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Mikko Ilonen 

Ilonen seizes early initiative

Ricardo Santos 

Eight former champions return to Madeira

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The 2012 Madeira Islands Open - Portugal - BPI produced some of the most memorable scenes in the tournament's history as home favourite Ricardo Santos claimed a maiden European Tour victory in front of the jubiland crowds. Watch the highlightshere...

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2 editor-heading-h2">Season finale</h2>And then there was one. After visiting 25 countries across five continents, the DP World Tour’s schedule reaches a climax this week in Dubai. Since 2009, the DP World Tour Championship has annually played host to the season-ending event. Contested over 72 holes, with no cut, the concluding Rolex Series event features a $10 million prize fund – the biggest of the 42-tournament 2026 Race to Dubai season. Now, 50 players have made their way to the second of back-to-back Rolex Series events - which serve as the DP World Tour Play-Offs - to compete for two key pieces of silverware on offer this week: The DP World Tour Championship and the Harry Vardon Trophy.<img src="https://img.etg-digital-image.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,fit=cover/https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1793958140566/public/jpeg/2233858361.jpg" alt="2233858361" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> <div class="embedded-content-card"><div class="description-content-card-wrapper"><div style="display:none"><span data-content="{&quot;Content_icon&quot;:&quot;machine_assets/coloured_icon_44_44/Gallery.png&quot;,&quot;Title&quot;:&quot;HBM Round One&quot;,&quot;Path&quot;:&quot;/content/documents/hclplatformx/sites/europeantour/lingual/en/contenttypes/gallery/2026/November/05/hbm-lakeview-1793889702510&quot;,&quot;Description&quot;:&quot;The 2027 Husqvarna British Masters gets underway as the full field takes to the iconic Brabazon Course for Round One. Follow your favourite players from the opening tee shot and enjoy a full day of world-class golf, while taking in everything The Belfry and the event have to offer.&quot;,&quot;Author&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;ContentType&quot;:&quot;gallery&quot;,&quot;page&quot;:&quot;hbm-lakeview-1793889702510&quot;,&quot;path&quot;:&quot;/content/documents/hclplatformx/sites/europeantour/lingual/en/contenttypes/gallery/2026/November/05/hbm-lakeview-1793889702510&quot;,&quot;ScheduledPublishTriggerDatetime&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;ScheduledUnPublishTriggerDatetime&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;LastModifiedBy&quot;:&quot;henry bellbrown&quot;,&quot;lastModifiedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-11-05T14:43:17Z&quot;,&quot;PublishedDate&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;CreatedDate&quot;:&quot;2026-11-05T14:43:16Z&quot;,&quot;PublishedBy&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;Thumbnail&quot;:{&quot;Name&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;Title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;Description&quot;:&quot;Images&quot;,&quot;Url&quot;:&quot;1793888389087/public/jpeg/2292691864_(1)&quot;,&quot;Attribution&quot;:false,&quot;ext&quot;:&quot;jpg&quot;},&quot;is_published&quot;:false,&quot;CurrentPageURL&quot;:&quot;/hbm-lakeview-1793889702510&quot;,&quot;parent_page_url&quot;:&quot;/&quot;,&quot;tags&quot;:[&quot;Gallery&quot;],&quot;content_image&quot;:{},&quot;Id&quot;:&quot;hbm-lakeview-1793889702510&quot;,&quot;EditorialItemPath&quot;:&quot;hbm-lakeview-1793889702510&quot;,&quot;Slug&quot;:&quot;hbm-lakeview&quot;,&quot;SchemaDocumentType&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;content_behind_rendering&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;excel_upload&quot;:[],&quot;is_checked&quot;:true}"></div><div class="content-card"><div class="Platform-x-Box-root css-0"><div style="display:flex;justify-content:center;margin:10px 0px"><div style="position:relative;margin:0px" class="content descAsset"><div style="position:absolute;left:0;top:0;height:100%;width:100%"><img src="https://img.etg-digital-image.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1280,height=720,quality=85,format=webp,fit=cover,gravity=face/https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1793888389087/public/jpeg/2292691864_(1).jpg" style="width:100%;object-fit:cover;height:100%" alt=""></div><div style="position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;padding:2% 3%;background-image:linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0%, #000 100%);width:100%;height:100%;display:flex;align-items:end;min-height:224px"><div><h1 style="font-size:28px;font-weight:bold;color:#fff;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-line-clamp:1;text-overflow:ellipsis;overflow:hidden;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;word-wrap:break-word;margin:0">HBM Round One</h1><h1 style="font-size:16px;font-weight:500;color:#fff !important;-webkit-line-clamp:2;text-overflow:ellipsis;overflow:hidden;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;word-wrap:break-word">The 2027 Husqvarna British Masters gets underway as the full field takes to the iconic Brabazon Course for Round One. Follow your favourite players from the opening tee shot and enjoy a full day of world-class golf, while taking in everything The Belfry and the event have to offer.</h1><a href="https://etg-beta-digital26.com/en/gallery/hbm-lakeview" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;width:140px;height:40px" rel="noreferrer"><button class="Platform-x-ButtonBase-root Platform-x-Button-root Platform-x-Button-text Platform-x-Button-textPrimary Platform-x-Button-sizeMedium Platform-x-Button-textSizeMedium css-1ujsas3" tabindex="0" type="button" style="padding:0 8px;border-radius:4px;background-color:#fff;width:140px;height:40px;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;cursor:pointer">View gallery</button></a></div></div></div></div> </div></div></div></div>

