Paul Krishnamurty / 15 December 2009 Free Bet View Market

"Anders Hansen has a big incentive this week as he heads the annual Sunshine Tour money list, and is bidding to become the first player from outside Africa to do so. His record to date in this country is impeccable, with two wins and no finish worse than sixth from four starts."

One interesting stat takes the eye in this
final golfing week of the decade. Discounting certain majors and WGC events, this is the only regular European Tour event that hasn't been won by a European during the noughties. That stat may be about to change though, as this final attempt represents by far their best opportunity.

For while that record might suggest the home players enjoy a big advantage, the figures are skewed by the usual calibre of South African opponent. Six of those nine renewals were won by one of the home nation's 'big-four'; Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Tim Clark and Trevor Immelman. None of those international stars are in this year's line-up, leaving just four South African representatives from those ranked inside the world's top-100. So here are three Europeans worth a punt to end that jinx.

Anders Hansen

At first glance, [15.0] about a player who has only won four times might seem a bit skinny, but there is a sound explanation. Anders has a big incentive this week as he heads the annual Sunshine Tour money list, and is bidding to become the first player from outside Africa to do so. His record to date in this country is impeccable, with two wins and no finish worse than sixth from four starts.

Hansen's claims are further strengthened by the fact that he ranked first in both the 'greens in regulation' and 'scrambling' stats last weekend at Leopard Creek. Previous results at this week's venue, Pearl Valley, suggest those are the most important stats to follow.

Eduardo Molinari

After a few years in the shadow of his better-established younger brother, Eduardo has arrived on the scene in spectacular style with four wins from his last seven starts. Francesco could have his work cut out to finish as leading Italian on the 2010 Race to Dubai.

Granted, the first couple of victories were on the much lower-grade Challenge Tour, but there's no arguing with the pedigree of wins at the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament or alongside his brother in the World Cup. Molinari kept up the good work with a respectable 15th last week at Leopard Creek, again registering very impressive ball-striking stats in the process.

He looks one to follow in general, and particularly at odds of [26.0] against a relatively weak field such as this one.

Damien McGrane

Top quality scrambling is a crucial skill at Pearl Valley, and nobody amongst this field ranks higher than McGrane over the past 12 months in that discipline. Its no surprise, therefore, that he made the top-15 on last year's course debut.

With the benefit of that experience, and last week's top-10 under his belt, [50.0] chance McGrane has every reason to expect an improved result. Furthermore, the weather forecast of strong winds should favour the Irishman more than most.