DP World Tour
Marcus Kinhult Storms to the Front at Trump International
Marcus Kinhult has seized control of the Nexo Championship after a blistering opening round at Trump International Golf Links. The Swede fired a seven-under par 67 to sit five clear of the field, establishing a commanding lead that will have the chasing pack sweating through Round 2. Four players share second at three under: Andrew Wilson, Felix Mory, Eliot Baker, and Benjamin Follet-Smith all carded 69s, but they’re already playing catch-up against Kinhult’s hot hand.
Our Pre-Tournament Pick
Eugenio Chacarra, our pre-event selection, opened with a level-par 72 and sits somewhere in the mid-pack logjam. He’s still very much in the tournament, but the early leaders have set a brisk pace that requires an immediate response. Chacarra will need to post a significant low round on Friday to avoid drifting further back. The damage isn’t fatal at this stage, but he’s no longer in striking distance of the lead.
Who’s in Contention
Kinhult’s five-shot buffer makes him the overwhelming favourite. We now have him at a commanding lead on the model, and the bookies are pricing him at 80/1 for good reason: he’s already separated himself from the field. Behind him, the three-under logjam is fierce. Andrew Wilson and Felix Mory sit just two shots off the lead, both priced at 90/1 and 125/1 respectively. The real dark horse emerging is Jacob Skov Olesen, two back at 16/1, a price that looks genuinely attractive given the volatility of links golf and the distance yet to travel.
Round 2 Betting Angles
Kinhult’s five-shot lead is substantial but not unassailable over 54 holes at a links course where a hot putter can evaporate five strokes in nine holes. He’ll be the target for every player within striking distance on Friday. Watch for regression in his favour: leaders often consolidate rather than extend, and Kinhult’s job now is damage control rather than dominance.
The chasing pack at three under will need to produce something special. Wilson and Mory have positioned themselves well and should be backing themselves to shoot low scores while Kinhult steadies the ship. For value, Skov Olesen at 16/1 is worth monitoring. He’s two back, well within realistic striking distance, and his odds don’t fully reflect the unpredictability of links golf over the final 54 holes.
Chacarra’s level-par start is concerning for our backing, but links courses can throw up wild scoring swings. A Friday 66 or better puts him firmly back in contention and justifies the pre-event selection. The cut is looming after Round 2, so Friday is non-negotiable for players outside the top 30.
Our Updated Pick
Odds: 16/1 – bet365
Skov Olesen sits two back at two under and carries exceptional value at 16/1. Kinhult’s five-shot lead is real, but links golf is volatile and the tournament is only one round old. Skov Olesen is well positioned to make ground on Friday and has the odds to reflect a genuine chance at tournament victory.
Top 5 After Round 1
| Pos | Player | R1 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus Kinhult | 67 | -5 |
| 2 | Andrew Wilson | 69 | -3 |
| 3 | Felix Mory | 69 | -3 |
| 4 | Eliot Baker | 69 | -3 |
| 5 | Benjamin Follet-Smith | 69 | -3 |
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