South African Charl Schwartzel returns to the scene of a past triumph this week, aiming to emulate two of his illustrious compatriots by successfully defending a European Tour title when the Madrid Masters takes place at the Centro Nacional de Golf in the Spanish capital.
Schwartzel is hoping to become the third South African to retain a Tour title, following following Ernie Els (2002-03-04 Heineken Classic) and Trevor Immelman (2003-04 South African Open Championship).
The 25 year old claimed his third European Tour title when he overcame illness to win the inaugural Madrid Masters at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid 12 months ago, finishing three strokes clear of Argentinean Ricardo Gonzalez.
That was his second victory in the Spanish capital following his victory in the 2007 Open de España at the Centro Nacional de Golf, the venue located on the outskirts of the city which was officially opened by His Majesty Juan Carlos I on the eve of the tournament.
However his triumph last year was one that could so easily have never happened as he considered withdrawing before the second round due to a virus and a shoulder injury. A phone call to his father George changed his mind and the rest, as they say, is history as Schwartzel went on to card a bogey-free final round 66 to capture the title.
“Obviously I have a lot of confidence on that golf course. I’m defending the title on a different course but it is a course I have won on so that gives me confidence,” he said.
“There are only good things that have happened to me on this course and I’ve played well there before so it frees your mind and I know I can win there so it is always a good thing going into the week and I’m looking forward to defending my title. My game is in good shape. I played badly in the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship last week but came back ten under par in the second and third round so I’m feeling good.”
The Johannesburg born player, whose maiden victory came in the 2005 Dunhill Championship in his homeland, has enjoyed a consistent 2009 to date, with five top ten finishes – including fifth when The European Tour last visited Spain for the Open de España.
"I’ve had a good year but I’m trying to turn it into a great year and I need a win to do that” said Schwartzel. “If I could win it jumps you right up The Race to Dubai so that is what I’m trying to do.”
Hoping to succeed Schwartzel as the Master of Madrid will be Spaniard Sergio Garcia, who is chasing his fourth European Tour victory on Spanish soil following the Open de España in 2002, the Mallorca Classic in 2004 and the CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar in 2008.
The Ryder Cup star heads a strong Spanish contingent that includes Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Pablo Larrazabal who finished third last year, two time Masters Tournament winner José Maria Olazábal and Alvaro Quiros.
Irish pair Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley will hope to carry forward their form from last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, as will Luke Donald who finished tied seventh in Scotland.
