There's a strong field assembled for the only pro-am event on the European Tour, played over the famous links of St Andrews (twice), Kingsbarns and Carnoustie. Teams of one pro and one amateur play each course in rotation over the first three days, with the top-60 pros (and ties) and the top-20 teams after three rounds progressing to play the final round at St Andrews.
The Courses:
St Andrews (par-72, 7,150 yards) - The 'Old Lady' with wide-open fairways is the easiest course of the three. The 17th, the 'Road Hole', is a legendary par-4, while there are only two par-5's (5th and 14th).
Kingsbarns (par-72, 7,279 yards) - A difficult course which is exposed to the wind. There are four par-5's - the 3rd, 9th, 12th and 16th.
Carnoustie (par-72, 7,412 yards) - Famously used for the 1999 Open (lost by Jean Van De Velde) and again in 2007. It has just two par-5's (6th and 14th).
Ross' Top Tip: Henrik Stenson @ 22/1 Paddy Power
The Swede is still looking for his first win of the year, but he's been playing consistently good golf all season with nine top-six finishes in 16 starts, and is clearly comfortable with the pro-am format of this event having gone close to winning it several times - third in 2005, sixth in 2003 and eighth in 2006. Fresh from a post-Ryder Cup week off, and still harbouring hopes of winning the Order Of Merit title (16/1 bet365), he should give us a good run for our money at a generous 22/1.
Next Best: Rory McIlroy @ 50/1 bet365
The Northern Ireland teenager burst on to the professional scene in this event last year when finishing third and, considering his immense talent, it's a surprise he hasn't yet managed to win on the Tour. Still, he went agonisingly close when losing in a play-off for the European Masters three weeks ago, and his decent showing at last week's British Masters (where he was first for GIR) suggests he can go well again this week at tasty odds.
Outsider: Paul Lawrie @ 80/1 Boylesports
If there is going to be a long-shot winner this week, it may well be the 1999 Open champion, who won the first staging of this event in 2001 and has since posted top-20 finishes in 2003 and 2006 and was tied-fourth last year. He hasn't had a great season so far but his tie for 16th at the Belfry last week suggests he's peaking at the right time for one of his favourite events. He plays particularly well in bad weather so, with wind and rain forecast, the 80/1 looks cracking each way value.
Ross' Match Bet: Rory McIlroy to beat David Howell @ 10/11 Betfred
Tournament Lay (Betfair): Padraig Harrington
The Dubliner is a dual winner of this event but has been short of sparkle since his USPGA triumph in August and looks one to take on this week - 13.5 at the time of writing.
Recommended Bets:
Henrik Stenson 2pts each way @ 22/1 Paddy Power
Rory McIlroy 1pt each way @ 50/1 bet365
Paul Lawrie 1pt each way @ 80/1 Boylesports