After Irish success at the innovative second edition of GolfSixes last week, the European Tour returns to the traditional 72-hole stroke play format for the Rocco Forte Open – Verdura. Alvaro Quiros won the inaugural staging of the event in Sicily last year, beating Zander Lombard in a play-off.
Located on the west coast of the island, approximately 60 miles from Palermo, the spectacular course at Verdura Resort will require players to negotiate several holes set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. While wind is undoubtedly a factor on those holes, low scores are achievable on the Kyle Phillips-designed course; Lombard shot a first round 62 last year.
With last year’s numbers in mind and the form book to hand, our stats guru has selected three players for your Fantasy team this week.
Favourite: Alvaro Quiros
Victory at this track last year finally put an end to Quiros’ six-year wait for a trophy. The Spaniard was prolific between 2007 and 2011, winning six times, but suffered a drought and poor form that could have finished a weaker-willed player. He showed superb mental fortitude to win in Sicily last year, coasting through to the final day, before dropping four shots in three holes. Despite his back nine lapse, Quiros held off Zander Lombard to claim a poignant victory.
His first two rounds yielded impressive totals of 63 and 64, to place him in a commanding position heading into the weekend. With positive memories returning to the forefront of his mind this week, he’ll be hopeful of building on his runner-up spot at the Trophée Hassan II last month.
Form horse: Andy Sullivan
With five top 21 finishes in his last six events, including two top tens, Andy Sullivan is certainly a man to keep an eye on. All the signs are indicating Sullivan could be about to hit a real purple patch; in eight events this season, the Englishman is 73 under par and yet to miss a cut. His recent share of seventh in Morocco has kept him moving in the right direction in what is set to be an important year for all Europeans.
Although Sullivan didn’t play in this event last season, decent form will give him reason to believe he can improve on recent good results. He is currently ranked 14th in Strokes Gained Off the Tee (+0.96) and will need the long clubs to be hot again this week, particularly with wind coming into play on some of the holes.
Wildcard: Jason Scrivener
It feels only a matter of time before Jason Scrivener wins a European Tour trophy. With four top 20s to his name this season, Scrivener has enjoyed a solid first five months of 2018, with his most impressive result a share of sixth at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Although he will find Verdura Resort a different challenge to the one he faced in the Middle East, it’s clear he has the ability to compete with the strongest of fields.
The Australian impressed at this course last season, sharing fifth place after rounds of 68-67-71-67 and finishing just three shots off a play-off spot. A recent share of 20th at the Volvo China Open sends Scrivener into this week in decent form and confident of replicating his strong showing in Sicily last time out.
Think you've got what it takes to pick a winning team? Time to register your side for our season-long game by clicking here. Good luck!
