Open de France ALSTOM preview
The oldest and richest National Open Championship in Continental Europe is renowned for providing plenty of drama and excitement.
Tournament: Open de France ALSTOM
Course: Le Golf National, Paris, France
Prize fund: ?4,000,000.
Course details: Par 71, 7,225 yards. The Albatros Course has changed very little since the 2006 event. Water is a feature on 12 holes and accuracy from the tee is always the key to low scoring.
Key Hole: The final hole (pictured) was formerly played as a par 5 but was slightly shortened in 2004 to turn it into a difficult par 4. Again accuracy from the tee is essential with water on the left and bunkers on the right. The approach shot into the well-guarded green will test the nerves of many come Sunday.
The lowdown: The impressive list of winners of the Open de France includes 18 Major Champions. Frenchman Jean-François Remesy (pictured) delighted French crowds in 2004 when he became the first French winner of the event in 35 years. The following year Remesy went on to defeat fellow countryman Jean Van de Velde in one of the most exciting events of the 2005 European Tour season. After a tricky year John Bickerton will draw inspiration from last years victory as he defends his title. Competitors will compete for an impressive ?4,000,000 purse with the winner receiving ?666,660.
The contenders: Richard Sterne, Anders Hansen, Michael Campbell.
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Betting guide: For betting tips from our expert Paul Krishnamurty click here