Ryder Cup heroes tee it up in Portugal Masters

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This week the Portugal Masters celebrates its seventh anniversary at the renowned Oceânico Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura (pictured) as a world-class field, including some of the biggest names on the European Tour, descends on the Algarve in search of the coveted first prize.

Ryder Cup stars Martin Kaymer and Francesco Molinari headline a field that also includes the current BMW PGA Champion, Matteo Manassero and home favourite, Ricardo Santos, the 2012 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.

A strong Spanish contingent featuring 2008 champion Alvaro Quiros, Ryder Cup stalwart, Miguel Angel Jimenéz, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Pablo Larrábal will also be amopng those chasing a slice of the €2m prize fund.

Santos, joined by his brother Hugo and fellow countrymen Antonion Rosado, José-Filipe Lima, Taigo Cruz and Pedro Figueriredo, is as ever extremely proud to be back competing on his home course and in front on the home galleries, saying: “The Portugal Masters is a fantastic event and one all the players really embrace, with most taking advantage of the fantastic on-site Tivoli Hotel and bringing their families along for the week.

“The course is always presented in pristine condition, the weather is always great at the time of the year, the hospitality and food, of course is first-class and playing in front of home crowds makes it a particularly special occasion for me.”

As well as its continual appeal for European Tour players, the Portugal Masters this year welcomes on board new sponsor Unicer – one of the biggest beer producers in Portugal.

Oceanico CEO Chris Stillwell said, “The Portugal Masters has become one of the most popular events on the European Tour and every year we strive to build upon this reputation with the help of the tournament sponsors and tournament officials.

“The course is extremely popular amongst the players and this year our green-keeping team has done a sterling job presenting it in immaculate condition. We certainly anticipate large crowds that will be enticed by the chance to see the stars of European golf in action.”

Previous winners include defending champion Shane Lowry, 2008 Champion Alvaro Quiros and Englishman Tom Lewis, who are returning to the venue in an attempt to reclaim their former titles.

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