As the British Masters is set to start on Thursday May 18th, it may not be known to many that the playing field has now shuffled. The Forest of Arden has lost its grip on the British Masters, and has now fallen into the capable hands of the Belfry. The Belfry is not unfamiliar to the European tour, as it was the venue of the Ryder Cup from the year 1987-2002. Forest of Arden has been the home of the British Masters for a term of three years. Aside from the likes of Sergio Garcia, Thomas Levet, and Luke Donald the remaining 9 of twelve 2004 winners from Oakland Hills will be attending. Bringing the tour back to the Belfry has evoked several wonderful memories for many players, although none more than the 2002 winner Paul McGinley. This strapping Irishman holed the final and winning putt in the 2002 event win. Many of the golfers that will be attending, this years event have had many stops in North America and are looking forward to the change of scenery. Many golfers get chills just walking through the gates of this fabled course. It surely has a very prestigious history, and many golfers long to have the chance to play on this course. The defending champion of this event Thomas Bjorn feels that the competition for this years event will be strong, possibly even fierce. Bjorn believes that there is an easy count of twenty golfers that could steal the show at the Belfry this year, and no one should expect that it would be a walk in the park. Whichever way the tournament is played out, it is sure to draw a major crowd, and will be a great event to follow. |