European Tour: M2M Russian Open Fantasy Picks

Edoardo Molinari is on the hunt for his first European Tour Victory since 2010 this week. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

The week of the M2M Russian Open is upon us, and for European Tour fantasy managers, it should be a hectic one. For the first time in its 22-year history, the tournament is going to be played at Skolkovo Golf Club, an unfamiliar track that will probably yield unpredictable results.

Read more about the Skolkovo Golf Club & golf in Russia

For that reason, course history won’t be a factor when pondering this week’s contenders–and current form will take on an unusual amount of importance. If an under-the-radar guy is on a streak of making cuts, then he’ll demand our attention.

More from European tour

Close to the center of Moscow, Skolkovo is a par 71. In an interview with the European Tour’s website, club member Marat Bogatyrev did remark that he expects to see “lots of birdies and eagles” this week. We, the fans, will just have to wait and see.

Now, let’s go five deep and take a look at some of the best bets for success at this week’s Russian Open

David Horsey–Yes, this Englishman is the defending champion, but of more significance is the fact that he hoisted another European Tour trophy in Denmark two weeks ago. Other than that win, it’s been something of a forgettable year for Horsey, but he might be able to find some more magic in Russia. He seems to be peaking at the right time.

Michael Hoey–The 2013 Russian Open winner, Hoey will also be in unfamiliar territory this week. However, his recent results–ties for 22nd and 27th in his last two starts and a tie for fifth at the Paul Lawrie Matchplay a while back–have been good enough to land him on this list. Like with Horsey, perhaps a return to the country of one of his recent wins will produce a spark.

Robert Dinwiddie–This grinder has been riding an unprecedented wave of success, posting three top 11s in his last three starts. That culminated with a solo fourth at last week’s Czech Masters, so he’ll be chomping at the bit to maybe keep it going. In the Russian Open’s weak field, Dinwiddie stands out as one of the premier options.

Bradley Dredge–This Welshman’s 2015 has paled in comparison to his 2014, during which he posted a pair of runner-up finishes, but he’s still among the better options for this week. His current run of four made cuts, including a tie for sixth in Denmark, qualifies as a relatively good streak, and as a European Tour veteran, he should be less vulnerable to new and confusing tracks.

Edoardo Molinari–This Italian is the only Ryder Cup veteran in the field this week and should draw one of the biggest crowds. Perhaps a fond reception from the fans would help to reignite his 2015 campaign–other than a recent tie for 17th at the Paul Lawrie Matchplay, things have looked fairly bleak. Still, he’s got the experience.

United States and Canadian fans can watch the M2M Russian Open on Golf Channel Thursday through Sunday this week, with this weekend’s coverage running from 7 a.m. through 10 a.m. both days. Sky Sports will broadcast a similar schedule for UK fans, VIASAT will provide coverage for Russian audiences. and CCTV will carry the tournament for China golf fans.

More from Pro Golf Now

Next: Deutsche Bank Championship Fantasy Picks

Home/European tour