Weekly Previews

published 13 August 2007

Tournament: Wyndham Championship Course: Forest Oaks Country Club Prize fund: £2,500,000 Winner: £450,000

Course details: Par 72 7,311 yards. Defending Champion Davis Love III redesigned Forest Oaks in 2002, but has long been a favourite stop for PGA Tour Professionals. Originally designed by Ellis Maples, the course opened in 1962 to wide acclaim and 15 years later became the home of the much-heralded Greater Greensboro Open, now known as the Wyndham Championship.

Key Holes: 2nd ? Although not a monster of a par 5, at just 553 yards, decision-making becomes a major factor. A good drive down the right hand side of the fairway offers the chance to go for the green in two, but it is players must hit the correct part of the three-tiered green. A three-putt is a distinct possibility if players fail to find the right level but the reward for a well-judged approach is a possible eagle three. This could be a momentum-building hole early in the round.

18th ? This dogleg left par 4 stands at an impressive 448 yards and requires an accurate drive to avoid the five bunkers situated around the landing area. A good tee shot leaves just a short iron approach to an undulating green, complete with false back and front. Two good shots will leave a birdie chance but players will have to find the fairway off the tee. If there is a close finish then somebody might be able to win with a dramatic birdie but there is also the chance to throw it away.

The lowdown: As defending champion and course designer, Davis Love III will once again begin as one of the men to beat at Forest Oaks, however the field is awash with other big names. Korean KJ Choi has been in good form of late and the world number 12 will be hoping to add to the AT&T National title he claimed earlier this year. Lucas Glover is another who has been playing himself into form in recent weeks and although he didn?t enjoy the best of finishes at the PGA Championship last week he could be in line to collect his first win of 2007. Meanwhile former PGA Champion Shaun Micheel has endured a poor year ? he has just two top-10 finishes ? but the former Ryder Cup player could be a factor if he finds his ?A? game in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Tournament: Scandinavian Masters ?Course: Arlandastad Golf Club (Old Course)?Prize fund: £1,082,000

Course details: Par 70 6,835 yards. Arlandastad?s Old Course is not renowned for its length and low scoring is to be expected as the European Tour arrives in town this week. Marc Warren won last year?s event ? at Barseback Golf and Country Club, measuring 7,365 yards - in a playoff after finishing tied with Robert Karlsson at 10-under par. The course?s main defence is that water features on twelve of the holes, so there will still be concern for the players, despite the lack of length.

The lowdown: As defending champion, Marc Warren will be expected to challenge once more, but has failed to make an impression since finishing 5th in the HSBC Champions event at the start of the year. In fact, there is a very competitive field for this week?s event with Russian Open winner Per-Ulrik Johansson and US Open contender Nick Dougherty looking to the week with promise. However, expect John Daly to at least create a lot of entertainment for the crowd even if he isn?t quite on his game. Also watch out for big-hitting Tony Finau, who at just 17 years of age is being hailed as the next Tiger Woods.

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