For many players, this week's French Open is an opportunity to take a "time out" before the big money tournaments get under way and, as such, US Masters champion Jose-Maria Olazabal is pretty much the class act in the field. And his odds reflect this as the Spaniard, who showed signs of a return to form in his final round in Italy, is a clear 6 to 1 favourite to land the top prize.

However, given that there have been seven first-time winners on the European Tour so far this season, it might be worth a gamble to plumb for one of the lesser lights this week, and Stephen Leaney, who is on offer at 33 to 1, looks like a really decent bet. The Aussie hasn't reproduced the fireworks of last season on tour but is a good campaigner and capable of shooting low. He is worth a wager.

The other prospect is 40 to 1 shot Van Phillips who is enjoying his best season and, with so many big guns absent, he too is worth an each-way bet.

6-1 - Jose-Maria Olazabal (Spain).

14-1 - Retief Goosen (South Africa).

16-1 - Ian Woosnam (Wales), Greg Turner (New Zealand), Ignacio Garrido (Spain).

20-1 - Eduardo Romero (Argentina).

25-1 - Costantino Rocca (Italy), Nick Faldo (England).

33-1 - Stephen Leaney (Australia), Peter Mitchell (England), Santiago Luna (Spain).

40-1 - Van Phillips (England).

50-1 - Dean Robertson (Scotland), Jamie Spence (England), Bob May (USA), Gary Evans (England), Wayne Riley (Aus).

Prices supplied by Ladbrokes Ireland.

Olazabal available at 6 to 1.