The DP World Tour heads to Czech Republic this week for the eighth staging of the D+D Real Czech Masters at Albatross Golf Resort, situated just outside the capital city of Prague.
American Johannes Veerman will be aiming to call on fond memories as he defends his title while two-time former champion Thomas Pieters, a Rolex Series winner this season, four-time DP World Tour winner Rafa Cabrera Bello and recent first-time Tour title winner Sean Crocker are also in the field targeting DP World Tour Ranking points.
If you have not done so already, you can sign up now to the official Fantasy Game of the DP World Tour and submit your six-man team before round one on Thursday: https://fantasy.dpworldtour.com.
Favourite – Thomas Pieters
The Belgian is the highest-ranked player on the Official World Golf Ranking in the field this week, and that, combined with his exceptional record at this venue, makes him an obvious choice. The World Number 35 won his maiden Tour title at the event in 2015 and has since registered three top tens in his four subsequent appearances at Albatross including victory for a second time on his most recent visit in 2019. Pieters began the year by winning his first Rolex Series title at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and just missed out on a second win of the 2022 season in a play-off against Li Haotong at the BMW International Open in June. The 30-year-old will be competing in his first event since a T28 finish at The 150th Open at St Andrews last month, the third consecutive Major Championship this season in which he made the cut.
Form horse – Eddie Pepperell
Following a challenging 18 months on the course, during which he lost his full Tour playing privileges, Pepperell arrives in Czech Republic high in confidence on the back of three top 20 finishes in his last three events during the UK swing. The two-time DP World Tour winner pushed Sean Crocker all the way in the Hero Open before he had to settle for second place at Fairmont St Andrews last month – his best result since the Betfred British Masters in May 2019. Combined with his return to form, the Englishman also boasts a strong record at this week’s venue having finished in the top ten in three of his six previous visits.
Wild card – Julien Brun
Despite being attached to host venue Albatross Golf Resort, the Frenchman will be making his debut in the D+D Real Czech Masters this week. Use of the practice facilities and course knowledge should put him at an advantage as he continues his search for a maiden Tour win. Brun, who graduated from the Challenge Tour last year after winning two titles, has registered five top 20 finishes so far this campaign including a season-best tie for eighth at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett in May. The 30-year-old also missed out on another Challenge Tour title last season in a play-off at the D+D Real Czech Challenge so experience suggests he feels at home in the Czech Republic.
