Excitement at both ends of the Volvo Order of Merit will focus on Spain this week as the Telefonica Open de Madrid takes to the fairways of the majestic Club de Campo course, to the north west of the capital city.
Retief Goosen, the current Volvo Order of Merit leader, lines up, keen for his third victory of the season which would strengthen his claim to succeed Lee Westwood at the end of the season as European Number One.
Several of the players chasing the South African are in action including Irishmen Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington.
For Harrington in particular, a return to Club de Campo will bring back many happy memories.
In 1996 the Irishman recorded his maiden European Tour success at the course with victory in the Peugeot Open de España and last year he tasted glory again in the BBVA Open Turespaña Masters Communidad de Madrid.
Harrington carded a 17 under par total of 267 12 months ago to hold off the spirited challenge of Scotland's Gary Orr with Sweden's Per-Ulrik Johansson in third, and although the tournament has changed title sponsors since then, the Irishman will keen to produce the same form to successfully defend a title for the first time in his career.
Of course, the interest will not solely be focused on the top end of the Volvo Order of Merit, with several players around the cut off point for keeping their cards keen for a good week to secure their playing privileges for next season and avoid a return to the Tour School.
A fortnight ago Jorge Berendt did just that, starting the week in 111th place before winning the Cannes Open to propel himself to safety and the Argentinian's achievement will be the benchmark for all those currently around 115th place.
Also in action this week with be England’s Malcolm Mackenzie, who will contest his 500th event on The European Tour.
The Club de Campo course is one of the oldest and most celebrated in Spain.
It held the first of its eight Open de España's in 1957 when Max Faulkner, the 1951 Open champion, won with an aggregate of 283 and other champions Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie and Sam Torrance.
