Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño relishing welcoming his fellow European Tour stars to the Real Sociedad Hípica Española Club de Campo next week for the third edition of the Madrid Masters.
The Spaniard’s company GFC Golf & Business promotes the tournament, which has been moved to May on The European Tour International Schedule having been played in October for the past two years.
The official presentation took place at RSHECC this week, where Fernández-Castaño said: “We are expecting a strong field. I am particularly grateful to all my Spanish colleagues and friends who will come to play at the Madrid Masters - Miguel Ángel Jiménez, Sergio García, Álvaro Quirós, Rafa Cabrera, Pablo Larrazábal, Pablo Martín, Nacho Garrido, José Manuel Lara.
“I would be delighted to confirm Chema (José Maria) Olazabal’s presence, but it's not yet certain. Martin Kaymer, Luke Donald, Charl Schwartzel and World Cup champions Edoardo and Francesco Molinari have also confirmed their attendance.
“I believe that moving the event from October to May, between Wentworth (the BMW PGA Championship) and Wales (The Celtic Manor Wales Open) has been a sound decision that suits the players very well. Madrid is a favourite city for players, caddies and Tour officials, so it’s a can’t-miss event.”
The tournament will be played over RSHECC’s North Course, designed by American Robert Von Hagge. The club also hosted the 2007 Madrid Open, which was won by Denmark’s Mads Vibe-Hastrup.
Fernández-Castaño, who has four European Tour victories to his name, added: "On behalf of the players, I want to thank both the members for allowing us to make use of their superb facilities, and the sponsors for their longstanding trust in our company and their commitment to golf.
“Real Sociedad Hípica is surrounded by beautiful countryside that will look great on TV. The design by Robert Von Hagge is demanding, but the players will love the challenge.
“It is a great golf course. You need to keep the ball very straight off the tee and to be a good slope player, as there are few flat lies.
“It is a great privilege to have the sponsorship of Caja Madrid and Turismo Madrid. I am deeply grateful for their wholehearted support from the first year, a clear demonstration of their commitment to golf. In addition, our joint work with the Madrid Federation since the last event has been a real pleasure, as they are very open to all our suggestions and initiatives. Thanks to such good sponsors, and to the contribution of all our other supporters, the success of the event is virtually guaranteed.”
Luis Díaz Redondo, President of Real Sociedad Hípica, said: “It is a great honour and a privilege for our members to welcome the best players and to support The European Tour. We are grateful to Gonzalo and to the community of Madrid for having chosen our club to host this tournament. We also wish to thank the sponsors for their commitment to our sport, particularly in the present difficult times.”
