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The Volvo Masters - Day 3
An hour and a half before his third round of the 2004 Volvo Masters Andalucia, Sergio Garcia was just finishing his morning jog at the Hotel Almenara, about five minutes drive from the course. Some of his challengers were already on the course as the Spanish No 1 changed and then made his way to club and the practise ground to be greeted by two little Spanish juniors desperate for Sergio’s autograph. Ian Poulter had all but finished his full clubs swing preparation for the day.
Just glad to be here
Paul Broadhurst posted a second round 74, for a total of 147 and mid table placing at the halfway stage of the 2004 Volvo Masters Andalucia. His score represented just about the average for the field but it could have been much worse as Paul started with three straight bogies after practising badly before play. ‘Could not hit it in a bucket’ was the comment from Paul’s caddie. ‘I’m pleased’ though was the response from the player himself.
Par is the Mark
Last year, the owner of Valderrama, Don Ortez Patino, decided that the winner of the Volvo Masters Andalucia would have to shoot score much closer to par than in previous years. The easiest change was to move the tees up at the 7th, turning that hole into a par four rather than a five. A slight narrowing of the cut for the fairways (plus harder conditions all over the estate) and whilst players could make birdies, a bogey was an all to opportune score.
Spain leads.
The Volvo Masters Andalucia 2004 started with the controversy over the non-appearance of Freddie Jacobson still part of the headlines. It would need the tournament to start for the missing champion to be forgotten. With the decisions by Miguel Angel Jimenez and Luke Donald to commit to the European Tour, and the announcement of the 2005 Schedule, 2005 looks to be a time for the European Tour to build on the successes of the Ryder Cup.
No practice makes perfect
Warwickshire’s Paul Broadhurst is playing his first Volvo Masters at Valderrama for some years and is very much looking forward to the week. He has little experience of the course and was hoping for a look at the back nine, on what was another rainy afternoon, if the predicted thunder would stay away, not though that Paul has not had some success in the last two weeks by missing out on a practise round.
The 2003 Volvo Masters Andalucia – Final day
A two race final - At 8.30, players returned to the course to complete their third rounds. Having made two bogies on Saturday evening to lose his lead, Freddie Jacobsen was much more sure in his play, missing only the last but saving par with a good up and down. Rodiles made a mistake at 16 only to birdie the last for a 69 – to take the lead at –10. And the other ‘race’?