Golf Review / Editor / 29 May 2007 / Leave a comment

Bradley Dredge has spoken of his desire to become the first Welshman to win Newport's Celtic Manor Wales Open.

The Tredegar man, who is trading at 20 in Betfair's outright winner market, knows he will have the support of family and friends as he bids to improve on his best finish of tied seventh last year at the £1.5million tournament.

Dredge can be backed at 5.8 in Betfair's emerging Top 5 finish market.

"It would be very special to be the first Welshman to lift this title," said the 33-year-old.
"I've always enjoyed playing there, it's a definite advantage playing so close to home, with friends and family supporting you and knowing the course."

Dredge will face strong competition from fellow Welsh professionals Phil Price, Garry Houston, David Park, Mark Pilkington, Kyron Sullivan and Craig Smith, plus invited amateurs Llewellyn Matthews and Rhys Enoch in what could be the last event at the par-69 Roman Road course.

The move to the revamped 7,493-yard Wentwood Lakes course - the home of the 2010 Ryder Cup - is expected to be made next year.

World number 10 Retief Goosen heads the outright winner market on 11, while 2006 winner, Robert Karlsson of Sweden, can be backed at 17 to successfully defend his crown.

Richard Sterne, winner of the 2007 Vodacom Championship on the Sunshine Tour, is available at 25, while this year's BMW Asian Open winner, Raphael Jacquelin, is next best at 26.