EMC Golf Challenge Open

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Mark Tullo - 2 points each-way @ 20-1 (General)

In the absence of certain favourite Andrew Johnston, the Chilean heads a short-list of only a handful that are likely to handle both the conditions and any pressure down the stretch.

At first sight, the near 7600-yard course is brutally long with only three par-5s and some long par-3s, but according to local Matteo Dolpodio the fairways are now tighter and an excellent tee-to-green game will be needed. I feel that those on the bubble of the top-15 automatic cards plus those between 46-55 on the rankings may find this a tough enough test and few make appeal.

At sub-25, the pick needs to have solid credentials and whilst I would have considered Tullo as a lively longshot in the Alfred Dunhill Links this week, he has rock-solid claims here. Form since mid-August is excellent, a 4th in Norway (7300-yards plus) followed by the win in Finland and whilst there appears to have been a brief letdown straight afterwards, top-10s in his last two starts are signs that he can make a challenge for a top-5 position on the rankings. Currently 7th in that regard and safe enough for his main tour card for 2015, his one run here was a top-20 in 2010 and with his driving accuracy improving since, he has to be just about favourite here this week.