This week’s
Lyoness Open in Austria represents a big opportunity for several Australians
with 14 players from these shores earning a start in various categories.

Brett
Rumford and Jason Scrivener represent the European regulars but several others,
2014 Australian Masters winner Nick Cullen included, will also make the trip to
Austria.

Todd
Sinnott has received a sponsor’s exemption for the week while Matt Millar,
Jordan Zunic, Aaron Pike, Matthew Guyatt and Kristopher Mueck will all tee up
courtesy of their finishes on the 2015 ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Order
of Merit.

With the
field weakened by the US Open next week, several Challenge Tour players have
also received the call up, Scott Arnold, Daniel Gaunt, Terry Pilkadaris, Dimi
Papadatos, David Bransdon and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox among them.

While it
has one of the smaller purses on the European Tour the tournament represents a
vital earning opportunity for all 14 though Rumford and Scrivener are both well
inside the top-110 on the Race to Dubai and almost certain to retain cards next
season.

For the
rest, a win brings full exemption for the remainder of this season and all of
next while a high finish could catch the eye of tournament directors and lead
to more playing opportunities.

Given the
position of this event on the schedule many of the Australians have had the
opportunity to play before though some not at this venue.

David
Bransdon played in both 2006 and 2007 at the Fontana GC while Matt Millar also
teed up in 2006 for a mid field finish.

Daniel
Gaunt has been playing solid golf in recent weeks and has a good track record
at the Diamond Country Club, host venue since 2010. Gaunt first played in 2011 when he
posted his best result, a T21, though in four attempts he has never missed the
cut.

Terry
Pilkadaris has made three appearances at the current venue with two missed cuts
and a best of T15 which came in 2010. Scott Arnold missed the cut in his
only appearance in 2013 while Scrivener finished mid-field in his only try last
year.

Brett
Rumford will be keen to atone for a poor showing in last week’s Nordea Masters
in Sweden, back-to-back rounds of 76 easily his worst play of the season. He has been
mid-field each of the last two years but if he has sorted out his driving
issues since last Friday will like his chances.

Nick Cullen
is perhaps the player with most to play for as he lacks status on any tour
outside Australia. Playing opportunities are limited for the
affable left hander which makes it difficult to build momentum though he has
missed just one cut in five European starts this season.

A good finish this week would be a huge boost to his
confidence and a good cheque wouldn’t harm his chances of perhaps earning a
card for next year either.