Matt Wallace disappointed at field strength for British Masters
Tuesday 7 May 2019 18:34, UK
Matt Wallace admits it is disappointing that some of the European golf’s biggest names are not in action at the British Masters.
Wallace is the second highest ranked player in the field at Hillside and one of only four from the world's top 50 in action, with the majority sitting out ahead of the PGA Championship next week.
Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia featured in 2017 and world No 2 Justin Rose hosted the event last year, with Wallace saddened the tournament couldn't produce a stronger field this time around.
"It is a shame, a massive shame," Wallace told the media on Tuesday. "I see the British Masters probably just behind the BMW PGA Championship in the rankings for myself, so this event is huge.
"They have done a great job in getting the players here that they can. I would say it's come at a time that's unfortunate in the schedule with the PGA Championship next week, but I would never miss this event.
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"I think if we can try to carry on the British Masters, it's such a big event, then maybe make it a Rolex Series event or something and get people back."
Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo and Greg Norman are among the notable former winners of the historic event, where Tommy Fleetwood hosts and Eddie Pepperell returns as defending champion.
"Eddie [Pepperell] is a massive character and that can only help the game of golf," Wallace added. "He's a brilliant player, but I think Tommy [Fleetwood] forefronting this event, in the position he's in at such a young age, gives its own sort of uniqueness to this tournament.
"It [the event] means so much to some players, it definitely does to myself and it will to Eddie and to Tommy. Hopefully somewhere down the line I can emulate that and copy what he's done and hopefully have a Matt Wallace British Masters."
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Watch the British Masters throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday from 10.30am on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.
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