Top week promised for Volvo finale
BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2008 Volvo Masters | Preview | 29 Oct 2008
The Volvo Masters brings to a close the 2008 European Tour season and what a climax it promises to be. With the much vaunted Race to Dubai starting at next week’s HSBC Champions event in Shanghai, this week’s Volvo Masters Club de Golf Valderrama will be the last after 21 years of tradition in bringing the season to a close.
With such an intense battle for moneylist honours at various levels this week, the tournament promises to be an intensely fought affair with any one of four players potentially capable of securing the much sought after title as European Tour money list leader.
Robert Karlsson is the current leader and deserves to be after what has been a stunning season for the 39 year old. Not only has he won twice in Europe this season but wherever he has played worldwide he has excelled.
While Karlsson’s season has been highlighted by its remarkable consistency, Padraig Harrington’s has been highlighted by his success at the elite level. His victories at the Open Championship and at the PGA Championship along with an impressive 5th place at the Masters make him the standout player of the year and if he was to cap it off with a victory here and win the money list title, no-one could deny him his dues.
Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jimenez are also in contention for the money list title but just the event itself offers a significant contest. One look at the list of winners over the past 20 years showcases some of the greatest names in European golf and there is little reason to believe that the final Volvo Masters Champion will be of the same ilk.
In twelve months time at the completion of the race to Dubai, the winner of the equivalent end of season money fest will win a massive US$3.6 million in addition to significant bonus pool monies. While this week’s first prize of €708,000 pales somewhat in comparison, it is nonetheless an outstanding purse and will ensure a tough battle including not only those money list contenders but every one of the 57 players at Valderrama. Just by being included in this elite field, most may well feel they are as much a chance as anyone to win the title.
Sergio Garcia is in brilliant form at present not only because of his win at the Castello Masters last week but he has also been a contender so often in recent months. There is every chance he will be again.
A player who should be kept in mind at longer odds is Jeev Milkha Singh who surprised when winning this event in 2006 but who would not surprise if he was to do so again. He has played well in recent weeks and is an even better player than he was two years ago.
Only two Australians are in this week’s field with Wales Open winner Scott Strange and Richard Green doing well enough to secure a place in this elite event. New Zealander Mark Brown is also playing courtesy of his win at the Johnnie Walker Classic in India in March.
