The total prize fund on offer for this year’’s Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland from September 4-7 has increased by €100,000 to €1,600,000.
Last year, Sweden’’s Robert Karlsson lead from start to finish to capture his fifth title on The European Tour International Schedule, earning a cheque for €250,000 while the 2003 champion will win €266,660.
Ten years ago, England’’s Jamie Spence shot a closing round of 60, 12 under par, before beating Anders Forsbrand of Sweden at the second hole of a play-off to win €131,402 from a total prize fund of €788,732.
Once again, the Omega European Masters coincides with the start of the one-year qualification process for The 35th Ryder Cup Matches, which take place at Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, United States from September 17-19, 2004.
A change in the qualification system being introduced will see five players qualify through accumulating World Ranking points from all World ranked events over the 12 month period with five further places via the traditional Ryder Cup Points List based on the Volvo Order of Merit. The Captain will continue to complete the 12 man Team with two wild cards.