2233864596

Five things to know 2026 DP World Tour Championship Test Article

Starting with a Rolex Series event at the Genesis Scottish Open and finishing back in Scotland at the Nexo Championship, it is the fifth of the five Global Swings on the Race to Dubai.Where does the action unfold and what is at stake? Here, we explain all you need to know...Where does the Closing Swing visit?The Swing starts with a trip to The Renaissance Club as a world-class field descends on East Lothian for the&nbsp;Genesis Scottish Open.The Rolex Series spectacular runs parallel to the&nbsp;ISCO Championship&nbsp;in Kentucky, where 50 DP World Tour members tee it up in the PGA TOUR alternate event.While The Open Championship takes place at Royal Birkdale, the Swing stays across the Atlantic but this time heads to the Dominican Republic for another PGA TOUR alternate event in the shape of the&nbsp;Corales Puntacana Championship.There is then a three-week break before the Swing picks back up with the&nbsp;Danish Golf Championship&nbsp;at a new venue of Great Northern before Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire brings the curtain down with the&nbsp;Nexo Championship.*Major Championships do not count towards the individual SwingsClick here for the full 2026 schedule <img src="https://img.etg-digital-image.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,fit=cover/https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1792992471539/public/jpeg/_detail.jpg" alt="Abu Dhabi Championship" width="inherit" class="descAsset">

HPT GF 2026

The Closing Swing All you need to know

Tadeáš Tetak arrives at this week’s Dormy Open by Creekhouse in Sweden in the midst of his best HotelPlanner Tour season since he made his debut back in 2021. <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1788047761786/public/jpeg/1787742238.jpg" alt="Teddy Tetak" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> The Slovakian first burst onto the scene five years ago and impressed in his second-ever start at the 2021 Euram Bank Open, where weekend rounds of 64-65 saw him place in a tie for 11th.However, the following years were tough for the 26-year-old, as weekend golf and top-ten finishes proved hard to come by. Yet, 2026 has appeared to be a turning point, with Tetak already registering a runner-up in Switzerland and a fourth place finish at last week’s Vierumäki Finnish Challenge supported by Finnish Golf Union.And Tetak, who sits 25th on the season-long Road to Mallorca Rankings, is feeling positive about his chances, particularly after his battling performance at the Cooke Course last week.“My performance last week gave me a lots of confidence,” Tetak said.“I think after my first round I was around 110th and it wasn’t looking great but then I got hot in rounds two and three and really battled on the fourth day when the conditions weren’t great.“I was really happy with the way I battled and how I managed to get the top five.”The HotelPlanner Tour visits Sweden for the 106th time this week at Kristianstad Golf Club but, for Tetak, the event in Åhus marks only the second time he’s played in the country, with his first visit coming in 2022.And with a new course in the offing, the Slovakian is excited by the challenge, with accurate tee shots and aggressive approach play potentially the key to success.“It’s a gorgeous course which has a good mix of tough holes and scorable holes,” he added.“It’s set up for a nice week out here and whoever can keep the ball in play off the tee and be aggressive to their targets on the greens will have a good week.“The greens are fast and undulated and if it gets windy out here, I can imagine it getting really quick with some of the pin locations.”Tetak is in a good position as he aims to reach the Rolex Grand Final supported by The R&amp;A for the first time, and give himself a chance of securing promotion to the DP World Tour.And with six events to play before the season finale, the 26-year-old is eager to finish the season strong and contend for one of 15 life-changing cards on Golf’s Global Tour.“Getting to Mallorca was always the goal and that’s been the target since the first event I played this year in Durban,” he added. “If I can get there, I’ll be delighted and then anything can happen that week.“It would be nice to get over the hump of winning but I’m looking to keep to my strategy of hitting lots of fairway and greens and go from there.”The first round of the Dormy Open by Creekhouse gets under way at 7:30am on Thursday morning with Tetak teeing off alongside American Jhared Hack and Portugal’s Vasco Alves at 8:00am.

Teddy Tetak

Tetak ready for Kristianstad test in Sweden 

Husqvarna British Masters marks start of the Back 9

Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo: How to watch

DP World Tour First Stage Qualifying School took place this week at Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil, with 19 players securing safe passage through to Second Stage. <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1788047594788/public/jpeg/1787933935.jpg" alt="Paul Beavy" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> French amateur Paul Beauvy, who started the final round one stroke back, fired an eight under par closing round of 64 to reach 20 under par, three shots ahead of overnight leader Jake Scott.Amateurs Wolfgang Glawe (-14), Nathan Wang (-10) and Mateo Pulcini (-9) were also among the 19 players to progress, with those on scores of seven under or better having direct access into Second Stage and the chance to play for DP World Tour playing opportunities and full playing status on the HotelPlanner Tour for the 2027 season.DP World Tour Qualifying School Second Stage will take place across four venues in Spain from October 29 – November 3.

