World Match Play Limps To Its 50th Birthday

Ignoring last week's news that they'll be on a sponsor search again or that this year's Ryder Cup-headliner field is just okay, Derek Lawrenson's Daily Mail notes column opens by celebrating what is still an intriguing event.

There is also the added twist of big time golf getting as close to London (London Golf Club in Kent), though not mentioned is just how much the field may be limited in quality by Britain's heavy taxation of visiting athletes.

Back in the days of Jack and Arnie, all matches were 36 holes at Wentworth. Now they’re played over 18 and there is a three-day group stage at London Golf Club in Kent to determine eight quarter-finalists on Saturday, with the semi-finals and final the following day.

So let’s toast the World Match Play at 50. It might not be the event we remember growing up but there will certainly be enough on show to make it a celebration.