News in the Algarve

 

 

 Reproduced from 'The Portugal News, Portugal's National Newspaper in English'.

 

 


 

 

Webster victorious at Vilamoura.... English golfer Steve Webster is more than half a million euros richer this week after winning the Portugal Masters with a flawless closing round of 64 at Vilamoura's Victoria Club.

 

 

Overnight, the 32-year old had been trailing Argentina's Daniel Vancsik at the start of the final day's play, but a nine-foot eagle on the 12th followed by a birdie on the par-3 13th set Webster on course for a memorable victory.

Previously, the Englishman had only lifted a trophy once before on the European Tour when he won the Italian Open two years ago.

Webster's total of 25 under is the lowest of the season and was followed by Sweden's Robert Karlson.

Following the event, Portuguese authorities, in looking to build the Algarve's image as a quality golf destination even further, announced that the 2008 Portugal Masters will see its prize money increase from three to four million euros and will be taking place between October 16 and 19 next year.

Last year, 1.4 million full rounds of golf were played on Portuguese courses, resulting in the booking of 1.1 million nights at hotels, most of which were taken up by the 300,000 golfing tourists who visited Portugal in 2006.