Vivendi Cup golf form guide

Padraig Harrington

published 22 September 2010

PETER HANSON

Bidding for his third title of the year, along with fine-tuning his game ahead of next week's Ryder Cup debut, Hanson's credentials are hard to argue with. There have been few more consistent players on either side of the Atlantic this year, but he could be forgiven for being distracted by the prospect of Celtic Manor.

Wood represents a very similar type of candidate to last week's near-miss selection, Danny Willett. Both are increasingly overdue a breakthrough title, with Wood boasting even stronger claims after seven top-15 finishes from his last 12 starts. 16/1 about a non-winner, who has previously wobbled in front, is short enough though.

Jacquelin is very much short-list material on home soil, ticking all the right boxes. He's been a regular candidate all season, including ninth in Austria over the weekend, and generally thrives in low-scoring affairs.

Along with Jacquelin, Bourdy heads the home challenge after a very consistent season. He's won a title in each of the last three years, and it will be no surprise to see him keep the run going.

An excellent putter and prolific birdie-maker, Edberg could well enjoy a second consecutive week in contention. As Sunday's disappointing round showed, however, he is not a man to trust when it matters.

Garrido made the short-list, as he's generally a reliable iron player who should like the course. I have a terrible record of predicting his performance, though.

At 40/1, Soren would be a huge price on his best form, but he's never really been one for a putting contest and has particularly struggled in that regard lately.

Rock was flying in mid-summer, making a number of high finishes in much better fields than this one. Four missed cuts from his last five read less well, however, including in weak events such as last week's Austrian Open.

Boyd is another interesting 80/1 chance after some decent results. He's made the top 25 on four of his last six starts, including as runner-up in the Czech Open.

He very rarely wins or even seriously contends, but there's no arguing with Derksen's consistency. Fifth on his penultimate start was the Dutchman's tenth top 20 from his last 16 starts.

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