Alstom Open de France Preview, Tips & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements

THE Alstom Open de France is one of the oldest tournaments in the world and, once again, it has attracted most of Europe's top players to Le Golf National as they tune up their games for the forthcoming Open Championship at St Andrews.

Graeme McDowell, who has had a lean season, is back to defend his title and will face stiff opposition from the likes of Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer. Seven members of the 2014 Ryder Cup team are playing, but all eyes will be on a formidable home presence, headed by Victor Dubuisson, Alexander Levy, Julian Quesne and Romain Wattel.

Alstom Open de France Analysis

Westwood last played in the French Open in 2012. He has yet to win the event, although he lost to Kaymer in a playoff in 2009, and has three other top-10 finishes in the tournament. At 41, Westwood is now based in the United States, and while many people believe his best days are behind him, Westwood still believes he is good enough to finally land that elusive major. He enjoys the Old Course at St Andrews and will be looking for a good performance at Le Golf National before playing in The Open.

Levy is ready for another win to add to his victories in the Volvo China Open and the Portugal Masters last year. Still only 24 years old, Levy is one of the best young players in Europe and believes that he can achieve a great deal in the game. Winning his home Open would be the ideal way to take the next step.

However, after his performance in the BMW International, big things will be expected from Victor Dubuisson, the golden boy of French golf. Dubuisson is something of an enigma, and has refused to discuss his childhood or his background in any detail. But he always provides great value for money, and the home crowd will be praying that he is a member of the Ryder Cup team when the competition comes to France.

Dubuisson was a key member of Paul McGinley's victorious Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles last autumn but, like McDowell, he has struggled in 2015. The French love him. Let's be honest, everybody loves him. Dubuisson plays golf with a refreshing approach. He plays quickly and he plays aggressively, knowing he possesses the skills to extricate himself from the most awful places, and there are awful places aplenty at Le Golf National.

Look out, too, for Francesco Molianri, back in Europe after a successful run on the PGA Tour. Molinari has played some superb golf in the United States, coming close to winning on two occasions. There is not a better iron player in Europe, and few who hit the ball straighter than the little Italian. If he ever has a week when his putter is hot, the rest better watch out.

The tournament organisers expect crowds of more than 50,000 people over the four days and have released some fascinating figures that reveal just how complicated are the logistics of staging a tournament of this scale - 70 greens staff will be on duty, along with 500 marshals and 70 courtesy-car drivers. A staggering total of 7,200 practice balls will be used by the pros on the range, 18km of ropes will be used and 1.5km of temporary fencing. Additionally, 1,600kg of fresh fruit will be provided for the pros, along with 14 water pallets.

Alstom Open de France Tips

To win: Victor Dubuisson. In form, at home

Each way: Francesco Molinari. Can he bring his American form to Europe

Each way: Alexander Levy. Due a good week

Alstom Open de France Fantasy Picks

Victor Dubuisson. Oh la la! Golfer par excellence

Francesco Molinari. If he doesn't finish in the top 10, I will eat my hat

Alexander Levy. Fired up to do well

Romain Wattel. Rising star of the European Tour

James Morrison. In the form of his life

Danny Willett. Enjoying the year of his young life

Lee Westwood. Has some decent form in this event

Alex Noren. Confidence sky-high, game in great shape

Marc Warren. The quiet man, the dark horse

Julien Quesne. A highly underrated French golfer