Thursday 30 June 2016 08:48, UK
Ben Coley looks at the players set to impress at the Open de France and WGC-Bridgestone Invitational this week...
Jason Day is a worthy favourite for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and is fancied to extend his lead in the world rankings with yet another title.
The Australian - who pulled out of the Olympics on Monday - has a determination about him which has seldom before been seen and it's surely significant that he's taking counsel from Tiger Woods, who has helped in his ascent to the top of the sport.
Seven wins in 20 starts represent Woods-like figures and Day knows that Rory McIlroy's absence from Firestone this week gives him an excellent opportunity, on the back of a strong finish in the US Open.
Dustin Johnson was in a league of his own at Oakmont but has never been comfortable at this week's golf course and with Jordan Spieth still struggling with his approach play, Day is by far and away the most likely winner.
Of those at bigger prices, Jason Dufner is a course specialist courtesy of two top-10 finishes in three visits and looks value at around 40/1.
Dufner was born in nearby Cleveland so enjoys extra support, and with a solid effort at the US Open behind him appears close to his very best form.
This is a major champion we're talking about and while putting remains an issue, Firestone is more about driving the ball well and hitting as many greens as possible and therefore plays to Dufner's strengths.
Of the remainder, Emiliano Grillo and Charl Schwartzel arrive with confidence and the right set of skills but a better bet is JB Holmes at 80/1.
The big-hitter from Kentucky will be desperate to get back into the Ryder Cup side having done well on his one and only appearance to date, and top-fives at Augusta and Muirfield Village have helped give him a chance.
He's started to reserve his best for the big events and on one of the longest par-70 courses in the world, his power is a massive weapon.
Over in France, Rory McIlroy bids to return to winning ways after a dismal missed cut at the US Open.
We shouldn't be too alarmed with Rory's failure at Oakmont, a course which probably isn't made for him, and he's the man to beat having been fourth on his last visit to Le Golf National.
Still, 9/2 is short enough all things considered, especially when taking into account the depth of the opposition, which includes plenty of players desperate to grasp the opportunity to bag double Ryder Cup points.
One of them is Jamie Donaldson, who let frustration get the better of him at Oakmont but had previously hinted that a return to his best isn't far away.
The Welshman has a fine record at this course, including sixth in 2013 and fifth a year later when only a late mistake cost him a big chance to win, and can step up a level now back in Europe.
Matteo Manassero has control of his ball again and is worth chancing at three-figure prices, having ranked third for ball-striking last week before cheering Italy to a quarter-final place at Euro 2016.
Still just 23, Manassero would've been among the favourites here two or three years ago and had made all five cuts at Le Golf National prior to last summer, when his game was in total disarray.
There are some huge prices quoted about in-form players owing to the strength of the market leaders and it's got to be worth speculating that Mike Lorenzo-Vera could give the home crowds something to cheer.
It's a big summer for French sport and Lorenzo-Vera shouldn't be ruled out here having been ninth last week and sixth in this event last summer, although the safest way to play is probably hoping for another top-10 finish.
Finally, over in Reno it's the Barracuda Championship, the only modified stableford event on the PGA Tour.
Best of the bunch here is Jonas Blixt, who was in the mix for 54 holes last year and can build on some encouraging recent play.
Save some loose change for 100/1 chance Michael Kim, a player of immense potential who has some local ties, and Ben Crane at 125/1.
Watch the Open de France and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational throughout the week live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf
