Wednesday 1 July 2015 11:51, UK
Ben Coley looks through the potential runners and riders at this week's Open de France, where a strong field heads to Le Golf National.
With final qualifying completed in the UK on Tuesday, Luke Donald earning a spot in the field on Sunday and more places available on both sides of the Atlantic this week, the countdown to the Open Championship is on.
Fitting, then, that a firm and fast test awaits at the Open de France and one thing is for sure – this will provide a sterner test than that which awaits at St Andrews. Le Golf National has a reputation for being not only among the very best set-ups on the European Tour, but the toughest.
It’s therefore little surprise that Graeme McDowell is the two-time defending champion and at upwards of 28/1 he’ll do for many despite a disappointing year on the course, in part the product of an exciting one off it as he’s become a father for the first time.
McDowell could well step up on recent efforts but a better bet is Danny Willett, the pick of a strong English challenge.
Willett played well on his first three visits to the course, finishing fifth in 2010 having made the top-15 in each of the two preceding years, and despite a missed cut in the much-maligned US Open last time his form of late has been very solid.
Most significantly, Willett produced final-round fireworks in the Irish Open at Royal County Down, further evidence that this former Dunhill Links runner-up is at his best when faced with the sort of challenge which Le Golf National is set to provide.
Warm temperatures will also help with Willett’s troublesome back and as his career continues to progress, this event is exactly the type he should now be winning.
Also on the shortlist is Andy Sullivan, whose jovial attitude on the course is a big positive when faced with such a challenging four days.
The Nuneaton pro has enjoyed a breakout year, winning twice in South Africa and then contending for the Memorial Tournament on the PGA Tour, so expect him to improve further on last year’s top-30 finish in this event.
While local man Victor Riu threatened to cause an almighty upset last year and victory for Thomas Levet in 2011 wasn’t all that easy to predict, the general trend for this tournament as its status improves is for a qualify champion to be crowned.
With that in mind I’m sticking with the head of the betting and offering Martin Kaymer another chance to shine.
Kaymer won this event in 2009, beating Lee Westwood in a play-off, and his record at the course is excellent beyond even that superb week. Time and again, Kaymer reproduces at his favourite courses such as here and at Abu Dhabi, where he somehow failed to win in January.
Of late the German’s form has been modest and he failed to produce back home in the BMW International Open, but his desperation to make the cut there was obvious and failure to do so may just trigger an improved summer now that he has something to prove.
At his best, Kaymer starts a 12/1 favourite for this so at more than double the price he’s worth chancing having played well last Friday.
Others to consider include Richie Ramsay and Soren Kjeldsen but in a really competitive event, stick to these three links lovers who should relish the test ahead.
Watch the Open de France throughout the week on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.
