European and PGA Tour previews
With memories of Carnoustie still fresh in the memory for many of the players competing this week both the Deutsche Bank Players Championship and the Canadian Open should provide plenty of drama.
Tournament: Deutsche Bank Players Championship
Course: Gut Kaden, Hamburg, Germany
Prize Fund: ?600,000 for the winner
Course Details: Par 72, 7290 yards. The Gut Kaden Golf Club is situated close to Hamburg in the picturesque area of Holstein. Formerly a Knight Manor, Gut Kaden boasts 27 holes of challenging golf with old Lime and Alder trees lining the fairways. Creeks, ponds and ditches are perfectly embedded throughout the course adding both to the difficulty and the scenery.
The Lowdown: Held the week after the Open Championship the Deutsche Bank Players Championship always draws some of the top names in golf. Past winners include Tiger Woods and recently crowned Open Champion Padraig Harrington. After playing a major role in the drama of last Sunday Andres Romero will receive a great deal of attention this week. Defending champion Robert Karlsson (pictured) will compete along with three more of Europe?s 2006 Ryder Cup victors ? fellow Swede Henrik Stenson, England?s Paul Casey and Ireland?s Paul McGinley.
The contenders: Andres Romero, Robert Karlson, Paul Casey
Betting guide: For betting tips from our expert Paul Krishnamurty click here
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Tournament: Canadian Open
Course: Angus Glen (North Course)
Prize fund: $5,000,000 Winner: $810,000
Course details: Par 71 7,400 yards. Originally designed by Doug Carrick and Jay Morrish, the course has recently undergone a renovation overseen by former PGA Champion Davis Love III. The fescue dunes lining each fairway, are grown to around two feet, so keeping the ball on the straight and narrow is a must.
Key Holes: 9th ? a short par 4 playing around 370 yards. Players should be looking to make birdie but only with a good drive over the sod wall fairway bunkers. The 13th ? sets up for a risk-reward tee shot over water, which will shorten this par 4 measuring 420 yards significantly. The preferred line is between the two bunkers, which will leave a short iron into the green.
The lowdown: The Deutsche Bank will play host to many of the worlds top players this week, but that hasn?t stopped Jim Furyk returning to the Canadian Open in an attempt to retain his title at Angus Glen. The 25 year old American, Hunter Mahan will also be looking to repeat his top 10 finish at last weeks Open Championship, which included a closing round of 65. The North Course at Angus Glen benefits from a fully computerised irrigation system, which allows for individual sprinkler control, so the course should be looking and playing well. The narrow fairways and deep bunkers set up for a links style golf course, which should prove a test to this week?s field.
The contenders: Jim Furyk, Mike Weir, Vijay Singh & Davis Love III
Betting guide: For betting tips from our expert Paul Krishnamurty click here