The HSBC World Match Play Championship is played at the Wentworth Club in London, the home of the PGA European. The tournament was started in 1964 by mark McCormack. Originally it was held in the month of October but for the last few years it has been held in September. However, it will return to its original schedule from 2007.
European Tour
The tournament is played over 36 holes in a single day. Since 2004, the tournament is part of the Official Money List and also offers points for the World rankings.
In order to qualify for the event you will have to fall in any of thee categories:
- The defending champion
- The No. 1 player according to the Official World Golf Ranking as on 31 March in that year
- The top ten players according to the HSBC Major Championship Rankings at the end of the PGA Championship. If any of them have already qualified in the previous criteria then his place goes to the next person.
- The two leading available European Tour Members from the HSBC European Tournament Rankings who have not yet qualified
- The leading two available European Tour members from the European Tour Order of Merit, as of three weeks before the Championship
The 2006 HSBC World Match Play Championship was held from 14-17 September. It was won by Paul Casey of England who defeated American Shaun Micheel in the final stroke play. He won €5,97,883 in prize money.
Past Winners
The HSBC World Match Play Championship , previously known by many other names has been a happy hunting ground for many top golfers. Ernie Els have won it six times making two hat tricks. Seve Ballesteros and Gary player have won it five times each while Ian Woosnam and Greg Norman have won it three times each. Here is a list of the players who have won here.
- Paul Casey 2006
- Michael Campbell 2005
- Ernie Els 2004-02; 1996-94
- Ian Woosnam 2001; 1990; 1987
- Lee Westwood 2000
- Colin Montgomerie 1999
- Mark O'Meara 1998
- Vijay Singh 1997
- Corey Pavin 1993
- Nick Faldo 1992; 1989
- Seve Ballesteros 1991; 1985-84; 1982-81
- Sandy Lyle 1988
- Greg Norman 1986; 1983; 1980
- Bill Rogers 1979
- Iasao Aoki 1978
- Graham Marsh 1977
- David Graham 1976
- Hale Irwin 1975-74
- Gary Player 1973; 1971; 1968; 1966-65
- Tom Weiskopf 1972
- Jack Nicklaus 1970
- Bob Charles 1969
- Arnold Palmer 1967; 1964
The World Match Play Championship has been revived in 2003 when the banking company became its sponsor. The top players have been regularly making a regular stop in their golfing Cards. As we continue on this tour we will learn about the other tournaments in the European Tour .
