It looks like we have nice weather (if a little chilly) for most of Thursday's opening round, the wind is due to pick up a little in the afternoon, and with the added advantage of fresh greens, the morning starters look the way to go.

Given Luke Donald won this event by five shots on his debut in 2004 and then finished fourth the next year, it's a wonder it's taken him 12 years to come back. Particularly, as it's without doubt the most scenic venue on either the European or PGA Tour. This year, Donald fell out of the FedEx Cup finals in the US at the first event so back to Switzerland it is, and the venue clearly suits his game. The Englishman has had a torrid season but class is permanent and the mountains of Crans Montana inspiring an improvement in his form wouldn't be the biggest shock.

One of Donald's three-ball partners Haydn Porteous missed the cut here last year, but his game is in much better shape this time around and he looks to possess a similar mix of power and finesse to Danny Willett, the 2015 victor here. The South African's short game and wedges looked in great shape last week in the Czech Republic, he looks one to keep onside while in this form.

I'm going to throw in the third member of the three-ball, 53-year-old Miguel Angel Jimenez. The Spaniard absolutely loves this event and finally got his name on the trophy in 2010. The 'mechanic' is having another solid season on the Champions tour, where he was second last week at the Shaw Charity Classic - shooting rounds of 64, 65, and 66, so he's clearly in good form.

Finally, I'm going to throw a dart at SSP Chawrasia, the diminutive Indian has been in good form this year. He put in a phenomenal performance to win his national open (by seven shots) for a second time in March; and has performed solidly in Europe since then. Chawrasia was 19th last time out in Denmark and has some good rounds to his name at Crans-sur-Sierre, where his marvellous short game should serve him well.

Recommended Bets

Back Luke Donald @ 60/1
Back Haydn Porteous @ 55/1
Back Miguel Angel Jimenez @ 66/1
Back SSP Chawrasia @ 110/1


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