CONTENTS
A host of the game’s rising stars will go head-to-head with legends of the European game as the iconic Brabazon Course at The Belfry plays host to the Betfred British Masters for a second consecutive year, with 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett returning for hosting duties.
Staging the tournament for the fifth time, The Belfry has witnessed its fair share of glorious moments over the years, including the memorable European Ryder Cup victories in 1985, 1989 and 2002 with the former securing Europe’s first victory in 28 years.
Another memorable occasion was added to that extensive list last year after Richard Bland ended a 22-year wait for his first win as he defeated Italy’s Guido Migliozzi to claim the Betfred British Masters in a play-off on his 478th start. Emotional scenes ensued as the Englishman came to terms of what he had achieved at the age of 48 – the oldest first-time winner of a DP World Tour event – before being presented with the trophy by host Danny Willett.
Unfortunately, that victory couldn’t be celebrated in front of fans due to the pandemic, but Bland returns to the scene of his greatest achievement this week with packed galleries set to give him a hero’s welcome.
“I’m very excited to return to The Belfry to defend my title,” said Bland. “It’s still difficult to put into words how much getting that first win means to me. The main feeling I still have is one of satisfaction.
“I had a text from my coach Tim Barter on the Sunday morning saying that I had to shoot a 66 if I was going to win, so to actually go out and shoot that number and then get it done in the play-off is something that I’ll never forget. To do it at a venue like The Belfry is something that makes it even more special.
“It’s such a significant venue in the history of European golf. There have been some great moments and some great champions there. I’m very proud to have added my name to that list and I can’t wait to get back there in May. It’ll be great to have spectators with us this time round, I think that’s something we’re all looking forward to.”
After a successful first stint of hosting the tournament, Willett becomes just the second player to be given the honour on two occasions after Lee Westwood welcomed players to Close House in 2017 and 2020.
“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to host the Betfred British Masters for a second time,” said Willett.
“I’m even more excited as we’ll have the opportunity to play in front of fans who unfortunately had to miss out last year due to the pandemic.
“The Betfred British Masters has been played on some fantastic golf courses over the years, and The Belfry is no exception. I learned a lot from last year’s hosting duties and I’m looking forward to playing my part in putting on a successful tournament for the home fans.
“I’d also like to extend my thanks to Betfred for their continued support of golf. They are a great partner for the tournament and a lot of credit goes to Fred (Done) and his team for their commitment to this event.”
Joining Bland as members of the old guard will be Ryder Cup legends Thomas Bjørn and Lee Westwood, who both played here in the historic 2002 Ryder Cup victory that started Europe’s undefeated streak on home soil, a record which was continued under Bjørn’s captaincy at Le Golf National four years ago.
Westwood, a former two-time host of the tournament, banked three points in that triumph before going on to win a maiden British Masters title five years later at The Belfry with a five-stroke victory over compatriot Ian Poulter. This will be the 20th time the Englishman has teed it up at the tournament while Bjørn, who won in 2005 at the Forest of Arden, will be playing the event for the 16th time.
Leading the charge against the veterans this week will be history-making twins Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard, who are aiming to follow in Bjørn’s footsteps as Danish representatives at the Ryder Cup, with Rasmus returning to the venue where he won his second DP World Tour title – the ISPS Handa UK Championship. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who makes his first outing since T23 at the Masters Tournament, will hope to keep up his run of strong performances at the British Masters, following on from a runner-up finish in 2019 and a tied eighth result at last year’s tournament.
Buckle in, we’re set for another action packed week of brilliance at the British Masters.
