In 2006 Johan Edfors created history when he became the first Swedish winner of The Quinn Direct British Masters. Now the 31 year old is aiming for further acclaim by becoming the first player in a quarter of a century to successfully defend the title.
Many great players have their names written on the tournament’s Roll of Honour over the past 60 years but only Scotland’s Bernard Gallacher (1974 and 1975) and Australian Greg Norman (1981 and 1982) have achieved back-to-back successes.
Now, a quarter of a century after the Norman conquest, Edfors will attempt to emulate the ‘Great White Shark’ by following up his stunning win at The Belfry last season.
The Quinn Direct British Masters in May 2006 saw Edfors collect the second of three titles during a profitable season in which he almost played his way into a Ryder Cup debut at The K Club in September.
It proved not to be, however, the Swede finishing two places outside automatic qualification for Ian Woosnam’s Team, and although the time of year is different for his return to the celebrated Brabazon Course in 2007, Edfors admitted he was looking forward to revisiting the Midlands of England.
“It is fair to say that 2006 was an incredible year for me and winning The Quinn Direct British Masters at The Belfry was a major highlight,” he said. “I know that the competition will be tough this year but I am relishing the opportunity to defend my title.”
One look at the quality of the field assembled at the four-time Ryder Cup venue confirms Edfors’ comments as a star-studded gathering from across the globe will compete in the second European Tour International Schedule tournament of 2007 in England, following the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in May.
Being promoted by International Sports Management, it is no surprise that the Andrew Chandler-owned stable’s players will be present en masse, led by The 2006 Ryder Cup contingent of Darren Clarke, David Howell, Paul McGinley and Lee Westwood, who will be joined by 2007 tournament winners Anton Haig and Richard Sterne as well as a young Irishman taking his first steps on the professional ladder, Rory McIlroy.
Bolstering the featured groupings will be players of the calibre of the Swedish duo Robert Karlsson and Niclas Fasth, England's Ian Poulter and Scotland’s favourite son, Colin Montgomerie.
“The Belfry holds great memories for me and I am looking forward to returning there for The Quinn Direct British Masters,” said Montgomerie. “I have enjoyed my golf this year and I am looking forward to getting involved in another big tournament.”
As befits one of the premier tournaments of the season there are many extra-curricular activities taking place throughout the week to keep the thousands of spectators enthralled, starting with Wednesday’s Pro-Am which will feature a liberal sprinkling of celebrities amongst the cream of European Tour talent.
Leading the way for the celebrities will be singer Ronan Keating, former England international footballer Jamie Redknapp, disc jockey and golf fanatic DJ Spoony and champion jockey Mick Fitzgerald in a split Pro-Am which features shotgun starts at 8.30 in the morning and 1.30 in the afternoon.
Also present this year for the first time will be a Ladies Day on Friday September 21 where the first 50 ladies to arrive at the gates will receive free entry, while all subsequent lady spectators that day will receive a 25% discount on their entry fee. Throughout the day there will be special offers available to the ladies in the tented village which will also play host to a ‘Best Dressed’ contest.
As well as providing fun and entertainment for the spectators, the tournament will provide a serious purpose both on and off the course.
On the course, the £1.8 million prize fund will have a major impact in the race for The 2007 European Tour Order of Merit title as well as being vital for those players trying to keep their playing privileges for the 2008 season, while it will also be the third counting event towards The 2008 European Ryder Cup Team.
Off the course, the Five Stars Scanner Appeal has been chosen as the Official Charity of the tournament. Based in Prestwich, Manchester, the Appeal will benefit from funds raised during the week with all monies going towards the £1 million target for a new MRI scanner at Manchester Children’s Hospital.
