63 at the course during the first round of the Open in July and, in 2004, he fired a 62 there.

Speaking ahead of the Open, Graeme McDowell said: "He loves St Andrews, has played well there and is a pretty good links player. If I was going to have a bet, he might be the one I would put my money on."

What's more, he's placed 3rd-8th-2nd in his last three starts at the tournament - and only one of the nine previous winners has been from outside Great Britain and Ireland. It all seems stacked in McIlroy's favour - but, after four gruelling days at the Ryder Cup, there will be concerns that his mental reserves have been depleted. It's a fair worry but, judging by Darren Clarke's recent comments praising the 21-year-old's maturity, we reckon he can cope.

There will also be an understandable school of thought that suggests this is the time for someone to take advantage of Ryder Cup fatigue by sneaking under the radar and stealing a triumph. So who can we hoist out of that category?

Scotsman Stephen Gallacher (40/1) is worth a look each-way - he won this tournament in 2004, before following up with a top-ten finish the subsequent year. He was fourth at the Scottish Open in July - one of four times this year he's challenged for a title into the final day - and he can boast three top-20s in his last four starts.

Beyond that few names offer a compelling case, although two Englishmen that went well here last year - winner Simon Dyson (55/1) and runner-up Oliver Wilson (40/1) - have some appeal given their past experience in the tournament, while they are both well rested having not competed for a few weeks.

All odds, correct at time of publication, courtesy of Stan James. Click here to open an account and receive a £25 free bet.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.