Englishman Robert Rock is keen to add to his name to an illustrious list of past winners as the Open de Portugal makes its return to the schedule after a seven-year absence.
This week's tournament in Portimão is the first dual ranking event with the Challenge Tour since the 2015 Madeira Islands Open, with points counting towards both the Race to Dubai and the Road to Oman.
Portugal is a happy hunting ground for Rock, who finished in a share of fifth place at last year's Portugal Masters, and he has set his sights on further success at the Open de Portugal at Morgado Golf Resort this week.
Not many tournaments have this kind of history and the roll of winners that this one does - Robert Rock
Dane Thomas Bjørn lifted the trophy when the event was last played in 2010, while former winners include Sam Torrance and Colin Montgomerie.
Rock, who has won two European Tour titles, said: "It’s great that the Open de Portugal is back on the schedule. It has over 50 years of history, and we’ve missed it.
"Not many tournaments have this kind of history and the roll of winners that this one does. Regardless of how much you are playing for, it’s nice to get your name on a trophy like that.
"Most of my favourite golfers would have played this event - and probably won it - and that’s the type of tournament where I want to get my name on the trophy.
"I managed it at the Italian Open in 2011 - that’s another tournament with a long history, and it would be nice to have another one like that."
This week's field includes Major Champions Paul Lawrie and Mike Weir, while Ricardo Gouveia and José-Filipe Lima lead the home charge.
