Dan Roebuck’s European Tour preview – Trophée Hassan II
Published:The European Tour hits Africa for the final time this season as it rocks up in Morocco for the Trophée Hassan II at Golf du Palais Royal. This is a long established tournament but one that has only been incorporated onto the tour since 2010, while it’s been staged at its current home for just the previous two renewals.
This is also the last event on the European Tour before the Masters, so in terms of quality of field there are no superstars of the game in action. A little like last week, though, there are players who are bang in form who represent value investments.
Small greens that are well protected could play into the hands of those golfers who can find the putting surfaces with the minimum of fuss and, given the short nature of the layout, accuracy over power will be key.
It’s no surprise that David Horsey has won around this golf course before. The 2011 champion put up a stout defence of his title 12 months ago by finishing 14th and he sprang back into punters thoughts after a best of the season so far sixth place effort in India last time out.
Moreover, he has ranked in the top ten of driving accuracy in five of his last six outings and can be backed here at 25/1.
Pablo Larrazabal was sixth in Malaysia on Sunday – another best of season performance – and, as a player who has ranked inside the top dozen of greens in regulation stats more often than not, he must be backed at 25/1. Ninth at Golf du Palais Royal last year also bodes well.
Gregory Bourdy is another accurate iron player who has twice rewarded each-way backers in his last eight starts. A top 20 finish in Morocco two years ago is another tick in the right box. He is 33/1.
My three off the tee – Horsey, Larrazabal and Bourdy.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
