Vivendi Cup golf form guide

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.

GONZALO FERNANDEZ-CASTANO

Gonzo enjoyed another solid week in Austria, but was unable to quite keep pace with the low scoring. A similar story looks likely if this turns into a putting contest.

CHRIS WOOD

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.

RICHARD GREEN

While 11th place was a respectable effort, Green never looked like giving us a run for our money in Austria. Nevertheless, a strong 69/65 weekend confirmed his wellbeing.

RAPHAEL JACQUELIN

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.

GREGORY BOURDY

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.

PELLE EDBERG

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.

JOSE-MANUEL LARA

Lara has stormed back into form over the past fortnight, finishing fourth in Holland before holing everything in sight to win in Austria. Back to back wins are very rare, but the Spaniard will be a threat to all if retaining that hot streak with the putter.

IGNACIO GARRIDO

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.

SOREN HANSEN

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.

TODD HAMILTON

Consecutive top 15s over the last fortnight show the value of PGA Tour form in this company, as Hamilton is nowhere on that tour. He has never struck me as a birdie-machine type though.

ROBERT ROCK

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.

GARY BOYD

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.

ROBERT-JAN DERKSEN

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.

GEORGE COETZEE

With a clear lead halfway through the second round, things got a bit exciting for us Coetzee backers last week before disaster struck, as seems to regularly be the case with this useful prospect. If only he could put four rounds together, this emphasis on putting and birdies would be ideal.

2010 STATS: -56pts

LONG-TERM ALREADY ADVISED

5pts MARTIN KAYMER TO WIN THE RACE TO DUBAI @ 9/1

This year, for the perfect Christmas gift, take advantage of our special Golf Monthly subscription offer. You will save up to 37% and receive a gift card to send. Or, treat yourself and enjoy the luxury of each issue delivered to your door.

Call 0844 848 0848 and quote AHYT or go to magazinesdirect.co/uk/iwat

Where next?

Equipment news: New equipment releases Competitions: Fantastic prizes to be won