London Golf Club | 15 — 19 October 2014 | Official Hospitality Brochure
Brief History The inaugural winner of the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth in 1964 was the legendary Arnold Palmer. He and Gary Player were to dominate the first five years of the Championship with Palmer winning twice and Player three times. Player went on to win two more titles and was involved in many dramatic matches round the West Course; the most memorable of which was his comeback from seven down after 19 holes in 1965 against Tony Lema, only to win at the 37th hole. In 2009 the World Match Play Championship left Wentworth for the first time in its 45 year history, moving to the glorious location of Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf and Spa in Spain. With Volvo in place as the new title sponsor there was also new qualification criteria and a ‘champions league’ style group format. England’s Ross Fisher beat Anthony Kim 4 & 3 in the final, coming through a stellar field which boasted eleven of the World’s top 30 ranked players and eleven different nationalities. Further enhancements were made to the format in 2011 for the second edition of the Volvo World Match Play, which saw the strongest ever field in the history of the Championship — now increased to 24 players — with six of the then current top ten players in the world, including the world numbers 1, 2 and 3. However, it was Ian Poulter who took the title in a memorable final against Luke Donald, eventually winning 2 & 1. 2012 saw the third and final edition at Finca Cortesin won by Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts, before the Championship made history with a move to the magnificent Gary Player designed course at Thracian Cliffs, Bulgaria, on the Black Sea. Described by many as the ‘Pebble Beach of Europe’ the Thracian Cliffs saw some outstanding golf, with top seed Graeme McDowell eventually claiming the title beating Thongchai Jaidee in the final. In February 2014 Volvo and IMG announced that the 2014 Volvo World Match Play Championship will be played at the Jack Nicklaus designed International Course at the London Golf Club, Kent, England, for the first time in history of the event. The move sees the prestigious championship return to England, having been hosted in mainland Europe for the last six years. Celebrating the 50th anniversary since the inaugural Championship, the format will revert to a 16-man field and players will compete for a prize fund of €2.25m (approx $3m). Be part of history and join us in celebrating the return of the Volvo World Match Play Championship to its spiritual home.
IMAGE: JACK NICKLAUS, 1986
I talked all week about the prestige of the event and how many great champions it boasts; it’s nice to be able to add my name to that list of legends. GRAEME MCDOWELL, VOLVO WORLD MATCH PLAY CHAMPION, 2013
The London Golf Club
The International course
In a world where the finest details matter, the London Golf Club continues to raise the bar with 36-holes of Jack Nicklaus designed championship golf in impeccable condition all year round, an award winning clubhouse, first class hospitality and exceptional service. The club is located in the county of Kent and set in 700 acres of idyllic Kent countryside, just 20 miles from the Capital. The International course is perfect for match play golf with quick undulating fairways and a variety of memorable short holes over water providing a tough but fair test of golf. londongolf.co.uk
Join us to celebrate 50 years with award-winning hospitality Located overlooking the beautiful 18th green and within easy reach of the Spectator Village, the Match Play Club provides the perfect informal surroundings ideal for both golf fans and businesses looking to entertain guests. You will not miss any of the action with TV screens showing all the key pitches and putts while you and your guests enjoy a light breakfast on arrival, a buffet style lunch from our grazing menu, afternoon tea and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks. Come and join us in celebrating 50 years of the Volvo World Match Play Championship.
HOSPITALITY PACKAGE BENEFITS
DINING & DRINKS
• Exclusive elevated views of the 18th green • Official Volvo World Match Play admission ticket • Souvenir Programme and Order of Play • TV coverage of play • Welcome Lounge and dedicated hospitality staff to ensure the smooth running of your day • Uniquely designed table decorations • Air conditioning
• • • •
Morning service — Tea, Coffee & Danish pastries Pimms reception Sumptuous grazing buffet Complimentary bar throughout the day including beer, wine, spirits & soft drinks • Afternoon Tea
PRICES* *Prices are based per person
Wednesday 15th October Thursday 16th October Friday 17th October Saturday 18th October Sunday 19th October
£275+VAT £275+VAT £299+VAT £250+VAT £250+VAT
TO BOOK YOUR OFFICIAL ON-COURSE HOSPITALITY PACKAGE CONTACT OUR TEAM ON: Call +44 (0)7833 792459 or email chris.wickham@sodexo.com volvoworldmatchplay.com
THE INTERNATIONAL COURSE MATCH PLAY CLUB HOSPITALITY
BOOK YOUR OFFICIAL, ON-COURSE HOSPITALITY PACKAGE FOR THE VOLVO WORLD MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP 2014 Contact our hospitality advisors now on: T: +44 (0)7833 792459 or email: chris.wickham@sodexo.com Please visit volvoworldmatchplay.com for further information.