Moroccan Classic

Moriarty T8

I Giner T16

G Paddison T39

N Colsaerts T39

M Bothma MC

None of the picks were capable of the consistent heavy scoring needed and thus no winners. P/L -10pts.

The European Challenge Tour moves to Morocco this week and to the Golf du Soleil golf course which was the scene of Graeme Storm's imperious victory last year. The Golf du Soleil course is incredibly short with three easily reachable in two par fives and for all intensive purposes is set up like a resort course. This explains the incredibly low scoring by this tour's standards last year. The only defence it has is if the wind gets up and there is no guarantee of that. When the wind did blow last year in the third round scoring was slightly more difficult but still many players scored heavily under par. It is going to be a shoot out where solid GIR and a hot putter should win.

Outright Plays (total per play: 2pts)

Nicolas Colsaerts to win 10/1 Win Only @ SkyBet

Nicolas Colsaerts is potentially a top class European Tour player and has the capability to score incredibly low on any golf course should his putter get hot. While the price may seem incredibly short I believe that this is one event where class should shine through and I effectively see this bet as a bit of a saver as I feel he is impossible to ignore.

Ivo Giner to win 25/1 e.w. @ SkyBet

The only thing stopping Ivo from winning a large tournament is his personality which is super aggressive and and easily frustrated. He like Colsaerts is potentially a cut above the rest of this field and could score very low. The course is designed by a spaniard which should help Ivo feel at home as spanish courses are known for their common characteristics. If he keeps cool he should be there abouts come sunday.

Outright Plays (total per play: 1pt)

Gareth Paddison to win 20/1 e.w. @ SkyBet

Gareth forms part of a trio of players who have been very consistent on the Challenge Tour and who have to be looked at for each tournament. They are Hoey, McEvoy and Paddison. While the first two are potential candidates this week I prefer Paddison at the price and I feel that he should go well this week.

Outright Plays (total per play: 0.5 pt)

Colm Moriarty to win 50/1 e.w. @ SkyBet

Moriarty put on a fantastic display last week in the Nissan Irish Open and showed that he has a very sound all round game. If the wind does blow he will enjoy an edge and he should have his confidence at an all time high after finishing tied 13th on a course described by many as the toughest test on the European Tour. However he was on home soil and was clearly able to make the most of the tough course and conditions. I am torn about this play hence only half a point allocated but feel that his season may have been kick started.

Michiel Bothma to win 150/1 e.w. @ SkyBet

This is a play on price. Bothma is a very solid Sunshine Tour player and will be able to cope with any wind that may appear. He sits tenth on the the Sunshine Tour stroke average and is coming off the back of a fifth place and some healthy low scores. He should not be 150/1 and has genuine place prospects.