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Open Champion, Padraig Harrington, has confirmed he will tee it up in this season’s bumper HSBC World Match Play Championship at Wentworth even though he’s not a big fan of the West Course.

The Irishman hasn’t enjoyed the best of fortunes at the famous old Surrey course in the past but the possibility of pocketing the £1m winners’ prize – the biggest first prize in golf – is clearly a major draw. Not that Harrington is short of a few bob though following his momentous Open victory at Carnoustie.

He will spearhead star-studded field on October 11-14  along with reigning US Open Champion, Angel Cabrera, double US Open Champion Retief Goosen, six-times World Match Play champion and three-time major champ, Ernie Els while Justin Rose,  American Jerry Kelly and Argentina’s Andres Romero have also accepted their invitations having qualified for their place in the 16-man field via the HSBC Major Championships Ranking.

Also, defending champion, Paul Casey, is relishing returning to Wentworth, commenting, “Winning the HSBC World Match Play Championship last year was a real milestone for me and I would really like to defend my title. I relish the cut and thrust of match play and winning gave me such a confidence boost last year ahead of the Ryder Cup… and a rather nice winner’s cheque too!”  

With Niclas Fasth having secured his place through the Major Championship Rankings, Colin Montgomerie has now claimed the second qualifying place on the HSBC European Tournaments Ranking along with Anders Hansen.

The final two spots will go to the leading two European Tour players, not already qualified, on the European Tour Order of Merit, as of September 24.

Now in its 44th year, the tournament is officially sanctioned by the European Tour with the results counting towards the European Tour Order of Merit and Official World Golf Ranking Points. Total prize money will be £2,440,000 with all matches being decided over 36 holes.