Spanish Open preview
A strong home contingent has been confirmed for this week's Spanish Open, which will be played for the first time at the new Centro Nacional de Golf, just outside Madrid.
Tournament: Open de Espana
Course: Centro Nacional de Golf, Madrid
Prize Fund: ?2,000,000
Course Details: Par 72, 7,242 yards. Opened in 2005 by King Juan Carlos and co-designed by the legendary Dave Thomas, the Centro Nacional de Golf will play very tough indeed if the wind blows. Due to the lack of trees the course is extremely exposed and uses very thick rough to act as its natural defence. Water comes into play on five of the holes.
Key Hole: The final hole is a challenging par-4 and is likely to see its fair share of drama over the weekend. The right side of the green has been extended, in order to bring the water hazard more into play and the hole has also been lengthened.
The Lowdown There is a strong home contingent lining up in Madrid this week. The likes of veteran star Miguel Angel Jimenez, recent winners Alvaro Quiros and Jose Manuel Lara and 2006 Tour winner Alejandro Canizares are among those hoping to become the first Spanish winner since the absent Sergio Garcia triumphed in 2002.
Other big names lining up include the defending champion Niclas Fasth, fellow Swede Johan Edfors and Irish Ryder Cup duo Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke. The Spanish Open is one of Europe's oldest tournaments, having been up and running since 1912, and it is no surprise to see such a high quality field involved this week.
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Contenders: Niclas Fasth, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Jose Manuel Lara
Betting Guide: For betting tips from our expert Paul Krishnamurty click here