The European Tour makes its annual stop at Crans-sur-Sierre, one of the most picturesque venues on the circuit, for the Omega European Masters.
Due to the mountain air, the ball travels further here so even the shorter hitters can bomb it to some extent. However, the key to success is finding the greens, which are smaller than average and like upturned saucers. In fact, two of the last four winners - Alexander Noren in 2009 and Bradley Dredge in 2006 - were ranked first in greens hit, so expect that tend to continue.
My Three Off The Tee:-
Bradley Dredge @ 20/1 Paddy Power
You won't find the Welshman high up in this season's GIR stats (85th) but his iron play at this quirky venue has been out of the top drawer and that is borne out by his results - first, second, third and fourth in his last seven starts. Tied-seventh at Gleneagles last week, where he was eighth for greens hit, it's hard to imagine him not contending again this week and with doubts over some of the market leaders (see below), he has the look of a rock-solid each-way bet.
Brett Rumford @ 35/1 bet365
After setting a stiff target in the final round on Sunday, it must have been galling for the Aussie to watch Edoardo Molinari snatch victory with a tripe-birdie finish. However, that might spur him on here and, interestingly, one of his three European Tour victories came here in 2007. And that wasn't the only time he's played well at the venue - last year he led after an opening 62 and again went low in 2006 with a third-round 64 - so I'm expecting this proven winner to carry on where he left off last week.
Joost Luiten @ 100/1 Skybet
The Dutchman will be of particular interest for his national open, played next week, but is worth considering for this week too at triple-figure odds (70/1 in a place). Solid from tee to green (ranked 31st in GIR), he has the game to thrive at Crans and has been a model of consistency this season with 13 consecutive cuts coming into this week. A breakthrough win is a distinct possibility and I also like the sound of 25/1 for the place part of the bet.
Bubbling Under: Steven O'Hara (150/1 Skybet)
Considering he leads the Tour in greens hit, it's surprising the Scot has managed to break into the top-20 only twice last season. Still, his latest came at Gleneagles and his game is even more suited to this week's track, where he has already achieved three top-20 finishes. Another top-20 finish at 11/2 (Skybet)? Quite likely.
Punters Beware: Edoardo Molinari & Simon Dyson
The pair have endured a stressful time of late due to Ryder Cup race. For Molinari, it ended on a massive high with victory in Scotland and a wild card pick but will he be able to pull himself back together so soon? Dyson ultimately missed out and his disappointment could spill out into this week. Take them on in match and group bets.
Recommended Bets:-
Bradley Dredge 1.5pts each-way @ 20/1 Paddy Power
Brett Rumford 1pt each-way @ 35/1 bet365
Joost Luiten 0.5pt each-way @ 100/1 Skybet
Steven O'Hara Top-20 Finish 1pt @ 11/2 Skybet