Paul Beavy

Amateur Beauvy leads 19 through to Second Stage in France

The DP World Tour caught up with former champion <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/players/eddie-pepperell-37841" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Eddie Pepperell</a> at the <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/husqvarna-british-masters-hosted-by-sir-nick-faldo-2026/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo</a> to discuss famous friends, his emergence from the darker side of professional sport and what maybe comes next. <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1788047794487/public/jpeg/1787848941.jpg" alt="Eddie Pepperell" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> "I've been through some fairly lowish points in terms of mood and that type of thing but I'm not there at the moment, my form's just dipped."As we chat at The Belfry, Eddie Pepperell displays all the things that have made him a favourite with fans and media alike in his 15 seasons on Tour: self-awareness, self-deprecation and possibly most importantly, honesty.A lot has happened since he graduated from the HotelPlanner Tour in 2012 armed with plenty of talent and a Twitter account that could grab almost as many headlines as his golf.With 12 top tens in his first three seasons, it looked like a win was the next step but in 2016 he lost his card by the narrowest of margins.That he got it straight back at the Qualifying School and within two years was a two-time DP World Tour winner inside the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking says much about his determination.He has faced greater adversity since, only securing limited status in 2021 and losing his card in 2024 before missing a seven-foot putt for eagle on the final hole at Qualifying School that would have seen him once again gain it straight back.That brought him into a 2025 season that saw him finish 166th on the Race to Dubai and 79th on the Road to Mallorca - his least successful campaign of his career. He revealed in his personal blog earlier this year that his frustrations had led him to self-harm but now back on Tour and on course for his best Race to Dubai finish in four seasons, he is happy to put that "darkish period" behind him."Last year there were some really quite dark times on the course if I'm being frank," he said."I brought that up not to try and invoke any sympathy in any way shape or form and it was all true what happened last year but it was just that I was so, so frustrated."When you're that frustrated, the psychological, I found to replace it with the physical pain was much more comforting than the emotional suffering I was feeling on the golf course and it was mostly just a derivative of feeling so, so frustrated."But I haven't been there this year. I think I've been in a generally better place, my form has been better and I think I've come through that darkish period."The start of his on-course renaissance came at the scene of his heartbreak 12 months earlier - INFINITUM and the 108-hole marathon that is Qualifying School Final Stage."On the 15th green at Q School I was resigned to my fate of being on the HotelPlanner Tour again for another year and then I had a great finish and things changed quickly," he added. <div class="brightcove-embed descAsset" data-brightcove-id="6396137724112" data-poster="https://cf-images.eu-west-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/5136026580001/4a6924d2-13af-429d-8c13-892e8856d336/4b89eacc-ede3-4056-bb39-3714538e32e1/1280x720/match/image.jpg" data-src="/9bed0016-0e23-490f-930c-76bbc85b5df8/content"></div> A four-birdie finish had him back on Tour and two top tens and just three missed cuts in his first 14 events represented a successful return.His form since July may not have been as impressive but he is still in a good position to keep his playing privileges and is clearly relatively satisified with his season so far."I've used driver this year for the first time since 2019 so that's the obvious thing," he said. "In the modern game, to not use a driver is kind of crazy but I've improved my driving a lot and use a driver."I think I've done a fairly decent job of staying on top of a few fundamental things for me in my swing. I think I've lost sight of them a little bit lately and that's why I'm struggling a bit to grapple with that and get it back."Generally, from Q School last year all the way through to May, I think I did a fairly good job of keeping on top of a lot of stuff."I also had weeks where I finished them off well. In China I had a good finish to finish ninth, South African Open I had a good back nine to finish in the top five where I wasn't doing that last year."This year I've had a few better finishes which I would point back to the finish at Q School being the real fuel for that. Those finishing moments on a Sunday can really make all the difference. <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1784155837737/public/jpeg/1687787627.jpg" alt="Pepperell-1052128792" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> "When you look back at a year, the reality is the level of golf might not be much different across a 12-month period but the way you finish a tournament off, which can be a reflection of psychology as much as anything, I think I've been on the right side of that this year, generally."Of course it can not always be plain sailing and at last week's Nexo Championship, after missing his last two cuts on the DP World Tour and dropping six shots in four holes, Pepperell walked in after eight holes of round one."It wasn't so much protecting my mental side as it was a confidence thing," he says. "I knew I was struggling, I felt quite lost and I didn't want to spend that much longer in that frame of mind."So within 24 hours a call went into a familiar face - DP World Tour player turned coach Robert Rock.Rock played 468 events across a 20-year DP World Tour career that includes two wins, but was already coaching a host of players while still playing."I saw Robert Rock on the Friday morning when I got home and I feel like I've made a bit of progress and have a bit more clarity at least and conviction in what I'm working on which is a good thing," said Pepperell."I hope it would be a fairly permanent thing. I think it would be good for me to work with somebody for an extended period of time and Rocky's a good guy. <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1785871496730/public/png/1561217417.png" alt="Robert Rock" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> "I've played with him a number of times out here and he's obviously a wonderful swinger of the club. It's just good to have somebody to bounce ideas off, really, and I would see it more that way."Rocky obviously knows an awful lot about the swing, I would say I know less, although obviously I know a fair bit about my own swing. We're both pretty curious and experimental so that's kind of nice."With the driver back in the bag and hope of a long-term coaching relationship, Pepperell is seemingly here to stay, something that will delight his legions of fans after his recent struggles.In recent years he has branched out into media, a perhaps natural trajectory that has shown him mature from his early dabbles with social media.His podcast with sports journalists and broadcasters Andrew Cotter and Iain Carter - The Chipping Forecast - has a healthy audience and Pepperell admits for the first time he may have an alternative calling to golf, although he is unsure whether thhat will help or hinder his game."Historically I've had nothing else to do," he said of his life in golf. "I think that's the unfortunate reality for a lot of folks: you have no other option so you just keep doing it."It's a nice story to try and tell that it's about resilience and character and of course it is to some degree but at the same time it's also about that you do something because there's nothing else to do and if you stick at something long enough, the law of averages determine that some good will happen and some bad will happen. <div class="brightcove-embed descAsset" data-brightcove-id="6385008649112" data-poster="https://cf-images.eu-west-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/5136026580001/ee2e7c09-0c68-419c-9771-c8e13ad2844c/516ae0ae-4594-49be-a5f5-704d75cdbafa/1280x720/match/image.jpg" data-src="/f59049bf-f12b-4f96-9b46-4b8f517a16a5/content"></div> "As the last 12 months have gone on, doing other things like the podcast which is going really well, it's probably the first time in my life where some sort of Plan B is beginning to maybe emerge and that has its positives in some respects but also negatives in others."Optionality isn't the best thing for motivation, necessarily."Through both golf and the podcast, Pepperell has recently struck up a friendship with former tennis World Number One and two-time Wimbledon and Olympic champion Andy Murray.Since retiring from tennis, Murray has become a keen golfer, playing alongside Pepperell in the Sunningdale foursomes, and the latter is full of admiration for his Grand Slam winning playing partner."Andy's great and I really like his family," he said. "I've spent a bit of time with Judy and I met Jamie for the first time. I think they're a really great family and I think that counts for an awful lot."He's a hard worker, that goes without saying. I think he's probably a simpler character than me but then I suspect most are and that's to my detriment. I think he's better able to do what he's told or not get so lost in silly ideas the way I have done historically in my career. He's ultra disciplined like all top, top sportsmen."I have huge amounts of admiration for just the level of application that I think would have been present in his career, it's second to none, I'm not sure I would say that of myself over the last five to seven years. "I would have said that of myself in my twenties and teens, I think I sacrificed an awful lot, then again golf is a different sport to tennis with longevity aspects and things."He's good company and I hope to play the Sunningdale foursomes with him again next year, I think he's keen on that. It was a really good experience to play Sunningdale with him because I felt like he wanted to get himself in that competitive spirit again which was good for him."Back to the day job and Pepperell currently sits 83rd on the Race to Dubai Rankings Delievered by DP World, less than 75 points from making the Play-Offs but more than 100 clear of losing his card.On what will happen over the rest of the season, Pepperell, as he often is, is philosophical."I'm really trying to just hit better shots," he said. "I know that if I get it right for a week or two then I'll have a decent enough result somewhere along the line that will pretty much secure my card and probably get me a few more opportunities between now and the end of the season."If that doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, it will be what it will be."Peperell's fans around the world will be hoping it will be many more years of Plan A on Tour.

