Matt Wallace, the European Tour’s only three-time winner in 2018, will make a glorious home return for the Sky Sports British Masters, when he is joined by his fellow Englishmen Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston.
The duo have been confirmed for the prestigious event, which this year sees World Number Four Justin Rose assume the role of host at Walton Heath Golf Club from October 11-14.
The 2013 U.S. Open winner Rose will also be joined by reigning Race to Dubai Champion Tommy Fleetwood, as they both return to English soil just two weeks after they represent Europe in The Ryder Cup.
Wallace’s meteoric rise has captured the imagination of golf fans, having claimed four European Tour wins in the past 16 months after beginning his 2017 campaign on the Challenge Tour, and the West Londoner is sure to get a hero’s welcome when he tees off at the Surrey venue.
He added the Made in Denmark title to his trophy cabinet last week, making it three wins in five months after his victories at the Hero Indian Open in March and the BMW International Open in June – four wins in 16 months having claimed the 2017 at the Open de Portugal.
Wallace will arrive at the Surrey venue chasing a first title on home soil and he will certainly not be cowed by the pressure of playing in front of home fans.
“I can’t wait,” said Wallace. “Rosey has chosen Walton Heath and
"It’s a fantastic golf course, to be back in front of the British crowds will be really good fun." Matt Wallace
“I’ve played lots of amateur stuff there and have had quite a bit of success qualifying for the last two U.S. Opens there. I know it’s a composite course, so a few of the holes from both courses, but I’m absolutely looking forward to it – it will be great to be play in front of home crowds and I can probably stay at home too which will be nice.
“Hopefully I can show the fans some top quality golf that week, and I’ll be going there fully prepared and trying to win the tournament.”
Johnston returns to the Sky Sports British Masters for the first time since 2016 as the popular Englishman chases a second career European Tour victory, having come close to winning the Hero Indian Open in March of this year – eventually beaten in a play-off by Wallace.
The 29 year old will not be lacking in support when he arrives at Walton Heath, a course which he enjoys – Johnston has negotiated his way through the U.S. Open Local Qualifying for the past three years in a row.
“The British Masters is a great event,” said Johnston. “The ones I have played I have really enjoyed. I was gutted to miss last year and now I’m looking forward to this one. It’s one of my favourite events of the year.
“I’ve played well there, we’ve had U.S. Open Qualifying there and I’ve qualified a few times around the two courses there so I do like the venue. But it’s a different tournament this time and we’ll see how it goes.
“I know 100 per cent that the crowds are going to be massive there, it’s going to be a really popular event. I’m pleased Justin is hosting it, he’s a top guy and he’ll get a lot of support from all of us.”
For ticket information for the British Masters click here.
