The fourth edition of the Portugal Masters teed off at the Arnold Palmer-designed Victoria Course in Vilamoura yesterday (Thursday).
Unfortunately the three million Euro PGA European Tour event has been bereft of the presence of defending champion and World No1 designate Lee Westwood, who has been forced to withdraw after aggravating a calf injury while competing in Scotland last weekend.
In the Englishman’s absence, Ross Fisher, third here two years ago, will be looking to claim the glory on Sunday afternoon although a host of players in the 126-strong field will also be hoping to add to their earnings in the ‘Race to Dubai’ scramble.
Among these should be experienced veteran Miguel Angel Jiminez, fellow Spaniard and 2008 winner Alvaro Quiros and Charl Schwartzel, who is currently in fifth place for the end-of-year multi-million dollar extravaganza.
Best Portuguese hope in the Algarve, Filipe Lima, has also gained a starting place following the withdrawal of Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat.
Golf fans not able to attend Portugal’s richest tournament can follow the action on Sky Sports, which is covering all three days’ play live.
Prior to the competition proper the Oceânico Victoria club staged its by now traditional Wednesday Pro-Am event involving the winning team of the national Algarve Masters Series.
This year any number of famous sports and broadcasting personalities as well as politicians were in attendance to support Portugal’s 2018 Ryder Cup bid, the winners of which will be announced in April 2011.
