Ryder Cup star Martin Kaymer has added his name to an already stellar field for the 2013 Portugal Masters, which returns for a seventh consecutive season to the stunning Oceânico Victoria Golf Course from October 10-13.
The 28 year old German, whose point in the final day singles of The 2012 Ryder Cup meant Europe retained the trophy, will be hoping to win his first European Tour title of the season on the Algarve.
“I’m looking forward to playing in the Portugal Masters, which is always an excellent tournament, said Kaymer. “The course is good, the hotel is fantastic and it’s a very friendly place where we are made to feel very welcome.
“I’ve had a couple of good results there in the past, but it would be great to better that this year and get some momentum heading into the important final part of the season.”
Kaymer has twice finished in the top ten in the event and shot a course record 61 in 2007, but a typically strong line-up will stand in his way of claiming the lion’s share of the €2,000,000 prize fund.
Irishman Shane Lowry heads back to defend the title, while another Ryder Cup star, Francesco Molinari, returns to an event where he has twice finished runner-up.
Alvaro Quiros, the 2008 champion, leads the Spanish contingent, which also features veteran Miguel Angel Jiménez, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Pablo Larrazábal, and the home challenge is once again spearheaded by Ricardo Santos, the 2012 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.
Santos will be joined by his brother Hugo, as well as fellow Portuguese players Antonio Rosado, José-Filipe Lima, Tiago Cruz and Pedro Figueiredo, who turned professional in the summer following a sparkling amateur career.
In addition to a strong line-up on the course, the tournament will also benefit from the support of new sponsors Unicer, one of the biggest beer producers in Portugal.
Championship Director Peter Adams said: “We are delighted that Unicer has signed a three-year agreement to be an Official Sponsor of the Portugal Masters.
“Unicer is one of the biggest beer brands in the country and their sponsorship will enhance the Portugal Masters in terms of product and promotional
support.
“With the outstanding commitment of Host Sponsors Turismo de Portugal and the superb support of the host venue Oceânico Victoria Golf Club, the tournament has become one of the most popular events in Europe, and we look forward to building on this reputation with the help of Unicer.”
Advance tickets are available now for the Portugal Masters, with substantial savings on the gate prices. Admission to the Pro-Am on October 10 is €10 in advance (€15 on the gate), with Any One Day Adult passes costing €20 (€25 on the gate) and concessions €15 in advance or €20 on the gate. Adult Season tickets are priced at €50 (Wednesday to Sunday) compared to €60 on the gate. To buy tickets, click here.
