With the dust from a dramatic US Open Championship barely settled, the leading golfers in the world have begun to contemplate the considerable possibilities presented by the new look Volvo World Match Play Championship on the eve of three of Europe’s most prestigious national Opens in the space of three weeks.
Although the Match Play Championship is one of the oldest and most historic tournaments on The European Tour, this year sees a fresh look in just about every aspect of the event.
With Volvo not only a new title sponsor but also strategic championship partners with IMG, the new qualification process, an innovative ‘Champions League-style’ playing format and in Finca Cortesín an imposing and imperious new venue, the formula takes the Championship into a new era as it now looks set to welcome the most international world class field in its illustrious 45 year history.
While the 16 man field will not be finalised until later in the year, it occupies a crucial place in the closing stages of The Race to Dubai. The world’s best players are keen to book their place at Finca Cortesín Golf Resort and there is already much interest and speculation about who will qualify.
One player that looks certain to qualify via the Official World Golf Ranking - and has already committed to play - is Spain’s own Sergio Garcia.
Garcia explained, “It is a very exciting for Spanish golf that we have been selected to host this historic tournament and I want to be there in the line-up at the inaugural event at Finca Cortesín for sure.
“I am currently qualified through my world ranking but I know there is a lot of golf to be played between now and then, including two Majors. I will be looking for a really strong summer that leaves my qualification in no doubt. I think all the players are thrilled that Volvo has chosen the World Match Play after such successful and long-standing support of the Volvo Masters and personally I am delighted they chose to stay in Spain at such a prestigious Andalucían venue.
“I love the interest and intrigue that the new ‘Champions League’ format will bring to the event and Volvo, IMG and The European Tour should be congratulated for being so forward thinking when devising this.”
Retief Goosen, currently qualified as the highest ranked South African player, has also put the Championship firmly on his end of year schedule.
“This is going to be a very important event on the schedule and could have a huge impact on The European Tour Race to Dubai.” He commented.
“I’ve played in the World Match Play on a number of occasions but the changes that have been introduced to the event now make it truly world class and I know that all the players want to qualify.
“The prize money on offer to all 16 players will be really significant to their rankings as the risk of missing a cut elsewhere could really impact on their position on The Race to Dubai. I have been playing much better lately but will need to keep up this form as Tim Clark is hot on my heels. Hopefully I’ll continue to play well as I don’t want to miss playing at Finca Cortesin this year.”
World Number.13, Sean O’Hair of the United States, is another player who is committed to ensuring he plays at the Volvo World Match Play Championship.
He explained: “I still have some work to secure my place in the field but I am going in the right direction. I have watched the World Match Play Championship for many years and it is one of those prestigious world events you dream of playing as a young boy.
“The list of past winners reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of golf and I would love to get my name on that trophy.So am going to do all I can to qualify and I’ve heard some great things about Finca Cortesín and will arrange my schedule to allow me to play.”
Per Ericsson, President & CEO of Volvo Event Management Golf, commented: “We are entering what is arguably the most prestigious few weeks in world golf as the top players in the world head to Europe in search of glory and vital ranking points that can make or break their bid to participate in the inaugural Volvo World Match Play Championship.
He added: “The personal response from many of the top golfers in the world has been a total indication of the major makeover afforded to this historic championship and Volvo is totally committed to ensuring that, for the players, their families and friends, The Volvo World Match Play Championship becomes one of the most enjoyable and iconic events on the world golf circuit, both on and off the golf course.”
Javier Reviriego, General Manager of Hotel, Golf & Spa at Finca Cortesin Golf Resort, concluded: “We are very excited to see that such great players have committed to play the Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesin. The preparations for the tournament are going as planned and we are ready to present a world class venue for this prestigious tournament.”
Following the expert advice of The European Tour, some great improvements have been made on the course and we expect Finca Cortesin will prove to be a true challenge for the top players in the World. We are fortunate to have Volvo and IMG as partners, their great experience in running successful tournaments has helped us tremendously and we have no doubt this event will become a true reference on The European Tour Schedule.”
The Official World Golf Ranking and The Race to Dubai are used to identify the 16-man field along with leading players from the continents of Europe, Africa/Middle East, North America, South America, Asia and Australasia, the defending Champion and winner of the 2009 Volvo China Open. With a total prize fund of €3.25 million, and a first prize of €750,000, a place in the Volvo World Match Play Championship could significantly enhance a player’s position on The Race to Dubai, with all 16 players chasing a place in the end-of-season showpiece.
