Ras Al Khaimah Championship tips: Rasmus Hojgaard ready to shine in twin’s absence

Ras Al Khaimah Championship key stats:

• When: January 25-28 2024
• Where: Al Hamra Golf Club, United Arab Emirates
• How long: 7,400 yards, par 72
• What to expect: Desert course meanders around four interconnected open water lagoons
• Who won last year: Daniel Gavins (-17)

With his brother Nicolai opting to compete in the States this week, Rasmus Hojgaard will tee off as favourite to emerge from his twin’s shadow at 12/1. 

The young Dane is four-time winner on tour, with three of those via a play-off and the other by a single stroke, so he is clearly not averse to a little Sunday afternoon pressure.

He was sixth here in 2022, and has been playing well recently, finishing tied for 11th in each of his last three events, including last week in the Dubai Desert Classic, so his game is in good shape for another strong finish.

Suggested bet: Rasmus Hojgaard in the Ras Al Khaimah Championship

Jordan Smith is a long hitter, but the fact that he has gone 17 tournaments since the Dutch Open last May without missing the cut suggests his whole game is in good nick.

He was never in contention last week, but showed up to finish fourth at the Dubai Invitational the week before, and he has generally good form on these types of courses, so 16/1 might be considered a fair price in this field. 

Two South African golfers stand out as much better value at around 20/1+, kicking off with big-hitting Thriston Lawrence and Zander Lombard, both of whom have enjoyed a stellar start to the year, and could well be in the mix again here.. 

Even more eye-catching is the emerging talent of Yannik Paul, whose failure to make the cut last week was a rare blip for this up-and-coming German.

His twin brother just won on the Korn Ferry Tour and that should have motivated Yannik to raise his game in a tilt at his maiden win on the DP World Tour.

Suggested bet: Yannik Paul each-way in the Ras Al Khaimah Championship

Tom McKibbin, often compared to Rory McIlroy for obvious reasons, won on tour in 2023 and has further improvement to come. The Northern Irishman was good last week, finishing tied 14th place, and comes into this tournament with a chance, albeit at a fair 28/1.

Richard Mansell was in contention until fading onSunday last week, and as another long hitter off the tee, he should find this course to his liking and he looks appealing at 35/1.

Pablo Larrazabal finished well last Sunday to finish in the top five, and with four tour wins in the past four years and having tied for third here in 2022, he clearly has the game to shoot below his 45/1 price..

Last but not least, Andy Sullivan was in the final pairing last Saturday after two great rounds, but suffered a horrible weekend that saw him slip down to 66th spot. 

His collapse has seen him installed at a massive 100/1, and that price might just prove big if he put last weekend behind him can keep his game together for four rounds.

Suggested bet: Andy Sullivan each-way in the Ras Al Khaimah Championship

Suggested bet summary:

• Rasmus Hojgaard (3 points win at 10/1)
• Yannik Paul (1.5 points each way 22/1)
• Andy Sullivan (0.5 points each way 100/1)