Matthew Fitzpatrick has become the latest star to add his name to what is already the strongest field in the three-year history of the D+D REAL Czech Masters, as the two-time European Tour winner confirmed his return to Prague next month.
Albatross Golf Resort will once again host the Czech Republic’s national Open from August 18-21 and the third edition has already attracted some of the European Tour’s biggest names, with Fitzpatrick joining fellow Englishmen Andy Sullivan and Lee Westwood as well as Welsh Ryder Cup hero and former winner Jamie Donaldson.
Fitzpatrick finished in third place last year, three shots behind winner Thomas Pieters of Belgium, before going on to claim his maiden European Tour title at the British Masters supported by Sky Sports two months later.
The 21 year old has since doubled his trophy haul by soaring to a three-shot triumph at the Nordea Masters last month, and is hopeful of making his Ryder Cup debut at Hazeltine National this September.
The D+D REAL Czech Masters is the penultimate counting tournament in the race for Darren Clarke’s European team. Two years ago, the event played a huge part in the make-up of Paul McGinley’s team for Gleneagles, as Donaldson’s victory earned him a place in the side, before he famously went on to strike the winning shot – beating Keegan Bradley 4&3.
“I am delighted to be returning to Albatross this year,” said Fitzpatrick. “I played nicely there last year and it kept my momentum going in what was a really strong second half of the season for me.
“They put on a great show at the D+D REAL Czech Masters – it’s a brilliant set-up and being right beside a beautiful city like Prague certainly helps.
“They’ve put together a great field this year which I’m sure will only get better and, with it being the second last counting event for The Ryder Cup team, there will definitely be plenty at stake for a lot of the players involved.”
Westwood is set to make his debut at the event after he confirmed his intentions to play earlier this year, while Donaldson will return to the scene of his two-shot victory in 2014.
Sullivan played in that inaugural edition but has since become a three-time European Tour winner and, like Fitzpatrick, currently occupies one of the qualification spots for Europe’s 2016 Ryder Cup team.
Two of the most controversial names in recent golf history will also play, with American two-time Major winner John Daly joined by South Africa’s Rory Sabbatini.
