Warren returns to Himmerland for Danish title defence
SCOTLAND’S Marc Warren will launch his defence of the Made in Denmark title alongside home favourite Soren Kjeldsen and Sweden’s Robert Karlsson when play gets under way at Himmerland Golf and Spa Resort today.
Warren, who held off Welshman Bradley Dredge to secure his first European Tour title in almost seven years in the inaugural event 12 months ago, is joined on the tenth tee by Irish Open Champion Kjeldsen and former European No 1 Karlsson.
“This is a fantastic event for the European Tour,” said the 34-year-old Warren, who captured the trophy with a gutsy final-round three-under-par 68 to finish two shots clear.
“It was an incredible week and the crowds were amazing. It was the week after the US PGA Championship and it definitely had the same feel to it. Especially coming down the last four holes, the atmosphere was amazing.”
Crowds of more than 80,000 people came out to see the European Tour return to Denmark for the first time since 2003 and Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere himself when he tees off alongside home duo Thomas Bjorn and Thorbjorn Olesen.
“The guys who played here last year said how good the event was, how big the crowds were and how good the atmosphere was,” Clarke said.
“Everyone really enjoyed it, so I was keen to try it for myself.”
The event will have extra significance for Clarke, who will be starting to look closely at his European comrades with the 2016 Ryder Cup points race due to begin in two weeks’ time in Russia.
“It’s going to be the last counting event for Ryder Cup points next year which is obviously a worthy stature and an indication of where the European Tour wants the tournament to go,” Clarke added.
“The tournament itself is going to be another huge success this year and will be able to build on it again for next year.
“Not many tournaments get the opportunity to be the final counting event.
“I’ve no doubt this event is up to that standing and I’m looking forward to helping it grow in stature.
“I’m hoping that the guys on the cusp of making the team next year will come here and play.”
Rising Danes Lucas Bjerregaard and Morten Orum Madsen, the former South African Open Champion, play the first two rounds in the company of another former Ryder Cup player in Peter Hanson while three-time European Tour winner Anders Hansen joins 2012 Medinah heroes Paul Lawrie and Nicolas Colsaerts.