WORLD MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO FINCA CORTESIN

The European Tour has just announced Volvo's take over as title sponsor of the World Matchplay Championship, replacing the annual Wentworth event which was inaugurated in 1964 by the late Mark McCormack's IMG (remember the Picadilly?). Wentworth's loss is Andalucia's gain, as the host for at least the next three years will be the magnificant Finca Cortesin Golf Resort in the municipality of Casares. Sadly, Miguel Angel Jimenez' 2007 victory was the last at Wentworth which has enjoyed 44 years of unrivalled success. Due to Volvo's new commitments, this year's Volvo Masters will also be the last to be hosted by Valderrama, with a new venue likely to be located on the Asian continent, where Volvo's name has become synonymous with golf. So if we're losing the Volvo Masters, where's the benefit to the Costa del Sol?