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Algarve WGC World Cup

The WGC World Cup is an annual men's golf tournament, which will take place from April 30 to May 3 in 2006. The equivalent tournament for women is the Women's Golf World Cup. In 2006 the men's tournament will take place at Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort in Portimao, Portugal. The sponsored name of the event was the Algarve World Cup in Portugal in 2005. Two teams per country can compete, and one per country is allowed. Participants are chosen on the basis of international golf rankings. On occasion first choice players choose not to compete.

The World Cup was established in 1953. Originally it was known as the Canada Cup. It was integrated into the World Golf Championships in 2000. The European Tour and PGA Tour recognize it just like the three World Golf Championship events for individuals. It differs in that it is played after the official season ends, and the prize money is not part of the money lists.

The US is a clear leader with 23 victories toward 2005. This increasingly popular tournament allows golf fans to watch some of Europe's leading players and take advantage of the many excellent golf courses in the region. In this season of the year golfing conditions are superb on the Algarve. At this time of year golf events take place throughout the world - in Australia, Hong Kong, Qatar and South Africa. All these tournaments are part of the European Tour International Schedule.

The European Tour and PGA Tour, the main European and American golf tournament respectively, are the most famous and most celebrated golf tournaments in the world. The most renowned professional golfers can play in one of the two rounds and compete for the four majors.

The venue of the event, Penina Golf & Resort, is among the first of the region's many excellent golf courses. Landscaped by Sir Henry Cotton in 1966, it spreads over an area formerly covered by paddy fields. This exigent 18-hole par 73 course features strategically placed water hazards and flat fairways. It is ideal for long hitters. The complex also includes tennis courts, a driving range, a golf academy, a putting green, a pro shop, a restaurant and a bar. It frequently hosts charity initiatives, such as the Sir Henry Cotton Charity Classic once a year. The complex is situated around 5 km away from Portimao, just off the EN 125 throughway near the Praia da Rocha turn-off. British golfer Paul Broadhurst is a record-holder of the European Tour. He has participated in 445 golf championships and achieved seven professional victories as well as consecutive wins of the Algarve Open. He will take part in the HSBC Champions tournament in 2007.

Wales won the 2005 Algarve World Cup in Portugal after the final round was cancelled due to bad weather. Welsh players Bradley Dredge and Stephen Dodd won the title by just two strokes. England and Sweden shared second place, and France came in fourth.

South Africa won in 2001 and in 2003. Paul Casey and Luke Donald won a victory for England in 2004. Tiger Woods and David Duval, representing the United States, won in 2000. Japan won the tournament in 2002.