The European Tour swings back into action after a week off with the UBS Hong Kong Open at the originally named Hong Kong Golf Club.
The Course: Hong Kong G.C., Fanling (par-70, 6,749 yards)
A very short course by modern standards with only two par-5's (3rd and 13th) and four short par-3's - the 2nd, 5th, 8th and 12th. As a result, accuracy rather than power off the tee is required, and as the players face six dog-legs (four of which are left-to-right), faders of the ball are at an advantage. The Bermuda greens are large and the fairways of average width.
Ross' Top Tip: Graeme McDowell @ 16/1 bet365, William Hill
This is the eighth time the event has been co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours and, tellingly, all the previous seven renewals have been won by European golfers. So, while you can never totally rule out local Tour professionals, our golfers should again have the edge and, of these, McDowell makes the most appeal. On his debut here last year, he shot 67-66-68-68 to finish sixth, and his game has moved to another level this year with two wins a fantastic performance in the Ryder Cup. His tie for 16th last time out in Shanghai doesn't tell the true story, as he was only a shot off the lead following a second round 65, before horrendous weather conditions put a halt to his run, so take the 16's.
Ross' Next Best: Soren Kjeldsen @ 25/1 Blue Square
The Dane did bettingpro followers a huge turn when winning the prestigious season-ending Volvo Masters at 45/1 - hope you were on! Previously, he'd built up a reputation as a 'bottler', so that success might be a turning point in his career and he doesn't face anything like the quality of field that he did in Spain. With form figures of 4-18-6-29 in his last four starts in Hong Kong, a '1' looks a distinct possibility this week.
Outsider: Francesco Molinari @ 45/1 Paddy Power
The Italian is one of the best players on Tour tee-to-green, but often struggles with the flat stick. Saying that, he did finish seventh in the putting stats when posting a top-20 in the recent Volvo Masters (final round of 66), so he might be worth risking this week, especially as he finished eighth on his debut here in 2006.
Tournament Lay (Betfair): Miguel Angel Jimenez
It might be folly taking on the Spaniard this week considering he has won of the past four renewals, including last year. However, he hasn't looked at his best of late and, besides, defending is never easy.
Tournament Match Bet: Graeme McDowell to beat Miguel Angel Jimenez @ Evens William Hill
Recommended Bets:
Graeme McDowell 2pts each way @ 16/1 bet365, William Hill
Soren Kjeldsen 1pt each way @ 25/1 Blue Square
Francesco Molinari 1pt each way @ 45/1 Paddy Power