THIS MORNING players take to a new European Tour venue, Porto Santo, for the Madeira Islands Open BPI-Portugal. For the first time it is not being staged on Madeira, but on its neighbouring island at a new Seve Ballesteros-designed course.
In its own tourist literature Porto Santo is described as “one long beach with a bit of an island attached”. It has a permanent population of only around 5,000 and is less than eight miles long and four miles across at its widest point.
The island, nibbled bare by rabbits centuries ago, has been undergoing a massive re-forestation programme, local residents even being offered free plants for their gardens at municipal nurseries.
Its volcanic sands – it is no longer active, the players will be relieved to know – have long been held to have curative powers and it was once home to Christopher Columbus.
The course, opened in 2004, features two distinct zones. One part is dotted with lakes and the other section played along spectacular clifftops.
“A number of holes are the most dramatic you will find anywhere in the world,” says tournament director David Williams.
“The players will relish the challenge of the 200-yard 13th and 393-yard 14th, back-to-back holes where you are playing across the clifftops with the sea 500 feet below.”
Past champions taking part include Welshman Bradley Dredge, Sweden’s Jarmo Sandelin and Frenchman Jean Van de Velde.
Damien McGrane heads up a five-strong Irish contingent of Michael Hoey, Jonathan Caldwell, Michael McGeady and Simon Thornton.
Nearly two and a half years after his last appearance, England’s Roger Chapman returns for this tournament only. The 49-year-old was granted a sponsor’s invitation to help him prepare for his Seniors Tour debut in May.
Chapman made his Tour debut in 1982 and had to wait 18 years, and 472 events, for his one and only victory, beating Pádraig Harrington in a play-off in Brazil.
Meanwhile, Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie’s return to action in Seville next week will mark his 500th European Tour appearance as a professional.
IRISH TEE TIMES:Damien McGrane 13.40 (second round: 09.00), Michael Hoey 13.00 (08.20), Jonathan Caldwell 07.40 (12.20), Michael McGeady 09.30 (14.10) and Simon Thornton 12.20 (07.40).
Madeira Open
Course:Porto Santo GC.
Length:6,983 yards. Par: 71.
Prizemoney:€700,000, €113,000 for the winner.
Field:144.
Defending champion:Alastair Forsyth.
Layout:Hilly with a number of water hazards. The signature hole is the spectacular 200-yard 13th across a ravine.
Weather:Cloudy with chance of rain today. Much wilder at the weekend with rain on Saturday.
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