The English Open supported by HotelPlanner makes its return to the golfing calendar this week at The Vale Golf Club. Here are three players to keep an eye on…
Form Horse: Louis Albertse
Louis Albertse recorded a season-high finish at the Interwetten Open last week, finishing in solo second and one-stroke behind winner Filip Mruzek. After coming so close to his maiden HotelPlanner Tour victory, the South African’s form deserves attention.
After starting the season slowly playing on the DP World Tour and HotelPlanner Tour, Albertse hasn’t finished outside the top 30 in his past seven events, with three top ten finishes along the way. Currently 14th on the Road to Mallorca, Albertse strengthening his grip on one of the 15 DP World Tour cards would not come as a surprise this week.
Local boy: Jamie Rutherford
Playing out of Knebworth Golf Club in Hertfordshire, Jamie Rutherford will make the short 100-mile journey to The Vale having impressed in recent times on the Road to Mallorca.
The Englishman, who narrowly missed out on promotion last year, recorded a season-best finish at the Challenge de España where rounds of 69-68-67 put him firmly in contention heading into Sunday, before a closing 72 saw Rutherford fall short of the title at Isla Canela Links. A similar story unfolded at the Swiss Challenge the following week. Rounds of 69-68-67 had the 34-year-old just six shots back before a disappointing final round curtailed his challenge.
Nonetheless, the 34-year-old’s overall form is promising and with winning pedigree on his resume, Rutherford finally finding 72-hole consistency is not out of the question this week.
Outsider: Ryan Van Velzen
South African Ryan van Velzen arrives in Worcestershire in good form. The 24-year-old currently sits fourth in the season-long Road to Mallorca Rankings and posted three rounds in the 60s at last week’s Interwetten Open.
Furthermore, last month, Van Velzen sealed a comfortable victory at the Challenge de España, marking his maiden HotelPlanner Tour title and first professional triumph outside the Rainbow Nation. With a recent victory under his belt, Van Velzen landing a second win in quick succession and strengthening his position near the top of the Rankings is a very real possibility this week.