Eddie Pepperell

It will be what it will be - Eddie Pepperell on Andy Murray, his 'darkish period' and working with Robert Rock

DP World Tour First Stage Qualifying School took place at The Players Club in Bristol this week, with 20 players progressing to Stage Two. <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1788047740205/public/jpeg/1787930753.jpg" alt="IMG_5251" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> German Philipp Katich carded rounds of 70-69-70-67 to reach four under par and win by one stroke from Scotsman Robbie Morrison, who fired a closing five under par round of 65, and Englishman Arron Edwards-Hill.Scores of one over or better secured progression, with 20 players now having direct access into Second Stage and playing opportunities on the DP World Tour and full playing status on the HotelPlanner Tour for the 2027 season.The Second Stage of DP World Tour Qualifying School will be played across four venues in Spain from October 29 – November 3.Qualified players:Philipp KatichRobbie MorrisonArron Edwards-HillRiccardo Fantinelli (AM)Max OrrinBrandon RobinsonMatthew HibbsGary KingGiles EvansThomas Higgins (AM)Lewis WrightMaxwell MartinWilliam LoveCallum DavisonGonzalo LealPatrick AdlerEgor EroshenkoGeorge Toone

IMG_5251

Katich leads 20 players through to Q-School Second Stage in Bristol

Between them David Howell and Ken Brown have played in 34 British Masters across 46 years.This week they both have a watching brief at The Belfry as part of the DP World Tour's world feed broadcast.Before the action got under way, we asked them to tell us about their memories of the event, what they are looking forward to on the Back 9 and who might be their players to watch.<h2 class="editor-heading-h2">David Howell</h2> <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1788047571271/public/jpeg/1787911571.jpg" alt="David Howell" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> "The first golf tournament I ever went to was the Dunhill British Masters at Woburn in 1989. I'd got into my golf and my mum, bless her, saw an advert in a magazine and we went to Woburn for two days. I was blown away by the grandeur of it all."That was long before I turned pro of course, I was 14, so it was a special thing to me from a very young age and eventually it was a big thrill in 1996 when I played in my first one."It's always been a lovely tournament in our schedule, here we are at The Belfry, as good as anywhere if not better, it's a big week in our year."It's definitely the only tournament I've lost in two play-offs, in 2001 and 2005."The one at Forest of Arden in 2005 which Thomas Bjørn, won really hurt me. I bogeyed the last and the first play-off hole, that really difficult par-three 18th. "I'd chipped in at 17, birdied 16, momentum was on my side and I was in a good run of form. That was one of the main tournaments I let slip away."The one at Woburn in 2001, I forced my way into contention and didn't really mess that one up but I felt like I let the one at the Forest go  - I wouldn't say it's lived with me forever but it was a great chance to win another event."As an Englishman you want the British Masters on your schedule, it's always been an absolute cracker. That's why I played in it 20 times, you'd have to have a really big, good reason not turn up at this amazing event."This is in a really nice week now and a good opportunity for many of our good players who play a lot of their golf in America to come back and it's strong field."It's got a really nice vibe, it's beautifully presented, there's loads of kids about, Sir Nick with the Faldo Series, we're at the PGA headquarters so there's the teaching pro side of things encouraging people to play and develop their own golf."There were thousands here for the pro-am and it's got a really nice feel." <blockquote class="editor-quote">As an Englishman you want it on your schedule, it's always been an absolute cracker</blockquote> "The Back 9 is our time to shine for sure. The golf world is a crowded world and this is our period."Angel Ayora has maybe not had quite the year that we thought he might, following on from last year. He's yet to win and I would be surprised if he doesn't produce well. I do think he'll win by the end of the year."Miguel Ángel Jiménez plays next week in Switzerland to get within one of my appearance record and I have no problem with him taking it over the next few years."I do know I am exempt for the Australian PGA Championship due to my win back in 1998, they really covet their ex-winners and you can play until you're 60."So you never know, if schedules allow and things align I might take my son down there to caddie."But if Miguel ends up taking the record it's more than fitting because he's been an absolute legend for our Tour and still plays good golf. I'm sure he's going to overtake me."<h2 class="editor-heading-h2">Ken Brown</h2> <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1784164840968/public/jpeg/1775571312.jpg" alt="Ken Brown" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> "The British Masters has been around for a long, long time - 1946 just after the war was the first one so it's got a great history and a lot of marvellous winners as well."The first time I played it was 1977 and we played at Lindrick and on the last day I played with Peter Thomson. He was announced on the tee: 'Peter Thomson, five-time Open champion, two-time British Masters champion, has won 72 times around the world' and he hit his ball."My turn to tee up, I was only 20: 'Ken Brown on the tee, runner-up at the Greater Manchester Open' and I hit my tee shot down there."I walked past the first ball to one 20 yards on and of course my tee shot was the shortest one and his was the longest one and he was almost in his 50s by then."So it gives players a chance to play with some great champions."I've got some happy memories and in the old days it was a limited field to get in it, you had to finish in the top 60 on the year and it was an event where you really wanted to get your name on the trophy – it's like a who's who of golf."It's been a splendid tournament right up until now, it's grown and grown and grown. "Coming to The Belfry which is such an iconic course after all the Ryder Cups coming here and a special venue, it keeps the legacy up of an event that players are keen to play in and get their name on the trophy."Having Sir Nick involved is a fantastic thing. It's not just his name as the host but he does a lot of work behind the scenes and he wants this tournament to grow."It does great work for the charity with the Guide Dogs."When Nick does something he puts his heart and soul into it and he's done a lovely job here. He adds a bit of sparkle because he's arguably our greatest ever golfer."The Belfry has always had tremendous support going way back to when we played the English Classic in 1979. There's a big catchment area and they're very keen on their golf. so we should get a great crowd which adds massively