World No.50 Soren Hansen is the biggest name on show in this week's Iberdrola Open, a new event on the European Tour schedule.
At least there is some course form to go on as this week's venue, the picturesque Pula Golf Club, hosted the Mallorca Classic until that event's demise in 2007. At just over 6,800 yards, the course is very short by modern standards, with just two par-5's and five par-4's under 400 yards. You'd expect scoring to be low but, with some wet and windy weather predicted, the winning score won't be much above 15 under.
Ross' Three Off The Tee:-
Chris Wood @ 16/1 Ladbrokes
The Englishman is tacking Pula for the first time but he has the game to do well here. He's not the longest hitter by far, but his straight driving and accurate iron play (ranked fifth in GIR this season) are what it's all about this week and, provided he can get his putter going (poor putting probably cost him victory at last week's Italian Open), he must go close.
Jose Manuel Lara @ 30/1 bet365 (33/1 Extrabet, win only)
The Spaniard is a must for the staking plan on his course form alone - form figures of 10-11-2-3-7 between 2003 and 2007 - and his performance in Turin, where he finished just outside the top-20, suggests he's coming back to form after a slow start to the season. Back on one of his favourite tracks and with the home galleries cheering him on, it's hard to imagine him not contending.
Robert Jan Derksen @ 18/1 Boylesports
Another 'safe' pick, you may be thinking, but the Dutchman is another player who has shown a distinct liking for the track - tied-11th (05), tied-8th (06) and third in 2007 - and as arrives here on the back of decent finishes in Korea (6th) and Seville (17th), it would be tempting fate to leave him out? Granted, he hasn't won since 2005 - the Madeira Open on a similar course to this - but he won't get many better opportunities.
Bubbling Under: Damien McGrane (55/1 Skybet)
Has bagged top-20 finishes in two of his last three starts and must be comfortable with this week's track as he shot a 64 here in 2003.
Punters Beware: Soren Hansen
The Dane is a superb ball striker and is almost certain to get into contention at some stage but just two wins on Tour, the last of which came back in 2007, tells its own story.
Recommended Bets:
Chris Wood 2pts each-way @ 16/1 Ladbrokes
Jose Manuel Lara 1pt each-way @ 30/1 bet365
Robert Jan Derksen 1pt each-way @ 18/1 Boylesports