Thursday 8 October 2015 06:03, UK
Ewen Murray is delighted to herald the return of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports, and says the iconic Marquess Course at Woburn will produce a tournament and an atmosphere to do the European Tour proud.
With the FedExCup play-offs over for another year, the focus is now on the European Tour as it heads towards its Final Series in mid November.
Last week's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship was another resounding success. Four days of golf on three outstanding courses were played out under blue skies and brilliant sunshine. St Andrews heralded a fine champion in Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen and many would be thrilled at his impressive comeback from niggling injuries.
It was also good to see the professional debuts of Walker Cup stars, Jimmy Mullen and Paul Dunne. They are at the foot of the ladder and judging by their class, it's a ladder they won't take long to climb.
This week sees the return of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports, an event that has been missing from the European Tour calendar for too long.
Years ago, this season-ending event was for those players who had enjoyed a successful year on Tour. Originally, it was limited to 50 or so players and it enjoyed some great venues. including St Pierre in Chepstow and the club we visit this week, Woburn. Iconic champions include, among others, Seve, Ian Woosnam, Lee Trevino and Nick Faldo.
Perfect fit
Sky Sports, which now has a complete portfolio of world-class golf, is delighted to support the return of this tournament and has worked hard with Woburn, the Tour and this week's host, Ian Poulter. I applaud all who have combined to get this one back on the schedule.
The Tour has missed the autumn showing of the World Match Play, enjoyed by many fans for decades, and the British Masters fits perfectly into the slot that event used to occupy.
In Poulter, the Tour, I'm sure, is delighted to have the return of this event hosted by him. He is Woburn through and through and has been their touring professional since 2003. Ian has taken his hosting duties seriously and the end product will be one to be proud of.
Liaising with Sky Sports, many free tickets have been distributed to the fans. Ian has given up many hours to be part of this innovation and a full house at the Marquess course over the four days will provide a superb atmosphere.
My channel has given this year's British Masters the coverage it deserves. Regular news bulletins from the course will be covered by Sky Sports News HQ in the lead up to the Pro-Am which will be broadcast live from 3pm to 5pm on the Wednesday as part of our preview to the event itself.
It's a great opportunity for you to see what goes on the day before the start of the tournament. A chance to "sniff the air" through your screens and enjoy the hors d'oeuvres before the feast. You may remember we did this for the first time at Wentworth prior to the BMW PGA Championship in May.
Live masterclasses
Our first two days' coverage will begin at 9am and we'll stay with you through to 5:30pm. Immediately after will be another live program of masterclass golf hosted by my delightful colleague, Di Dougherty. I hope Di doesn't get too excited as she is heavily pregnant. Dougherty No 2 on the way to keep young son Maximilian company.
New viewers and those of you who have been with us at Sky for a while will welcome Di's enthusiasm as she looks at many aspects in the hour show, which also features helpful tips for you no matter what handicap you have.
Like so many, I look forward to returning to Woburn as this club is one of Britain's successful golfing stories. Opened in 1976, the Dukes course was first and that was followed two years later by the birth of the Duchess.
Our venue this week is Woburn's jewel in the crown, the Marquess, which was multi-designed by Peter Alliss, Clive Clark, Ross McMurray of European Tour Design and Alex Hay, who held the position of club professional, managing director and, in the year of the Marquess opening in 2000, Alex was club captain. Without his input, knowledge and love for the club, Woburn may have been a totally different place today.
So with the scene set, we await the glorious return of Woburn, and the British Masters and Sky Sports are privileged to support it. Enjoy the week, and I look forward to your company throughout the five days.
