Chris Wood is the Long Favourite at the Sicilian Open

Chris Wood heads a relatively weak field at the Sicilian Open and it could be the opening the Englishman needs to get his first career European Tour victory.

Wood comes in on the heels of a top-10 in his last start, a tie for 10th at the Dubai Open.  He also finished 2nd at the Africa Open to start his season in South Africa.

He could be an even bigger favourite if he can lead, or be near the lead, on the weekend.  Other than a missed cut in Qatar, Wood has broken 70 in the fourth round every tournament this season.

A lot to ponder on Wood, but at (16-1) it’s something to think about.

Scotsman Stephen Gallacher is just behind Wood at (18-1) and he’s had an impressive start to his season. 

Gallacher has finished in the top-12 in each of his last three events with the best being a tie for 4th at the Volvo Golf Champions. 

A relatively tame course this week in Italy and Gallacher could be one to impress as he comes in having hit 75% of greens.  Obviously, if he can keep that up, Gallacher could take advantage of the lesser field.

Third on the board is Gregory Havret (22-1) who in 2010 fell just short of a playoff for the US Open title falling by a shot to champion Graeme McDowell.

He’s also been impressive recently with a third at the Avantha Masters in India where Havret surged up the leaderboard with back to back 68’s on the weekend.

The way he played at the US Open means anything is possible for the Frenchman and, if he gets off to a good start, it wouldn’t be a surprise to stick around well into Sunday.

From the land of long odds comes Havret’s countryman and longtime European Tour veteran, Thomas Levet, who will tee off Thursday at (100-1).

Granted, Levet hasn’t had a top-10 since March of last year, so it’s safe to say he’s on the downside of his career.  However, in a week lacking names, a player with five career Tour wins is certainly one to watch.

I am a winner. I just didn't win today     - Greg Norman