Here are five things to know as the European Tour returns to the Celtic Manor Resort for a second week in a row for the fifth event of the UK Swing.
The Return of the Wales Open
The European Tour returns to the Celtic Manor Resort for a second week in a row, marking the fifth event of the UK Swing and the return of the ISPS Handa Wales Open.
The Twenty Ten course made its own return to the Tour last week as it staged its first event in six years during the Celtic Classic, and will enjoy the anomaly of a second stint this week at the Newport venue.
The return of the ISPS Handa Wales Open is a fitting one, as it marks 20 years since the inaugural tournament – which was held for 14 consecutive years from 2000 - and ten years since The 2010 Ryder Cup was held at The Celtic Manor Resort.
Horsfield looks to continue impressive run
Sam Horsfield has emerged as a convincing champion during the first four weeks of the European Tour’s UK Swing, winning both his maiden title at the Hero Open and adding a second trophy just two weeks later at the Celtic Classic.
The 23-year-old Englishman impressed over the weekend with two bogey-free rounds of 68 and 67 to finish two shots clear of Thomas Detry, and will look to add a third title in just four tournaments this week.
His latest win moved him inside the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career, in addition to seventh in the Race to Dubai and first in the UK Swing’s mini Order of Merit.
The race for U.S. Open exemption
The race for a spot in the U.S Open will come to a head at the conclusion of the ISPS Handa Wales Open this week, with the top ten aggregate points earners in the UK Swing mini Order of Merit set to book their place in the field at Winged Foot Golf Club from September 17-20.
With traditional U.S. Open sectional qualifying events cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the USGA confirmed that ten places would be available to the highest placed finishers after five events of the UK Swing.
Sam Horsfield currently holds a commanding lead with 705.80 points, but with 335 points available to the winner at Celtic Manor Resort and just five players over that total, every player in the field this week retains a chance.
.@tomdetry's second runner-up finish in three weeks secures his place at the US Open next month.
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 17, 2020
It will be his first Major start.#CelticClassic
Risk and Reward at Celtic Manor
Players will have another chance to take on the risk and reward 15th hole at Celtic Manor Resort this week, which proved to be the fourth easiest hole during the Celtic Classic.
Taking out driver or three-wood and hitting over the trees towards the 377 yard par four 15th green proved to be worth the risk for the majority of the field – but there’s a reason why eventual winner Sam Horsfield opted to play towards the safety of the fairway with four holes to play.
With trees and thick rough to clear and a steep bank for any miss right of the green and water left, it’s no surprise that there were a few big numbers over the four days.
In total, there were 16 eagles, 157 birdies, 183 pars, 45 bogeys and 5 double bogeys or worse.
The top ✋ drives at the par four 15th from the #CelticClassic#DrivenByPassion | @bmwgolfsport pic.twitter.com/i2B97PQe8f
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) August 17, 2020
Golf for Good
The European Tour's Golf for Good initiative continues this week, with the European Tour donating £50,000 to the host venue, Celtic Manor Resort, to be distributed to charities of their choice including local causes.
The Heroes Initiative will once again reward a local hero, with prizes on offer for one nominated front-line worker during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Do you know a golf fan who deserves to be rewarded for their positive impact on the community? If you would like to nominate someone during the UK Swing, please visit et.golf/nominate-a-hero