to an event, it gives it a vibe."The challenge of The Belfry has always been a stiff one. You've got to play pretty well from tee to green, you're not going to win it with just a tidy short game. It's still a good stern test and it's stood the test of time."We first played it in the  late 70s and not too much has changed, one or two tees further back but not a lot and it's still an enjoyable challenge. <blockquote class="editor-quote">It was an event where you really wanted to get your name on the trophy – it's like a who's who of golf</blockquote> "This final part of the season are exceptional tournaments, a great run of tournaments. The Irish Open is still a great tournament but in my day it was The Open and then the PGA and the Irish Open were very close and we got them back-to-back."The Irish love their golf and the PGA Championship is an event, a big crowd on a well established course, there's a lot for the spectators and it's a sell out."The whole Back 9 going through to the Play-Offs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai which are as good as you can get anywhere in the world."It's going to be a fantastic end to the season. It's a bit tighter at the top this year, it's not just going to be the Rory story but I suspect it might be in the end."Richard Mansell is a player I think who might show a bit of sparkle towards the end of the season after a tough start to the year with injuries and his wife has recently had a baby so it's been a stop-go start."But he's local to here and has come into some golf form so it wouldn't surprise me if he found a bit of sparkle these next few weeks, he was speaking with a lot of confidence on the range. "

David Howell

Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo: Commentators' column with David Howell and Ken Brown

2025 was a bumper year for English players on the Race to Dubai, with four of them claiming dual membership with the PGA TOUR. <div class="brightcove-embed descAsset" data-brightcove-id="6403955047112" data-poster="https://cf-images.eu-west-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/5136026580001/d7fc1163-a651-4927-bc02-581893bf485e/c094f7e7-0ca6-444a-a1a8-f6928614945f/1280x720/match/image.jpg" data-src="/8c69ea1d-333e-4bb5-944b-2efd25e7d700/content"></div> And three of them return home this week for the Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at The Belfry.We caught up with Marco Penge, John Parry and Dan Brown to discuss being home, the PGA TOUR and plans for the rest of the season as they look to retain their places as international players. <h2 class="editor-heading-h2">Marco Penge</h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3">Race to Dubai Ranking: 122</h3><h3 class="editor-heading-h3">FedExCup Ranking: 112</h3> <div class="brightcove-embed descAsset" data-brightcove-id="6404064851112" data-poster="https://cf-images.eu-west-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/5136026580001/14bd431f-ee67-43da-8623-d2635fea26be/f509360f-56c9-4732-a587-aa04552ac0ff/1280x720/match/image.jpg" data-src="/ecb6cd81-fa65-4c1e-b195-c8b50822a869/content"></div> "I've missed this Tour. Going to the PGA TOUR has been a great experience and a great place for me to improve, but you know, there's nothing like being back on the DP World Tour, and after the success I had last year, it's nice to be seeing familiar faces and catching up with lots of different people."Unfortunately I'm having to prioritise keeping my playing rights in America. Obviously my goal is to play with the best players in the world and I feel like you get that on the PGA TOUR. I feel like it's a place that I can improve the fastest as a golfer, as well and as a person, so yeah, I mean, I need to, I haven't earned the right to be taking weeks off in America and coming back to play here."It's kind of been in the back of my mind the whole year, like come on, come on, I want to get the job done as quick as I can so I can come back. But the health stuff has gotten in the way there and a few barriers."Unfortunately I won't be playing after next week in Europe, unless I go and win early on in America - so that's the plan."<h2 class="editor-heading-h2">John Parry</h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3">Race to Dubai Ranking: 76</h3><h3 class="editor-heading-h3">FedExCup Ranking: 95</h3> <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1788047678430/public/jpeg/1787763071.jpg" alt="John Parry" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> "It's nice to be home and obviously not have to travel far to get here. It's good to see some old faces and catch up with people."I think I've learned a few things. Obviously we get big crowds here and in America you generally play in front of big crowds so that's become more of a normal thing."The greens are quite slopy here and usually when I turn up I think it's hard work but because in America they seem to have slopier greens and quicker greens it feels a bit more normal."There are certain elements I can take from there to this week."I'm playing this event and then I'm going to have two weeks off, treat it a bit like an off-season, and then I'll be out there for nine or ten weeks so it's going to be busy."I'll be glad to have a break and be back over here but after that I'll be glad to be back over there as well."It's been alright, I'm happy with certain stuff. Like any golfer, we're all the same, I feel like I could have done a little bit better over in America but the competitions I've played over here I've done pretty well and I've had a couple of good Major results so confidence is good."<h2 class="editor-heading-h2">Dan Brown</h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3">Race to Dubai Ranking: 144</h3><h3 class="editor-heading-h3">FedExCup Ranking: 142</h3> <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1788047795624/public/jpeg/1784216749.jpg" alt="Daniel Brown-2286358460" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> "It's nice. I came back for the Scottish and The Open which was nice to come back and play in the UK again and this is always a good event. A good event for the Tour in general but being English it gives it that extra feel."In general it's not too different. This is one of the better turned-out events on the DP World Tour and that's how it is most weeks in America, so very similar this week."I've spent most of the time just being a little frustrated with the way I've played this year. I've been injured a couple of times so I've been battling some niggles which I haven't had to do in previous years gone by so it's been a challenging year."Whether a win ca be this week I'm not sure because I'm battling a wrist injury so I'm just going to try and make it to Sunday."I've got Irish Open and Wentworth and then I'll probably play five or six events in the Fall Series back in America and see if we can liven up what's been a bit of a dull year so far."\*Brown's wrist injury saw him withdraw from the event on Friday morning.

