SEVERAL PLAYERS who have already tasted success on The European Tour International Schedule this season – Joakim Haeggman, Christopher Hanell, Miguel Angel Jiménez and Marcel Siem – one attempting to become the first double winner of 2004, as they take their places in the field for this week’s Algarve Open de Portugal Caixa Geral de Depósitos at Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort (April 1-4).
Six former winners of the event, including the last two winners at Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort – Gary Orr and Van Phillips – are also competing alongside players such as Ignácio Garrido and Andrew Oldcorn, two of the past three winners of the Volvo PGA Championship.
Last year’s Algarve Open de Portugal title was won by Fredrik Jacobson. The Swede claimed the second of three titles of the season with the help of a magnificent pitch in for eagle on the penultimate hole at Vale do Lobo. That edged him ahead of Brian Davis, Bradley Dredge and Jamie Donaldson. The defeated Welsh duo are taking part again this year.
The Algarve Open de Portugal Caixa Geral de Depósitos is one of the most popular events on The European Tour International Schedule, dating back to 1953. The Championship course at Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort, designed by the late Sir Henry Cotton, has hosted the event on six previous occasions.
