The Made in Himmerland started life as the Made in Denmark in 2014 although all but one of the seven events has been played at the Himmerland Resort after which the tournament is now named.
Crowds flock to the 16th of the New Course, a 120 meter, uphill par-3 surrounded by an enormous amphitheater and always one of the liveliest places on the property.
DEFENDING CHAMPION: Bernd Wiesberger successfully defended the title he won in 2019 after the tournament was canceled in 2020.
The Austrian ran away from the field with a Sunday 64 to post a five shot win over Guido Migliozzi.
It was the first time the then seven-time Tour winner had successfully defended a title.
COURSE: The Himmerland Resort is home to two courses, but it is the New which hosts the professionals each year.
RIGHT: Bernd Wiesberger claimed a second straight Made in Himmerland title last year. PHOTO: Andrew Redington/Getty Images.
Open and windswept with a links feel, the pros tend to find scoring here on the easy side with the winning score failing to reach double digits under par just once since 2014.
Wiesberger’s winning total last year was 21-under and his Sunday 64 was eclipsed by runner-up Guido Migliozzi’s 63, testament to the fact low numbers are on offer.
Two holes stand out on the course and will again attract plenty of attention this year: the already mentioned 16th hole and the formidable par-5 11th.
The 16th is only short at 120 meters but it is the setting which makes it one of the great tournament par-3s.
The amphitheater surrounding the green holds thousands of fans and usually does, the atmosphere more akin to a Ryder Cup than a DP World Tour event.
But it is earlier in the round where the more interesting hole lies, the 590-meter par-5 11th.
The crowd surrounding the 16th green is a highlight every year at this event. PHOTO: Andrew Redington/Getty Images.
The hole plays as a par-6 for resort guests (mercifully) and is one of the few a field of this caliber will not consider automatically reachable.
The fairway is littered with bunkers and a narrow opening to the green makes even the longest hitters think twice about going for the green.
PRIZE MONEY: EU3,000,000
PLAYERS TO WATCH: There will be a strong local contingent this year led by the Hojgaard twins spirit Thorbjorn Olesen.
While none of the three have a particularly good record at the course they will have plenty of support and it would be no surprise if Olesen, in particular, was to contend.
His resurgent win in England in May after some difficult times away from the course will have boosted his confidence and his results since have been decent if not spectacular.
With several DP World Tour regulars competing in the Korn Ferry Tour Finals there are few high profile names in the field which presents a good opportunity for several players.
Among those is the promising Australian left hander Elvis Smiley who has received an invitation to play.
It’s been hard going for the Queenslander who has played each of the last three weeks but is yet to make a cut.
He is a better player than that, though, and the course this week should suit his length off the tee and imagination.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre might also fancy his chances this week despite some poor play in 2022.
The left hander was runner-up to Wiesberger in 2019 and played reasonably last year for a mid-field finish.
72-HOLE RECORD: 263 (-21, Bernd Wiesberger2021)
18-HOLE RECORD: 62 (-9, Christopher Broberg2021)
PAST AUSSIE WINNERS: No Australian has won the event
AUSTRALIANS IN THE FIELD: Scott Hend, Zach Murray, Dimi Papadatos, Elvis Smylie and Maverick Antcliff.
TV TIMES*
Round 1: Thursday (Fox Sports 503 9pm – 2am)
Round 2: Friday (Fox Sports 503 9pm – 2am)
Round 3: Saturday (Fox Sports 503 9.30pm – 2am)
Round 4: Sunday (Fox Sports 503 9.30pm – 2am)
*AEST, check local guides
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