Dual member trio enjoying home comforts amid American adventure

Alfie Plant holds a one-stroke lead following a testing first day of the Dormy Open by Creekhouse at Kristianstad Golf Club and Destination. <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1788047577182/public/jpeg/1787850280.jpg" alt="Alfie Plant" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> Blustery conditions welcomed the earlier starters at the Åhus venue, making its debut on the Road to Mallorca this week, and it was the Englishman who impressed most, mixing five birdies with one bogey to sign for a four under par 66.The two-time HotelPlanner Tour winner takes a slender advantage over a congested leaderboard into Friday and was pleased with his overall performance on a particularly challenging Kristianstad lay-out.“There was some really good stuff, and it was really tricky out there,” he said.“The course is fantastic and probably the best we’re going to play all year so it’s nice to post an early score but there’s plenty of golf left and some tough weather conditions coming in.”The 34-year-old, starting on the tenth, opened with his only dropped shot of the day before bouncing back with a birdie on 13 to turn at level par.Pars on one and two would follow before back-to-back gains on the third and fourth moved Plant to two under par for the day. A well-holed birdie putt on the seventh was followed by another gain on the eighth before a closing par capped an impressive day’s work.“I started to hole a few putts coming in which was nice and I made a nice birdie on the eighth after finding myself a little bit out of position,” he added.“I was looking to keep it as stress free as possible, which is easier said than done but I did it well today.”“They can tuck the flags here and they have some big run-offs if you’re too cute with your approach shots so it’s easy to make a bogey here but it’s a fair course where you can have plenty of chances.“I’ve been playing nice and steady this year and have been in and around the lead at times so let’s see what this week brings.”England’s Bradley Bawden, who had earlier set the clubhouse lead, is three under par alongside his countryman Callum Farr, Swede David Lundgren, Irish duo Ronan Mullarney and Gary Hurley and German Marc Hammer.The second round of the Dormy Open by Creekhouse gets under way at 7:30am local time with Plant teeing off alongside Wilco Nienaber from South Africa and Frenchman Bastien Amat.

Alfie Plant

Plant leads after testing first day in Sweden

Sir Nick Faldo on this week, The Belfry and 50 years as a professional

Thirty years of the Faldo Series: Sir Nick Faldo’s lasting impact on the junior game

Wednesday saw a host of stars from sport and television descend on The Belfry for the Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo Celebrity Pro-Am. <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1788047719162/public/jpeg/1787815777.jpg" alt="Former rivals Paul Scholes and Robbie Fowler played together" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> Footballers, rugby stars, cricketers, Olympic gold medallists and broadcasters all took on the Brabazon alongside some of the DP World Tour's bigggest stars.Have a look at our gallery below.

Former rivals Paul Scholes and Robbie Fowler played together

See the celebrities on show at the Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo

