Irish quartet begin Masters bid to reign in Spain

THE STATURE enjoyed by Irish golfers on the European Tour is graphically demonstrated by the draw for today’s first round of the Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

The tradition is for the elite field of 54 to go out in reverse order to their placings in the order of merit. With South Africans Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, who came first and second, both absent then the last match out today consists of Padraig Harrington (third) and Miguel-Angel Jimenez. Furthermore, Graeme McDowell (sixth) partners Frenchman Thomas Levet in the second-last pairing and they in turn are preceded by Darren Clarke (seventh) and Lee Westwood.

Yesterday’s pro-am was played in heavy rain which has softened up the course, meaning it will play to its full length of 6,952 yards. The weather forecast for the rest of the event is a lot more favourable and there is every prospect of a great battle for the handsome first prize of €625,000.