Originally planned to tee off on April 30 but postponed following the suspension of the season due to the global Coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters has been rescheduled for September 3-6 at the iconic Real Club Valderrama and will now form part of the reshaped 2020 Race to Dubai as the only Spanish event. The combined efforts and continued support of all the partners and key stakeholders was shown at the press conference held at the Real Club Valderrama and served as a perfect metaphor of the unity needed to face the future in these challenging times. Once again, golf become the driving force for Spain and Andalucía and show its commitment with society.

Tournament Director Peter Adams intervened on behalf of the European Tour to thank all institutions involved for their determined support of an event that will send out a clear message of hope and optimism.

“This announcement owes everything to the support of our long-term partners and key stakeholders and we are especially indebted to Nuno Brito e Cunha, President of the Real Club Valderrama, Javier Reviriego, their General Manager, and the Board of Real Club Valderrama for agreeing to host the rescheduled tournament this September. At the same time, we are delighted that Jorge Villavechia and his team at Estrella Damm and the Consejero, Manuel Munoz and our partners at the Junta de Andalucia have also pledged their support. We very much appreciate the continued support from the national Federation and also the Federation de Andalucía and in particular we thank them for their help in our discussions with the various authorities regarding the protocols required to stage the tournament in relation to Covid-19. Our thanks also go to the Mayor (Alcalde) of San Roque Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix for his continued support, summarized Adams in his speech.

“In these unprecedented and challenging times it is the strength of these established friendships and relationships that enable a team to come together to take on the challenges set by Covid-19 and to produce a tournament at Valderrama which brings live leading professional golf back to Spain, giving golf fans the opportunity to cheer on their heroes again while showcasing some of the finest players in the world competing in the remarkable and beautiful region of Andalucia proclaiming that Spain and Andalucia are open for business and ready to welcome and receive golf tourists once again”, ended the European Tour representative.

Javier Reviriego, General Manager of the Real Club Valderrama, underlined the main points of Adam’s words and focused on the special character of this edition of the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters.

“We have gone through difficult months and it has been a tough decision to hold the tournament, but we considered our duty to take this opportunity to contribute to the economic recovery and the much-needed tourism revival. We also feel obliged to back the European Tour in these trying times. This will be the 26th European Tour event staged at the Real Club Valderrama, and we are determined to stand by the players and the sponsors giving them our full support”, said Reviriego.

 In addition, the Real Club Valderrama wishes to stress the social dimension of the tournament with measures of great scope for the local community.

“It will be a special event, with safety as our top priority. We still don’t know if we will have a public, but we want to make a golf celebration at Valderrama within our possibilities. We shall strictly follow all the sanitary guidelines recommended by health authorities and we will stage the best possible tournament under the circumstances. This year we intend to give our tournament a strong social dimension, and we will make an important financial donation in order to help mitigate the consequences of the pandemic at a local level. We want to send a message of optimism that will boost the image of golf as a sport committed to society and a driving force for tourism”, said Valderrama’s General Manager.

Regarding the field and the prize fund, Reviriego pertinently summed up the current situation.

“We still don’t have players’ confirmations, and much will depend on travelling restrictions. For instance, the US Open will be played two weeks later, so if the US is under quarantine, Sergio García will be unable to come”.

“The price fund is yet to be decided. If we cannot offer our sponsors certain benefits – such as hospitality tents – we might make some adjustments. In any case, part of the money will go to social aid”, explained. “Our main objective for this year is to convey a safe and solid image in order to come back stronger in 2021”.

The Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters will be governed by the Tour’s comprehensive Health Strategy, which has been developed by Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Murray in consultation with health care specialists Cignpost and advisors in many of the 30 countries in which the European Tour plays.

Gonzaga Escauriaza, President of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, referred to the weight of Real Club Valderrama on the European stage and emphasised the importance of this tournament to promote a good image of golf as a safe sport worldwide.

“I would like to point out the generosity and solidarity shown by Real Club Valderrama in its bid to maintain the tournament. This staging is an achievement that bears witness to the confidence of all sponsors in the Club that changed the history of European golf”, highlighted the RFEG President. “The tournament will be a major media focus so that people can see that golf can be played with no risk of contagion. In addition, it will contribute to a much-needed tourism recovery during the second half of the year”.

Pablo Mansilla, President of the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation, also pointed out that golf is a safe sport to practice and described Andalusia as a wonderful tourist destination.

“The staging of this tournament is very important for all of us for two main reasons. It is important for golf because it helps prove that golf is a very safe sport, and it is important for Andalusia because it proves that this is the best place to be right now”.

 In turn, the Mayor of San Roque Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix remembered all those who bravely faced the pandemic at their workplaces and highlighted the importance of the tournament for the area.

“I wish to convey my gratitude to all health workers as well as to professionals in sectors such as food, logistics or security who form the front line in the fight against COVID-19”, said Ruiz Boix. “Besides, I would very much like to praise the attitude of Real Club Valderrama – in particular their General Manager Javier Reviriego– for seeking a response to the situation other than cancelling the tournament. The Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters plays a major role in the economy of our community. San Roque boasts nine of the best golf courses in Spain, led by Valderrama”.

Manuel Muñoz, General Secretary for Tourism of the Regional Government of Andalusia, had the honour to close de presentation and made a clear statement.

“The staging of the Estrella Damm NA Andalucía Masters is a significant milestone for the Government of Andalusia because we want to convey the message that Andalusia is a safe place, so it’s important to regain a sense of normalcy. The situation was very difficult in April, that’s why we are so proud to be able to present this great tournament”, explained the General Secretary. “Through this golf event we will showcase our tourism resources to the world, while consolidating our leadership as a golf destination. Golf generates €700 million per year in Andalusia – one million persons come here mainly to play golf.”

After returning with two dual-ranking events in Austria, the European will continue with the six event UK Swing, before the action moves to Spain and Portugal with the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters (September 3-6) and the Portugal Masters (September 10-13).

The Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters will be the 25^th European Tour-sanctioned individual event held at the world-famous Real Club Valderrama, which became the first venue in Continental Europe to host The Ryder Cup, when the late, great Seve Ballesteros led Europe to victory in 1997.

The event will be governed by the Tour’s comprehensive Health Strategy, which has been developed by Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Murray, and will also be underpinned by the European Tour’s new ‘Golf for Good’ initiative which aims to support communities where the European Tour plays, reward true heroes, such as frontline workers, and promote the many health benefits that golf offers.

Last year, Christiaan Bezuidenhout won his first European Tour title on what is regarded as one of the toughest tests in golf, finishing a mammoth six strokes ahead of a chasing pack which included four Spanish golfers, including the current World Number Two John Rahm.

The Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters, an event in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai made possible by the essential contribution of the Real Club Valderrama, is sponsored by Estrella Damm and the Consejería de Turismo, Regeneración, Justicia y Administración Local of the Junta de Andalucía, jointly funded by the EU, declared Event of Exceptional Public Interest by the Spanish Government, and backed by the Real Federación Española de Golf. This tournament is also supported by La Reserva Club de Sotogrande, Rolex, Santander Private Banking and Shell. Callaway, Enterprise, Grupo Raga, Kyocera, Maui Jim, Grupo Hospitalario Quirónsalud and the Real Federación Andaluza de Golf are official suppliers.

The Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters and the Portugal Masters have been rescheduled for September, forming the next part of the reshaped 2020 Race to Dubai.

Originally scheduled to tee off on April 30, the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters will take place at the iconic Real Club Valderrama from September 3-6 and will be immediately followed by the Portugal Masters. The event at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, from September 10-13, was initially scheduled for October prior to the suspension of the season due to the global Coronavirus pandemic.

The European Tour returns this week with two dual-ranking events in Austria – the Austrian Open and Euram Bank Open. The six event UK Swing is next before the action moves to Spain and Portugal, continuing the strategy of playing in regional clusters.

Both tournaments will be governed by the Tour’s comprehensive Health Strategy, which has been developed by Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Murray in consultation with health care specialists Cignpost and advisors in many of the 30 countries in which the European Tour plays.

They will also be underpinned by the European Tour’s new ‘Golf for Good’ initiative which aims to support communities where the European Tour plays, reward true heroes, such as frontline workers, and promote the many health benefits that golf offers.

Peter Adams, Championship Director of both the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters and Portugal Masters, said: “We can’t wait to return to Valderrama and Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course for the rescheduled events.

“My sincere thanks go to Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters title sponsors Estrella Damm, as we enter the second year of our partnership, our hosts at Real Club Valderrama and the Regional Government of Andalucía for their commitment and support during what has been a challenging time for all parties.

“We are delighted that we will be able to showcase one of Europe’s elite golf courses to fans tuning in around the world to our live coverage.

“My thanks also go to Dom Pedro Hotels & Golf Collection and Turismo de Portugal for their support in allowing us to reschedule the Portugal Masters for September.

“Following on from the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters ensures ease of travel for competitors wishing to remain on the Iberian Peninsula. The team at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course have been excellent hosts over the past 13 years and we are looking forward to working with them for the next edition of this tournament.

“My thanks also go to the Real Spanish Golf Federation, Portuguese Golf Federation and the local health authorities in both countries for their support. The safety of our members, staff and all those involved remains our priority and both events will be underpinned by the Tour’s comprehensive health strategy.

“Our Golf for Good initiative will also give us the opportunity to give something back to local causes around the venues and to those who have been impacted during this pandemic.”

The reshaped 2020 season also includes four Rolex Series events; the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open and BMW PGA Championship in October, followed by the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player on December 3-6 and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, on December 10-13, where the 2020 Race to Dubai Champion will be crowned.

Details of subsequent tournaments on the European Tour following the Portugal Masters in September through to November will be announced in due course, with a variety of scheduling options currently under consideration as the global situation continues to evolve.

The Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation, which had been scheduled to tale place from April 30-May 3 at Real Golf Club Valderrama in Spain, has been postponed due to the ongoing threat posed by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The decision was made in consultation with tournament stakeholders, the Junta de Andalucía, Real Club Valderrama, the Sergio Garcia Foundation and title sponsor Estrella Damm, in light of travel restrictions in Spain.

Discussions are ongoing with all parties looking into the possibility of rescheduling the tournament at a later date.

Javier Reviriego, the CEO/General Manager of Real Club Valderrama, said: “We are deeply concerned by the current developments related to Coronavirus and we believe postponing the event is the best decision. We will work jointly with the European Tour and our sponsors to find a new date in the calendar to host this fantastic golf tournament. All of us at Valderrama look forward to hosting players and fans when we put this exceptional situation behind us.”

Keith Pelley, European Tour Chief Executive, said: “We are all taking a day-by-day approach at the moment and we continue to assess the impact of Coronavirus on all our events, but following discussions with all parties involved, it was clear that postponing the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation at this point is the correct course of action. Public health and well-being remains the absolute priority for all of us.”

Ryder Cup heroes Thomas Bjørn and Lee Westwood will return to the venue where they made their debuts in the biennial contest between Europe and the United States, confirming they will tee it up in the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation from April 30 – May 3.

The pair made their Ryder Cup bows at Real Club Valderrama in 1997, when Europe, captained by the late, great Seve Ballesteros, retained the coveted trophy with a 14½ - 13½ victory.

They contributed 3.5 points to the European cause, as Westwood earned two points alongside Nick Faldo in foursomes and four-ball matches, and Bjørn earned a half in the Sunday singles against Justin Leonard, adding to the point he won with Ian Woosnam against Leonard and Brad Faxon.

Westwood is bidding for a European record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance at Whistling Straits later this year. The 46-year-old is just outside the qualification spots for Padraig Harrington’s side, but is currently second on the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex after his victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA in January.

“There isn’t much you can say about Valderrama that hasn’t already been said,” said Westwood. “It’s a fantastic golf course, and 1997 was very special because I made my Ryder Cup debut there and then won the Volvo Masters a few weeks later.

“It is an incredible test of golf, and it’s testament to Robert Trent Jones’ design that it has remained unchanged over the last 30 years. It’s a course that we all enjoy playing, and credit goes to Sergio Garcia and his foundation for helping to develop this tournament over the last four years.”

His close friend Bjørn is also looking forward to returning to the venue where his Ryder Cup journey began, culminating in his victorious captaincy two years ago at Le Golf National, Paris.

“Valderrama is an excellent golf course, and a test which we all enjoy returning to,” said the 15-time European Tour winner, who celebrated his 49^th birthday earlier this month. “To make my Ryder Cup debut in a side captained by Seve, in his home country, and at a world-class venue, was incredibly special.”

The pair will join a host of other European Tour stars at Real Club Valderrama as the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters returns to the famed venue in April.

Tickets are available now, starting from €7 juniors and €15 for adults. Season tickets are available for the full week (€30 for juniors and €75 for adults), as well as weekend-only tickets (€15 and €40). Click here to purchase tickets.       

The Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters hosted by the Sergio García Foundation, an event in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai made possible by the essential contribution of the Real Club Valderrama, is sponsored by Estrella Damm and the Consejería de Turismo, Regeneración, Justicia y Administración Local of the Junta de Andalucía, jointly funded by EU, declared Event of Exceptional Public Interest by the Spanish Government, and backed by the Real Federación Española de Golf. This tournament is also supported by Dubai Duty Free, Exterior Plus, La Reserva Club de Sotogrande, Rolex, Santander Private Banking and Shell. Callaway, Enterprise, Grupo Raga, Kyocera, Maui Jim, Grupo Hospitalario Quirónsalud and the Real Federación Andaluza de Golf are official suppliers.