MATT KUCHAR

To win

To lead after the first round

Kuchar ranked second in first-round scoring average on the PGA Tour in 2019, and he can make a fast start in Europe this week.

The 41-year-old opened with a 66 in his last start at the TOUR Championship, which left him joint-second at the end of the first day.

Kuchar was T1 after day one at the Scottish Open in July and T2 at the end of Thursday’s play at June’s Canadian Open.

The American has the kind of accurate game that suits Green Eagle, having ranked inside the top 20 in greens in regulation percentage and approach play on the PGA Tour this year.

He hasn’t been the best closer over the past few years, but Kuchar gets into contention often and looks a fine bet to start well.

THOMAS PIETERS

To win

To lead after the first round

Pieters doesn’t win as often as he should, but he triumphed the Czech Masters last month after opening with a 67 that left him T10.

The Belgian followed that up with another 67 on the first day at last week’s European Masters before going on to finish T12.

Pieters also shot a 64 on the first day at the Scottish Open in July which left him inside the top five, meaning he’s opened with a round of 67 or better in three of his last four starts.

The 27-year-old ranks ninth in GIR percentage, seventh in stroke average and sixth in driving distance on the European Tour this year.

Pieters tees off early in the morning on Thursday when the weather is meant to be at its kindest, so he looks a great shout to take the first-round lead.

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