Warren ready to defend Made in Denmark

After last week’s thrilling USPGA Championship, the European Tour heads to Scandinavia for the Made in Denmark where Scotland’s Marc Warren is defending champion.

Lowdown:

After last week’s thrilling USPGA Championship, the European Tour heads to Scandinavia for the Made in Denmark where Scotland’s Marc Warren is defending champion.

The inaugural Made in Denmark held last summer proved to be a resounding success, attracting some 82,000 spectators. The players commented on the incredible atmosphere they experienced at Himmerland Golf Resort.

“The crowds were amazing,” said defending champ Marc Warren. “It was held, as it is again this year, the week after the USPGA Championship and it definitely has the same feel to it. I can’t wait to tee it up again.”

Warren came out on top last year after a gripping final round battle with Bradley Dredge of Wales. The pair shared the lead through 54 holes and, despite a back nine charge by Dredge, it was the Scot who came out on top to claim his third European Tour victory.

Large galleries are expected again as the fans flock to see home favourites like Thomas Bjorn, Soren Kjeldsen and Thorbjorn Olesen as well as the likes of Darren Clarke, Nicolas Colsaerts and Robert Karlsson.

Darren Clarke, what's in the bag? video:

Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort is a 7,033-yard par-71 layout with a number of sub 400-yard par 4s but two par 5s measuring more than 620 yards. It’s a relatively exposed track with a number of water hazards, undulating fairways and contoured green complexes,

The weather looks set fair for the week although it could be breezy which will add to the challenge of this already rather tricky golf course.

Venue: Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort, Farso, Denmark Date: Aug 20-23 Course stats: par 71, 7,033 yards Purse: €1,500,000 Defending Champion: Marc Warren (-9)

TV Coverage: Thursday 20 – Sky Sports 4 from 10.30am Friday 21 – Sky Sports 4 from 10.30am Saturday 22 – Sky Sports 4 from 12pm Sunday 23 – Sky Sports 4 from 11.30am

Player watch: The home guard – one of the Danish players in the field will be keen to get a victory in their home tournament:

Thomas Bjorn – He was tied fourth in this event last year so clearly likes the course. He hasn’t been on brilliant form of late but he showed signs of a return towards his best in the USPGA Championship last week.

Thorbjorn Olesen – A supremely talented player, Olesen is fully capable of turning round some shaky recent form. He finished tied seventh in this tournament last year.

Soren Kjeldsen – The 2015 Irish Open winner has played some great golf this year and he thrives when the going gets tough. If the wind gets up this week he’ll be delighted.

Key hole: 18th. Its’ a par-4 of only 419 yards where birdie is a distinct possibility but a pond short right of the green means it also has risks attached.

Skills required: Wedge play. With five par-4s at less than 400 yards and two three shot par-5s, getting it close from around the 100 yard mark will be of paramount importance.