British Masters attracts top 100 players amid turmoil

Posted : 03 July 2023

Despite featuring only eight of the world's top 100 players, the British Masters at the Belfry in Warwickshire attracted a significant number of attendees. The event took place during a turbulent period in men's professional golf, marked by battles between rival tours and the involvement of Saudi Arabian financiers. As a result, British golf fans are experiencing the consequences of this upheaval.

The competition for the attention of UK golf enthusiasts has intensified, with last week's Betfred British Masters at the Belfry providing a decent show for spectators. New Zealand's Daniel Hillier emerged as the victor, securing his breakthrough win. Now, LIV takes center stage with its latest event at the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire or, as they market it, London, albeit with a tenuous grasp on geography.

The Belfry event drew a well-informed crowd of dedicated fans, who demonstrated familiarity with the players despite the limited presence of top-ranked professionals. This was in contrast to recent tournaments in the United States, such as the US Open and the women's PGA at Baltusrol, where sparse and corporate galleries were observed. The absence of household names in the British Masters was palpable, though the leaderboard featured DP World Tour stalwarts.

Some notable players, including Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and Graeme McDowell, had joined LIV and consequently forfeited their European Tour membership. The loyal Belfry fans would have preferred to see these former Ryder Cup stars present. However, tour authorities viewed LIV as an existential threat and implemented disciplinary measures, leading to heavy fines and suspensions for those who signed with the Saudi-funded tour.

Efforts were made at the Belfry to emulate LIV's approach of attracting younger crowds, such as having a DJ play music on the iconic 10th hole. However, this seemed to have a limited impact on the dedicated golf fans in attendance. Their focus remained on the strategic maneuvers of players like Oliver Wilson, who sought to navigate treacherous lies and challenging shots to maintain their position in the tournament.

Despite the limited presence of top-ranked players, the British Masters at the Belfry garnered significant attention from knowledgeable golf enthusiasts. The ongoing battles in professional golf, along with the involvement of Saudi Arabian financiers, have brought about consequential changes for British fans. The competition for their attention has intensified, as seen in the contrasting experiences at recent tournaments in the United States and the limited star power at the British Masters.

British Masters attracts top 100 players amid turmoil

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