Although the PGA Tour has come to an end, the action on the DP World Tour is hotting up as several European stars prepare to battle it out for Race to Dubai glory.
With a host of players who normally spend their time stateside now back in Europe, this is the time of year where European golf is back at its best.
The European Masters has long held a special place on the European calendar and over the years some European greats have been able to claim the title. Last year that tradition was kept alive through Ludvig Aberg’s sensational win. His win helped secure his place in the Ryder Cup team and launch him up the world rankings. There are several in this year’s lineup who will hope for something similar.
With the tournament set to be hotly contested over the next few days, here is everything you need to know.
The Course
Once known as the Swiss Open, the European Masters is one of the oldest tournaments on the DP World Tour calendar. First played in 1923, since the 1940’s the tournament has been played at the Crans-Montana course and is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque courses in the world.
Set in the Swiss Alps, the course offers stunning views and is a truly idyllic setting. Due to its age, the Crans-Montana is short by modern standards and can often be overpowered by the pros. However, it has a tight layout which means that if a player misses the fairway they could find making birdies difficult.
The other feature this week will be altitude. No other tournament in Europe is played so high above sea level and if a player errs with their distance control they could find themselves in a spot of bother.
A visual feast for the eyes, the next few days look set to be dramatic as players attempt to finish the year strongly.
Who Are The Favourites?
Matt Fitzpatrick will start the week as the favourite for victory. One of Europe’s most consistent players over the last few years, the former U.S. Open champion hasn’t quite been able to live up to his regular billing this season and saw his PGA season cut short after the BMW Championship.
A nine time winner on the DP World Tour, the man from Sheffield often finds this time of year to his liking and was able to capture last year’s Alfred Dunhill Championship. Looking to end the year in style, Fitzpatrick will hope that a return to Europe will bring out his best golf.
Hoping to cause Fitzpatrick issues will be Rasmus Hojgaard. After struggling over the last month or so, Hojgaard bounced back to form with a decent showing at the British Masters where he was able to finish in third spot.
Looking like he was going to win his first title of the season, a poor final round ended up costing him his chances of glory, however with that effort behind him, he will hope to find himself in the reckoning once again this week.
Despite his recent good form, he does arrive in Switzerland with a point to prove having missed the cut in this tournament last season. Hopeful of producing a bold showing, he should be one to watch with real interest this week.
Completing the top three in the betting is Matt Wallace. Wallace is another who teed it up last week at the British Masters and he would have been pleased with his week’s work where he finished eighth.
A four time winner on the DP World Tour, Wallace has also enjoyed success on the PGA Tour and this fiery competitor will give anyone who backs him a real run for their money.
Accurate off the tee as well as solid on the greens, Wallace will want to perform better than his 24th place finish in this event last season.
Who Are The Value Picks?
As is normally the case with events like this, there is value everywhere you look. Erik van Rooyen usually spends his time on the PGA Tour and saw himself make the season ending playoffs.
Now back on the European Tour where he has won one title, van Rooyen could have the game to compete well this week. This will be his first start in almost a month but he should be raring to go here.
Laurie Canter splits his time between the LIV and DP World Tours and the Englishman will head to the Alps following a 25th place finish at the British Masters, however that doesn’t tell the whole picture.
Finding himself just off the lead after the first round of play, Canter had a poor weekend which saw him slip back down the field, however there was enough there to suggest a good week may be in the offing.
After having experienced several near misses, Canter finally picked up his first European title courtesy of his win at the European Open. Now a European Tour winner, he could well be in for another big week.
The final name to consider in terms of value is Guido Migliozzi. The Italian has long been a veteran on Tour despite being just 27 and has four European Tour wins. A winner this season at the KLM Open, Migliozzi looks like he is starting to rediscover the form that made him such a heavily touted young player. He has finished in the top ten of this tournament once before and could be in line for another special week.
European Masters - Betting Guide
If you fancy placing a bet this week, this is how the top ten in the market currently looks.
Matt Fitzpatrick - 10/1
Rasmus Hojgaard - 14/1
Matt Wallace - 14/1
Thriston Lawrence - 18/1
Bernd Wiesberger - 22/1
Matteo Mannassero - 22/1
Nicolai Hojgaard - 22/1
Erik Van Rooyen - 25/1
Sebastian Soderberg - 28/1
Guido Migliozzi - 30/1
Jack Hartman
A keen golfer and huge fan of the game, Jack has been covering golf for the last five years. Bringing you all the latest coverage and news from the PGA, LIV, LPGA and DP World Tours, never before has golf been so popular and Jack can’t wait to bring all the excitement to his readers.
