Dredge says home advantage can lead to a Welsh win

The tournament tees off on the Roman Road course at Newport's Celtic Manor on Thursday, with Tredegar-born Dredge expecting the best-ever event.

"Every year the field gets better and better, but I can't see why a Welshman can't finally win it," he said.

"Playing at home with your family and friends cheering you on gives an added buzz and excitement."

Dredge and compatriot Jamie Donaldson have been boosted by strong showings at Wentworth last week, while David Park has been in encouraging form all season.

Welshmen Ian Woosnam, Kyron Sullivan, Garry Houston, Stuart Manley and qualifier Matthew Prior are also in the field, but the best hope of home success is expected to come from Stephen Dodd.

He just needed to believe in himself Ian Woosnam on Wales Open hopeful Stephen Dodd

The Barry man claimed his second career tour win at the Irish Open a fortnight ago, helping him climb to a best-ever 56th in the world rankings.

"I've got a lot of confidence from my wins and that's been the major difference," Dodd told BBC Sport Wales.

"The fact that I've played a lot less also means I've been fresher out on the course."

Dredge says Dodd's impressive play has come as no surprise to his fellow professionals.

"He's a great guy and a fantastic player, we've all just been waiting for him to come good," said Dredge.

Ryder Cup captain Woosnam also had words of encouragement for the Barry man.

"Stephen's been playing very well for a long time," Woosnam told BBC Sport Wales.

"He has the right swing and is a very steady player, he just needed to believe in himself."

But to win in Newport, the Welshman will have to overcome a field with 18 European Ryder Cup players.

That includes the likes of Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, David Howell, Paul McGinley, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn.