Portugal Masters – Six to watch

A decent field has assembled in the Algarve for the fourth running of the Portugal Masters.

Once again the event is being staged over the Victoria course at Vilamoura, one of the most popular destinations for holiday golf.

Designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in 2000, Victoria has large undulating greens and plenty of fairway bunkers. The general lie of the land is flat.

Victoria enjoyed its first taste of professional golf when it hosted the World Cup in 2005, since when it has staged three Portugal Masters events.

However, defending champion and world No 2 Lee Westwood will not be competing.

The Englishman aggravated a calf injury during last week’s Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland and has been forced to withdraw.
So who’s teeing-up on Thursday?

Ross Fisher: Finished third two years ago. The Englishman is still riding high on the back of Europe’s Ryder Cup success earlier this month. He was tied-11th at St Andrews over the weekend.

Miguel Angel Jimenez: No great Victoria course form to speak of but can never be ruled out this close to home.

Alexander Noren: His three trips to Vilamoura have all yielded top-20 finishes. Was also a respectable 17th at the Dunhill Links Championship on Sunday.

Alvaro Quiros: Winner here in 2008 and a top-six finisher at St Andrews over the weekend.

Charl Schwartzel: Usually plays well in Iberia, although his form in recent months has dipped a little by his own high standards. Has posted two top-10 finishes from three visits to Victoria and is currently fifth in the Race to Dubai standings.

Danny Willett: Still waiting for his maiden Tour triumph. The Sheffield golfer tied-for-sixth in Vilamoura last year and was runner-up at St Andrews on Sunday.