Tournament host Ian Poulter and his compatriots Luke Donald and Lee Westwood will form a formidable home challenge in this week’s British Masters supported by Sky Sports, which returns to The European Tour International Schedule after a seven-year absence.
Poulter selected Woburn Golf Club – with which he has a long-term association – as the host venue in his capacity as tournament host, a role which will be filled by Donald, Justin Rose and Westwood in the coming years.
Both Rose and Westwood have won the British Masters – at Woburn in 2002 and The Belfry in 2007 respectively – but Poulter will be hoping that his intimate knowledge of the magnificent Marquess’ Course will give him an advantage over his illustrious rivals this week.
The 12-time European Tour winner said: “Woburn is a great venue. Everyone will love the course – the staff do a super job, and it’s always in great condition. I’m very happy to see the tournament back on the schedule, and even happier to see it back at Woburn.
Westwood’s win eight years ago was his last victory on home soil, and whilst the 42 year old has enjoyed another consistent campaign on The European Tour – last week’s missed cut was just his second of the season – he is yet to scale the heights of previous years.
However, the 23-time European Tour champion is hopeful that the backing of the home crowd will help spark a return to form.
“It’s great to see the British Masters back on The European Tour, because it’s a very prestigious title to win,” he said.
“Woburn’s been a great venue for many years – it’s probably been 12 or 13 years since I last played it, so it’ll be interesting to go back and re-familiarise myself with the place. I remember it being quite tight off the tee, so while it’s quite short and therefore scorable, you’ve got to drive the ball well to go low there.
“I remember watching the tournament at Woburn on TV when I was growing up, so it was great to eventually play it – and then win it at The Belfry. I think I shot 65 in the final round when I won then lost in a play-off to Gonzalo [Fernandez-Castaño] the next season, so I had a good couple of years in the event and hopefully I can continue that record.
“I’m sure we’ll get some decent crowds supporting the British players, so it’s all set up for a great week. British golfers have enjoyed a lot of success in recent years, so it’s great that we can stage another tournament in England to share that success with the fans. My own form hasn’t been the best lately, but it’d be a good time to turn it around and hopefully give them something to shout about.”
Other notable names in the world-class field include Ireland’s trio of Major Champions, Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell.
At the other end of the experience spectrum is their fellow Irishman Paul Dunne, who impressed on his professional debut in last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The 22 year old, who shared the lead heading into the final round of The Opening Championship at St Andrews in July, will aim to enhance his burgeoning reputation with another strong showing.