Ryder Cup Captain <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/players/luke-donald-30357" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Luke Donald</a> is back in action this week at the <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/husqvarna-british-masters-hosted-by-sir-nick-faldo-2026/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo</a>, making his first start since the DS Automobiles 83° Open d’Italia in June as Europe’s qualification race towards Adare Manor officially gets under way. <div class="brightcove-embed descAsset" data-brightcove-id="6404065346112" data-poster="https://cf-images.eu-west-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/5136026580001/8399c26b-f4fd-4849-a3f1-bc43637ed130/4c51541e-2ee4-49b2-94b3-47a009e62aa6/1280x720/match/image.jpg" data-src="/50180ef8-390c-43cd-8e2c-a035b831c577/content"></div> The former World Number One is playing in just his third event of 2026, and while he's looking forward to the Ryder Cup process starting again this week, he said he's equally looking forward to getting his clubs out and playing in front of home fans."I think obviously it's the kick-off again for another qualification for the Ryder Cup at Adare next year, and looking forward to obviously playing myself again," Donald said on Tuesday."I haven't played much this year but looking forward to dusting off the clubs and seeing how I do. But obviously being back here and seeing the qualification kick off is fun. It kind of makes everything feel like we're getting closer again to Adare next year."I think we always enjoyed, growing up on these shores, coming back home and playing in front of great crowds. Obviously The Belfry has some iconic, memorable stories for me as a kid, watching Ryder Cups, obviously, and quite relevant to how I find my position as captain now." Yet while he is in the field, the biggest focus will undoubtedly be on the start of the race to make the Ryder Cup.For 2027, the points race begins at this week's Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo, with eligible DP World Tour members able to earn Ryder Cup points across a year-long qualification process ending on Sunday August 22, 2027.After that, the leading six players from the Ryder Cup Points list will earn automatic qualification for Team Europe, before Donald adds a further six Captain’s Picks in the week commencing Monday August 30, 2027."I think whenever qualification period kicks in, especially as I remember as a player, you know, it's sort of like almost like a reset," said Donald."You've a different focus, different goals. You suddenly have something else to play for week-in, week-out, not just the event. I know the guys will be looking forward to getting started, earning points and trying to make that team." <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1784158211954/public/jpeg/1709726115.jpg" alt="Ryder Cup Europe team-1716543695" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> Throughout his two previous captaincies, Donald has made it a point to play with and communicate with emerging European talent in the year leading up to the Ryder Cup.He also pays close attention to results, and while Europe made history in 2025 by fielding an almost identical team to the one that won in 2023, he expects more of a reset this time around."I think that was unusual, New York," he said. "I don't think we had ever had so many pass from one Ryder Cup to the next, same DNA. It was almost the same team. It was almost like 11 and a half people that we had. Unusual, though. I expect there to be some new blood this time, and I think that's important."We were all rookies at some point as players, and it's important to get out there, and especially being a home one, it's always easier a little bit for rookies to be at home. I expect the team to have a few new faces. I'm sure there will be still some of the guys there that they seem, so far, to be still playing at a high level, a lot of these guys."But we'll see what happens in a year. A lot can change." <img src="https://d3pcyi5a5x29es.cloudfront.net/1784157098691/public/jpeg/1659364202.jpg" alt="Luke Donald" width="inherit" class="descAsset"> This week, he'll be teeing up with Finland's Oliver Lindell for the first time, and Eugenio Chacarra, who are both enjoying excellent seasons on the DP World Tour in 2026. Chacarra has claimed both the KLM Open and DS Automobiles Open d'Italia this year, while Lindell has two runner‑up finishes and hasn't missed a cut since last October at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship."I'm constantly watching results week-in and week-out," said Donald. "Playing this week with Eugenio Chacarra. Playing with Oliver Lindell. Not played with Oliver before. He's been very, very consistent over the last year. I haven't met him yet but looking forward to getting to know him better the next two rounds."Eugenio I've played with before and he's proven he can win out here on the DP World Tour, and that's a great skill. I'm always looking at these players and in communication with them, and if I think they are coming into where they have enough form for being a potential Ryder Cup player, then, yeah, I'm reaching out to them." And while the team is uncertain, Donald is assured of one thing: this contest will not be easy against a motivated U.S. Team trying to win an away Ryder Cup for the first time since 1993 at The Belfry."I've said that before, that the home Ryder Cups feel more pressure," he said. "There's an expectation that you're meant to win, and I think that brings it's own pressure, try and win three in a row brings even more pressure. Winning consistently in sport is just difficult, it really is."I think the U.S. seemed very, very motivated, just reading between the lines, and listening to some of \[Jim Furyk's\] press conferences and what he said, looking at changing qualification and bringing in new people like Paul Azinger to sort of get some guidance. You know, he has a big focus on the foursomes and correcting that."So they seem very motivated and looking at things from a different angle, and I think it's going to be a very challenging Ryder Cup, I honestly do. The home gives us a little bit of an advantage but the Americans are always very, very strong, and as I said, winning consistently in any sport, in anything, is very difficult."

Luke Donald: I'm excited to get it kicked off again

Luke Donald ready to return at The Belfry as Ryder Cup qualification begins

<a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/players/tyrrell-hatton-37626" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Tyrrell Hatton</a> is known as a man for the big occasion and he would to love to add the <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/husqvarna-british-masters-hosted-by-sir-nick-faldo-2026/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo</a> trophy to his cabinet this week. <div class="brightcove-embed descAsset" data-brightcove-id="6404072712112" data-poster="https://cf-images.eu-west-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/jit/5136026580001/bd6719bb-f73a-45d3-8722-6614f5461711/main/1280x720/2m29s109ms/match/image.jpg" data-src="/e3644e85-55d3-4908-94a5-3e42992afaf6/content"></div> The Englishman is a specialist at winning big events, with his eight DP World Tour wins consisting of five Rolex Series victories and three triumphs at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.Now he arrives at the storied venue of The Belfry for one of the most prestigious events on the calendar to start the Back 9.Despite The Belfry's rich history, Hatton concedes he has only played it once before at this event in 2024 when he finished in a tie for 18th.But he is confident he can challenge for the title - if he can get his driver working well. "To be honest, I feel like if I'm playing well, I can give myself a chance around any golf course," he said."So that's really the goal this week. Hopefully I can play well and give myself a chance. It would be nice to add this tournament to the list of events that I've won. I'll give it my best."He added: "When I played here two years ago, it was the first time I had played it. So I wouldn't say I was overly familiar with it."A few of the holes are iconic, certainly, from the Ryder Cup."But yeah, it's a tricky golf course. You certainly have to drive the ball really well around here. It's sneaky difficult off the tee. Hopefully keep ball in play this week."Statistically, it's been the worst stat in my career. Maybe I shouldn't play this week but we'll give it our best anyway."READ MORE• <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/article/sir-nick-faldo-five-defining-wins-from-50-years-as-a-professional" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Sir Nick Faldo: Five defining wins from 50 years as a professional</a>• <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/article/luke-donald-ready-to-return-at-the-belfry-as-ryder-cup-qualification-begins" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Luke Donald ready to return at The Belfry as Ryder Cup qualification begins</a>• <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/article/marco-penge-happy-to-be-finding-balance-after-nightmare-season" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Marco Penge happy to be finding balance after 'nightmare' season</a>The Belfry has played host to the Ryder Cup four times, so it is perhaps fitting that European qualification for the 2027 edition begins this week in the Midlands.Hatton has played in the last four contests, qialifying via the points list each time and collecting 9½ points from 15 matches.Captain Luke Donald is teeing it up this week but with Hatton playing seven of the season's 11 remaining events, he is eager to start racking up points and take the decision out of his skipper's hands."It's definitely an added incentive to come and play this week," he said."Playing in the last four Ryder Cups, I've qualified for the team automatically and I'd love to keep that streak going. It's something I'm proud of."Hopefully I won't rely upon Luke giving me a phone call to say that I've made the team. Hopefully I can make it automatically again."

