European Tour: HNA Open de France top 10 power rankings

The European Tour heads to Le Golf National this week for the HNA Open de France. 

For just over a century, many of Europe’s best golfers have competed at the tournament now known as the HNA Open de France, which is the oldest national open on the continent, and has become one of the biggest events on the European Tour.

Played at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris, France, where the tournament has been held every year but twice since 1991, the Open de France traditionally attracts strong fields as global golfers gradually begin their movement toward The Open Championship, which is just three weeks away. 

This year’s field appears particularly strong at the top, and there’s a possible reason why. The Albatros Course at Le Golf National will play host to the 2018 Ryder Cup. European team prospects in the field this week include Alex Noren, Jon Rahm, Thomas Pieters and Martin Kaymer, among others. Captain Thomas Bjorn will also be in the field with a watchful eye.

Count on more American players seeking invitations to the Open de France as the U.S. prospect list whittles down. For now, the American elite are staying stateside and Europe’s best are here for a little advance scout work. On top of the Ryder Cup allure, this event is part of the European Tour’s newfound Rolex Series. The series features bigger purses and are comprised of some of the Tour’s staple events.

Let’s take a look at the 10 I see with the best chance to be le gagnant at the HNA Open de France.