Trophee Hassan 2011- Keeping faith with Ollie Wilson

On and upwards this week, the week before the Masters at Augusta. Its another mediocre field assembling on yet another new venue for this tournament in Morocco where previous Morrocan Open golf tournaments have been won by an illustrious list of whos who on the European Tour. Last years event was won by Rhys Davies who just edged out Open elect Louis Ousthuizen. With little course form to go on, the criteria needed for the winners enclosure suggests those that are in form and possess good GIR & putting stats are the ones to watch as both courses are relatively short, this being a PRO-AM also, the course should be playing easier than most weeks. Raphael Jacquelin heads the betting at 14/1 and he did make my short list of 7 who I think will win this week. That grouping of mine does include 3 selections I have made over the past couple of weeks who missed the cut, but I have given the thumbs up to Oliver Wilson to get going again this week. Chris Wood could also do well here but I have decided to overlook him and have opted for his countyman, David Howell who seems to be gradually getting back to his best and his putter seems to be getting hotter & hotter each week too. A crucial ingredient to do well this week is putting and with little emphasis on driving this could be a tournament that will suit Howell and at 50/1, yes please I'll have a wee interest in him. Again, the decision to make that third and decisive choice rests between Joost Luiten, Darren Clarke and Nicolas Colsaerts with the latter being the choice @ 45/1. The Belgian was ultra consistent last year and is finding form again lately, boasts 9th in GIR rankings and this could help him get close to making birdie putts this week.

TIP 1: 1 pt e/w Oliver Wilson @ 55/1 (Boylesports); Missed cut badly last week but closer look shows errors at the wrong time on a few holes. Has the temperament to bounce back

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w David Howell @ 50/1 (Bodog Sportsbook); Looking to be getting back to his best and short course should see him do well here...consistent lately has early start Thursday and a real value bet at these odds.

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w Nicolas Colsaerts @ 45/1 (Boylesports). In good form, has great GIR stats which are vital for these courses, deserves a win and quite capable of getting it.