The 16 players competing in the 50th anniversary edition of the Volvo World Match Play Championship were the guests of honour at a lavish opening ceremony on Tuesday night.
Defending champion Graeme McDowell was joined by his 15 fellow competitors and assorted guests at Eastwell Manor in Ashford, Kent.
The European Tour’s Chief Executive George O’Grady, Per Ericsson, President of Volvo Event Management, and Guy Kinnings, Global Head of Golf, IMG, welcomed the guests with speeches.
Kinnings provided a history lesson which harked back to 1964, the year of the inaugural World Match Play Championship, won by Arnold Palmer.
O’Grady, who had recently returned from a visit to the World Golf Hall of Fame, brought with him a message from Palmer, a two-time winner of the Volvo World Match Play Championship and seven-time Major Champion.
“Arnold told me how proud he is of this tournament, and that he hopes the 50th edition is a great success,” said O’Grady. “Given the first-class venue and the high quality field, I have no doubt it will be.”
News
