British Masters supported by Sky Sports
Woburn Golf Club, Marquess Course (Woburn, England)
Purse: £3,00,000
This week the European Tour sees the return of the British Masters, which last appeared on the schedule in 2008. It was about time the prestigious event returned to the golfing calendar. The UK, especially England, needs more European Tour events and the addition of this week's event is certainly a start. Woburn GC is a tree-lined gem that all the players will enjoy. I, for one, love tree-lined courses because of the serenity and visual appeal. Pre-tournament reviews of the course are that it is playing long due to rain earlier in the week, but the greens are in immaculate condition. Players will be wearing out long irons so longer hitters might have an advantage this week. The event is being played on the Marquess Course, which measures 7,150 yards and is a par 71.
Out of the field of 120 players, 48 are British (35 Englishmen, 7 Scotsmen, 3 Northern Irishmen, 3 Welshmen). The English fans always come out and support in big numbers so this week should be stellar in all aspects. With Sky Sports promoting the event, it will reach a wider audience.
Nick Dougherty, a three-time European Tour winner and Sky Sports golf analyst, will be mic'd up during competition, which will be a first in golf television history. He will speak to Sky Sports announcers during his round at various points. Dougherty is paired with two young and talented Englishmen, Eddie Pepperell and Tyrrell Hatton. The 33-year-old Englishman finished T27 last week at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, his best finish on the main tour since 2010. He'll be looking to continue that good play this week and also at next month's European Tour Final Stage of Qualifying School in Spain. He has also signed a deal to play with Lynx Golf clubs.
Ian Poulter, Woburn's touring professional, is the host this week. The British Masters will then be hosted by three other English players: Luke Donald, Justin Rose, and Lee Westwood. These players, like Poulter, will be able to choose the host course. It should be a fantastic week on this historic course. There are only two events left in the "regular season" (this week and the Portugal Masters next week) and four Final Series events, so that will only add to the excitement of the week.
US TV Times (Eastern Standard Time)
Thursday: 7:00 AM-12:00 PM (Golf Channel)
Friday: 7:30 AM-10:00 AM (Golf Channel)
Saturday: 8:00 AM-11:00 AM (Golf Channel)
Sunday: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM (Golf Channel)
