Press Gang

02/11/08

Despite the rigours of creating copy, taking photographs and broadcasting to almost 100 countries around the world, the media at the Volvo Masters still find time for a little light relief.

The challenge was thrown down to the 350-strong media contingent attending the Volvo Masters at the annual eve-of-tournament Media Dinner at Valderrama.

“You have a real challenge” explained Per Ericsson, President & CEO, Volvo Event Management, explaining, “We want you to tell us who the highest money winner is over the first 20 years of the Volvo Masters.”

He added, “But that’s the easy part. We also want you to tell us how much he has won, in Euro at the Volvo Masters, and if two or more people have it correct, the tie-break question is how many individual players have taken part in the Volvo Masters over its 21 years?”

Over 50 entries were received, some more accurate than others and a great deal of research had gone into many of the answers, especially the winner, who was just €10.25 out with his calculation of €1,577,916.50, the answer being €1,577,926.75.

I’m delighted to have won,” said the Irishman who works for Meridian Media, adding, “I want to donate the prize for the ‘Samuels Boxes’ charity endorsed by PA Sport golf correspondent Mark Garrod following the death of his infant granddaughter.”

So, the prize, a weekend’s golf at Finca Cortesín, staying in the magnificent new hotel complete with flights will be auctioned off and Garrod said, “What a wonderful gesture.”

Meanwhile, out on the Finca Cortesín course on the penultimate morning of the Volvo Masters, the annual Jeff Kelly Cup, in memory of the Andalucian journalist who was so instrumental in the early success of the Volvo Masters took place giving members of the media the opportunity to test drive the course that will host the Volvo World Match Play Championship next year.

The leading lady with 12 points was Nuria Pastor, whilst the leading gent was Julián Romaguera with 21 points, both from Spain so a dual home victory for the Spanish.

“Very much so,” said Ms Pastor, adding, “It was a great day and Finca Cortesín will make for a fantastic Volvo World Match Play Championship.”

His co-winner, Julián Romaguera added, “It really has been a great experience to test drive the course. I was very impressed indeed, and winning was a bonus.”

www.fincacortesin.com / www.waterfordcrystal.com / www.samuelsboxes.org.uk

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