Local favourite Matthew Baldwin is set to tee it up alongside friend and tournament host Tommy Fleetwood at the Betfred British Masters in his hometown of Southport from May 9-12.
The 33-year-old has accepted an invite from tournament organisers and is thrilled to be joining the line-up of local British talent on show at Hillside Golf Club, with the likes of Ryder Cup stars Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton, defending champion Eddie Pepperell and four-time European Tour winner Matt Wallace all confirmed for the prestigious tournament.
“It’s not every day you get to play a European Tour event, or any event, in your home town,” said Baldwin. “I’ve got good memories of Hillside. I play there as much as I can, and I’m absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to play in the Betfred British Masters.
“Southport is a golfing town, you could argue it has the best stretch of courses anywhere in Britain. The area is known as England’s Golf Coast, but I’d go as far to say that it’s Britain’s Golf Coast.”
Baldwin was captain of the England Boys side and also played alongside Fleetwood in the Lancashire foursomes before turning professional in 2008. Since then he as played across both the European Tour and European Challenge Tour and hopes his local knowledge of the course will help kick off his season.
He said: “For me to continue playing European Tour golf, with the two starts I’ve had so far, it’ll take something special to retain my card but why not? I know Hillside better than 99 per cent of the people playing in that tournament, it’s a great opportunity.
“Tommy is a big name in golf now. He’s someone I’ve known all my golfing life and to me he’s just Tommy. I’ve played a lot of county games there and I think I played county with him as my foursomes partner too. It’s a lovely golf course and to go back and play a European Tour event there will be pretty special.
“It’ll be fun for the crowds. I’ve been fortunate enough to play The Open at Hoylake and Royal Lytham, crowds in the North West love it. It’ll be a busy week, for sure. I’ve been in touch with a lot of friends who will be going and a lot of people from Southport.”
Tickets to the 2019 Betfred British Masters hosted by Tommy Fleetwood at Hillside Golf Club from May 9-12 are available by clickinghere. A range of hospitality packages are also available. Clickherefor more details.
