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McDowell magic can leave Kaymer in shade

It's been a great year for Graeme McDowell © Getty Images

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Tiger Woods is on the brink of finally losing his grip on the world No. 1 spot, with Martin Kaymer or Lee Westwood set to pounce. While Westwood sits out this week's Andalucia Valderrama Masters due to injury, Kaymer has the chance to reach another significant landmark at the end of a hugely successful year.

The German requires a top-two finish at Valderrama to supplant Woods - no small ask, but it's hard to imagine him crumbling under the pressure. Kaymer, the US PGA champion, has won each of his last three tournaments by displaying a level of composure that belies his 25 years.

Having said all that, we have our doubts over how alluring a prospect he is at odds of 13/2 - particularly when his closest pursuer in the Race to Dubai standings, Graeme McDowell, is at the more enticing 15/1.

What makes the Ulsterman of particular appeal is the excellence from tee to green that he has displayed this year, most notably when triumphing at the US Open. The greens are small at Valderrama, so if you can hit them in regulation - and if anyone can, McDowell can - then you give yourself serious birdie opportunities.

McDowell has finished in the top ten on each of his last two visits to Valderamma, which indicates that he knows what it takes to snatch the chance to pick up shots. With strong course form, and confidence surging through his veins, he has the ingredients to shine. Take a look at him each way.

Kaymer's justifiable favouritism has distorted the odds a little for the rest of the field, with the usual suspects at the top of the list being offered at more generous prices than you'd normally expect. Edoardo Molinari, who stormed into the Ryder Cup team with two European Tour wins, falls into this category at 25/1 - that's the same price as the misfiring Sergio Garcia.

Edoardo Molinari has what it takes to triumph © Getty Images

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The Italian doesn't have much experience of the course, while he has looked a shadow of his usual self since his exertions at Celtic Manor - 148th then 52nd in his last two tournaments - but let's not forget the eulogies aimed in his direction during the early part of September, when he looked set to gatecrash the world's top ten.

His straight hitting has hauled him into fourth in the greens in regulation standings on the European Tour, so he has the game to triumph - and he will surely cast aside his minor blip in the near future. Get on him before those odds shrink.

A couple of big names thus far, so let's put our faith in some long shots. Home favourite Jose Manuel Lara flirted with disaster earlier in the season - missing nine consecutive cuts - but he recovered to finish fourth at the KLM Open in July, before winning the Austrian Open the subsequent week. Having struggled so badly through the spring, he's looked unencumbered by pressure in recent tournaments and played beautifully as a result. Worth a look at 90/1.

Another Spaniard, Rafael Cabrera-Bello, closed with a 68 and 67 last week, which might be enough to fuel a charge at Valderamma. If you're feeling lucky, 125/1 is the price.

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

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