Tyrrell Hatton: It would be nice to add this tournament to the list of events that I've won

Tyrrell Hatton eager to add another big prize at The Belfry

<a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/players/marco-penge-42054" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Marco Penge</a> is hoping to find a high point in his "nightmare" season as he tees it up on home soil at the <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/husqvarna-british-masters-hosted-by-sir-nick-faldo-2026/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo</a>. <div class="brightcove-embed descAsset" data-brightcove-id="6404064851112" data-poster="https://cf-images.eu-west-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/5136026580001/14bd431f-ee67-43da-8623-d2635fea26be/f509360f-56c9-4732-a587-aa04552ac0ff/1280x720/match/image.jpg" data-src="/ecb6cd81-fa65-4c1e-b195-c8b50822a869/content"></div> The Englishman had a remarkable breakout season in 2026, winning three times on the DP World Tour to push Rory McIloy all the way in the hunt for Race to Dubai glory.That also earned him dual membership with the PGA TOUR but his debut season as an international player has been blighted by illness and injury.Penge, a fan favourite due to his open and honest approach, has been candid about his struggles with an issue that has affected his ear, neck and nervous system and forced him to withdraw from the U.S. Open.And while he admits it has not been the 12 months he wanted since he finished sixth at The Belfry 12 months ago, he feels he is now better placed to balance the challenges of life on and off the course."The whole season has been a bit of a nightmare, really," he said. "As soon as I got that virus at the DP World Tour Championship and battled through that and went down to Australia and played in South Africa and was continuing to chase my tail in a way and to keep pushing and pushing, it just got too much for me. "I had three weeks off in December, and the three weeks off, I was ill; and then the move to America; and my wife was pregnant."New clubs, new tour, new environment, becoming a dad of two, a lot of stuff at once, especially for a 27-year-old."It just got way too much for me personally from a mental and physical standpoint. It's a lesson I've learned in my career. It's kind of inevitable that that will happen at some point to anyone. It's been a bit of a nightmare, really."I should have never started the season, really. I think I withdrew from Hawaii due to my neck. I kept pulling my neck when I was practising due to my ear. I was kind of on antibiotics for a month. Trying diet stuff. Trying to find a way through it and nothing was happening and continued playing."I started the season with four weeks on the trot and then I had two weeks off in the hospital with my son and my wife giving birth. Then played seven on the trot."Until I walked away, I had not even realised what I achieved last year. I was just so in a tunnel vision to make sure I wasn't being complacent, and yeah, forgot about everything else in my life in a way. I suppose probably I lost a bit of happiness because of that.READ MORE• <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/article/sir-nick-faldo-five-defining-wins-from-50-years-as-a-professional" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Sir Nick Faldo: Five defining wins from 50 years as a professional</a>• <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/article/luke-donald-ready-to-return-at-the-belfry-as-ryder-cup-qualification-begins" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Luke Donald ready to return at The Belfry as Ryder Cup qualification begins</a>• <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/article/husqvarna-british-masters-hosted-by-sir-nick-faldo-five-things-to-know" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link editor-link">Husqvarna British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo: Five things to know</a>"It was great to have six weeks off without touching a club and spending time with my family and being an actual dad for them. Then I come back and played some good stuff, which is good, and showed some positive signs."Despite his recent hardships, Penge did not apppear downbeat as he faced the assembled press at The Belfry and revealed he was delighted to be back on the DP World Tour.Sitting 112th on the FedExCup, Penge's focus after this week will shift to the Fall Series rather than the Back 9 as he aims to maintain his position as a dual member.So he is eager to make the most of his week on home soil in front of what are set to be bumper crowds."I've missed this Tour," he said. "Going to the PGA TOUR has been a great experience and a great place for me to improve, but you know, there's nothing like being back on the DP World Tour, and after the success I had last year, it's nice to be seeing familiar faces and catching up with lots of different people."I believe my game is in pretty good shape and it's always nice to play in front of a home crowd. I had that at The Open and Scottish Open as well. Yeah, there's nothing better than playing in front of a British crowd."

Marco Penge: Great to be back playing in front of a home crowd and on home turf

Marco Penge happy to be finding balance after 'nightmare' season

The 2012 Madeira Islands Open - Portugal - BPI produced some of the most memorable scenes in the tournament's history as home favourite Ricardo Santos claimed a maiden European Tour victory in front o

Madeira Islands Open highlights 2012

Eight former champions return to Madeira

Ilonen seizes early initiative