Scotland's Marc Warren will launch his defence of the Made in Denmark title alongside home favourite Soren Kjeldsen and Sweden's Robert Karlsson when play gets under way on Thursday at Himmerland Golf and Spa Resort.

Warren, who held off Welshman Bradley Dredge to secure his first European Tour title in almost seven years in the inaugural event 12 months ago, is joined on the 10th tee by Irish Open Champion Kjeldsen and Karlsson.

“This is a fantastic event for the European Tour,” said the 34-year-old Warren, who captured the trophy with a final-round three-under-par 68 to finish two shots clear.

‘Amazing week’

“It was an incredible week and the crowds were amazing. It was the week after the US PGA Championship and it definitely had the same feel to it. Especially coming down the last four holes, the atmosphere was amazing.”

Crowds of more than 80,000 came out to see the European Tour return to Denmark for the first time since 2003 and Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere when he tees off with home duo Thomas Bjorn and Thorbjorn Olesen.

“The guys who played here last year – the likes of Thomas Bjorn and Thorbjorn Olesen – said how good the event was, how big the crowds were and how good the atmosphere was,” Clarke said. “Everyone really enjoyed it so I was keen to try it for myself.”

The event will have extra significance for Clarke, who will be starting to look closely at his European comrades with the 2016 Ryder Cup points race due to begin in two weeks’ time in Russia.

IRISH IN ACTION AT HIMMERLAND:

Michael Hoey, Darren Clarke, Damien McGrane, Peter Lawrie, Kevin Phelan Simon Thornton.