Paul Casey's approach to the 8th at Wentworth on his way to the HSBC title (Visionsingolf.com)
|
Open champion, Padraig Harrington, has confirmed he will heading the HSBC World Match Play Championship field along with US Open Champion, Angel Cabrera at the West Course of the Wentworth Club, from October 11-14 competing for the biggest first prize in golf of £1 million.
Double US Open Champion Retief Goosen, three-time major champion and six-time matchplay winner Ernie Els, plus Justin Rose, American Jerry Kelly and Argentinian Andres Romero have also accepted their invitations, having qualified for their place in the 16-man field via the HSBC major championships ranking.
Paul Casey, who defends the tile he won last year, is very much looking forward to returning to Wentworth.
“Winning the matchplay championship was a real milestone for me and I would really like to win it again. I relish the cut and thrust of matchplay and winning gave me such a confidence boost ahead of the Ryder Cup…and a rather nice winner's cheque too!” he says.
With Niclas Fasth having secured his place through the events' ranking system, Colin Montgomerie has now claimed the second qualifying place on the along with Anders Hansen.
Says Monty: “I was delighted to hear I had made it into the HSBC tournament. I have had so many terrific experiences in matchplay through the years that I would have hated to miss out. I am looking forward to it already.”
Giles Morgan, HSBC's head of sports sponsorship and marketing says: “This is shaping up to be a really strong field and we are delighted with the enthusiastic player response. Six of the players confirmed are ranked in the World's top 20 and we believe the field will be a perfect blend of international stars and local favourites to whet the appetite of golf fans.”
The final two spots will go to the leading two European Tour players, not already qualified, on the European Tour Order of Merit, as of September 24.
Now in its 44th year, the tournament is officially sanctioned by the European Tour with the results counting towards the European Tour Order of Merit and world ranking points.Total prize money will be £2,440,000 with all matches decided over 36 holes.
What's the best golf match between two players you've ever seen? Tell us on the forum.
