Opportunity for lesser lights at Madeira Island Open
IN: News | European PGA | Madeira Island Open (2003) | Preview | by Bruce Young | 18 Mar 2003
The Madeira Island Open is one of those events that, because of its timing, provides an opportunity for many of the fringe players on the European Tour.
Most of the name players are now focusing their attention on Augusta and endeavouring to have their game peaking for that event in three weeks time. Events such as this week's Bay Hill Invitational and the TPC next week are key in that process so events such as the Madeira Island Open are not included in the plans of those eligible for Augusta.
Having said that, it is the type of event that can offer a kick-start to a career as Niclas Fasth will attest, following his win in 2000. He has now gone on to become one of the best players in Europe.
Last year Diego Borrego won when he outclassed Maarten Lafeber and Ivo Giner by a shot.
The course, Santo da Serra, was designed by Robert Trent Jones and is located on the island of Madeira, which is in the Atlantic Ocean off the north coast of Africa. It is actually a Portugese territory and has now developed into a holiday destination, especially for the British holiday market. It is steeped in history with Captain Cook among many of the early explorers, using it as a stop off enroute to the Southern oceans.
The field this week includes the defending champion Diego Borego, Andrew Coltart, Andrew Oldcorn, Henrik Stenson and Seve Ballesteros. The Australasians entered at this stage are Stephen Scahill, Lucas Parsons, Brett Rumford, Ed Stedman, Steve Bowditch, Gareth Padisson, Adam Crawford and Elliot Boult.
The event carries prizemoney of 600,000 euros or $A1,100,000.
