Daniel Hillier defends his title while the Back 9 and Ryder Cup qualification both get under way at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo. Here are your five things to know.
Hillier defends title after dramatic 2023 triumph
Daniel Hillier produced a barnstorming finish to claim his maiden DP World Tour title at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo 13 months ago. After reaching the turn in 35 courtesy of two birdies and a single bogey on the front nine, European Challenge Tour graduate Hillier finished his round with a flourish, going eagle-birdie-eagle from the 15th to open up a two-shot lead. The New Zealander suffered a late scare when he cleared the green at the tricky 18th, but he managed to save par there with a nerveless eight-foot putt to finish the tournament on ten under par. With the final group several holes behind him, Hillier had to wait around an hour before finally being able to celebrate a stunning two-shot victory. "I'm over the moon and a bit lost for words," he said. "Those last few holes are going to take a while to process I think."
Ryder Cup race begins
The quest to make Luke Donald's European team for the 2025 Ryder Cup gets under way this week, with six automatic qualification spots available between now and Sunday August 24 next year. In a significant change from previous years – an alteration ratified by the DP World Tour’s Tournament Committee – there will be only one Ryder Cup Points List operational in the 2024/2025 qualification period, using points earned in accordance with a new tournament banding structure. Donald, who is playing this week alongside Vice Captain Edoardo Molinari, said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm the details of the qualification process for our 2025 Ryder Cup team. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to get to this point and everything is now focused on doing all we can to retain the trophy in New York next September.” Donald will also have six Captain's Picks to make up his team at Bethpage Black next September.
Back 9 gets under way
With the five Global Swings now complete, the race to make it all the way to the DP World Tour play-offs and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship gets under way on the Back 9. This phase will encompass nine of the DP World Tour’s most historic tournaments and national Opens - including a Rolex Series event at the BMW PGA Championship - and concludes on October 27 at the Genesis Championship. After that event in South Korea, the top 110 players on the Race to Dubai Rankings in partnership with Rolex will earn their DP World Tour cards for 2025, while the top will 70 qualify for the play-offs. The top 50 at the end of the Abu Dhabi Championship will then advance to the season finale, where the Harry Vardon trophy will be presented to Europe's Number One.
Home heroes set to delight bumper crowds
The event may have a new date this year but the same excitement as always has been building, with huge crowds set to flock to the historic Belfry. Six-time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo is our host and fellow Masters champion and former host Danny Willett is among the home stars on show. Recent winner Harry Hall makes his first DP World Tour appearance on home soil, while English Ryder Cup stars Tyrrell Hatton, Oliver Wilson, Andy Sullivan and Ross Fisher join former player and current Captain Donald in the field. Add in exciting amateur star Kris Kim and resurgent fan favourite Andrew 'Beef' Johnston, and the locals should have plenty to cheer about in Sutton Coldfield.
G4D Tour breaks new ground
The G4D Tour showcases further innovation this week with the inaugural team event, G4D Tour Nations Cup @ Betfred British Masters, taking place on Monday and Tuesday. Six nations will come together to compete in the first-ever mixed team event on the G4D Tour, with two players from each of Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the United States representing their countries across two days at The Belfry, with the likes of World Number One Kipp Popert and G4D Open women's champion Daphne van Houten teeing it up. Day one featured three groups of fourballs while the format switched to foursomes on the second day.
