Opportunity knocks at Russian Open

BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2006 Russian Open | Preview | 17 Aug 2006

The Russian Open is being played while many of Europe’s stars are in Chicago for the USPGA Championship. While that is not great for the event’s sponsors it is ideal for the many players, both European and Challenge Tour, who see this as a great opportunity to gain valuable dollars while the strength of the tour is in the US.

This year the Russian Open, sponsored by Imperial Collection, is a fully fledged European Tour tournament. It began life as a Challenge Tour event until 2003 when it was co-sanctioned with the European and Challenge Tours.

The Robert Trent Jones designed Moscow Golf Club boasts being the first ever golf courses in Russia but that hardly makes it old. It was opened in 1993 and has played host to this event since 1996.

Benn Barham was 6th last year and was recently 5th in Scotland providing him with credentials that stand out in this field. Gregory Bourdy has played well enough of late in much stronger events to be considered a real chance here. He finished 6th in this event in 2004.

Lee Slattery has made a lot of cuts lately and Garry Houston was fifth in the Netherlands last week and did play well in this very event two years ago.

It is hard to get excited by the field but for someone, the result on Sunday, will undoubtedly prove to be career changing, at least in the short term.

The Australasians are headed by Terry Pilkadaris alongside Jarrod Moseley, Peter Fowler, Stephen Scahill, Gareth Paddison and Daniel Gaunt.