With the prize fund for the 21st edition of the Volvo Masters having risen by €250,000 to a record €4.25million, the winner’s share increases to an unprecedented €708,000 – making the champion the first million dollar man in the history of The European Tour’s longest-running sponsorship.
Last year’s winner, Justin Rose of England, clinched the European Order of Merit with what he described as “the biggest victory of my career to date,” banking €666,660 for his sudden-death play-off victory at Club de Golf Valderrama, Spain.
Rose said: “There is something magical about the million dollar mark. But more importantly, the Volvo Masters is a huge tournament to win – and I’d love to make history by successfully defending my crown.”
Klas Magnusson, Acting Head of Volvo Event Management Golf, said: “Volvo’s involvement in golf has always been about a couple of founding principles – namely that the prize money is entirely performance-related, and that Volvo-sponsored golf tournaments represent a unique fusion of quality of venue and event production, a world-class ambience, true sportsmanship, and intense competition.”
George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “This increase in prize money for the Volvo Masters is a huge tribute to Volvo’s tradition and values, and also reflects the commitment of so many people, from Volvo to the Junta de Andalucía and Valderrama.”
The 21st edition of the Volvo Masters will take place at Club de Golf Valderrama from October 30-November 2, 2008.
