British Masters 2025 Preview, Picks & Analysis

The British Masters at The Belfry this week has a special significance - it is the last counting event for Europe’s Ryder Cup hopefuls. And you can guarantee that there will be some drama at a course that is synonymous with our sport’s greatest team event.

And there is no getting away from it - European captain Luke Donald is in the field, along with US vice-captain Brandt Snedeker. And England’s Matt Wallace is one of those who needs a huge week. In truth, probably only a win will do for a man who is desperate to be on the plane to Bethpage Black. Europe’s elite are otherwise engaged at the Tour Championship but there is still a strong field for one of the DP World Tour’s flagship events.

• The British Masters 2025 - What You Need to Know

Defending champion Niklas Norgaard is set to return. The Dane claimed his breakthrough title at the 2024 Betfred British Masters in dramatic fashion, fighting to a closing 72 to secure his first DP World Tour win by two strokes. The 33-year-old returns to the scene of his greatest triumph as the tournament kicks off the DP World Tour's Back 9.

Norgaard’s victory last year marked a career-defining moment as he joined a roll of honour which boasts the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer and tournament host Sir Nick Faldo.

"Coming back to The Belfry as defending champion feels incredible," said Norgaard. "Winning my first DP World Tour title here last year was a dream come true, and the memories from that week will stay with me forever.

"The Brabazon Course holds a special place in my heart now, and I know it's going to be emotional walking those fairways again. The pressure is different this time - I'm not chasing that first win anymore - but I'm excited about the challenge of defending my title.

"The British Masters has such amazing history, and to have Sir Nick hosting makes it even more special. I can't wait to get back out there and hopefully create some more magical moments."

Snedeker, a nine-time PGA Tour winner, who was last year named Vice Captain for the US Team in the 2025 Ryder Cup, will make his first non-major appearance in the British Isles.

Snedeker, a Ryder Cup winner in 2016, has nine top-10 finishes in majors which includes a tie for third at The Open in 2012, the same year he claimed the FedExCup title.

After making his DP World Tour debut at last year’s Czech Masters, Snedeker will hope to use his wealth of experience and competitive edge at The Belfry.

He said: "I’ve heard so much about the history of The Belfry and the British Masters, and I’m excited to finally experience it for myself.

"It’s always a thrill to play in front of passionate crowds, and I know the UK fans love their golf. With Sir Nick hosting, it’s shaping up to be a great week, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

"I have played in the States for the majority of my career but I loved my trip to the Czech Republic last year, so I’m excited to return to the DP World Tour for the Betfred British Masters and take in another new experience."

Wallace, who won his fifth DP World Tour title at the Omega European Masters last year and returns to Europe with his sights set on securing a maiden appearance for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup.

Wallace will return to the British Masters looking to continue his excellent record in the event. The 35-year-old, who is also a PGA Tour winner having claimed the 2023 Corales Puntacana Championship, has two top tens to his name at the Betfred British Masters, including a tie for second in 2018 and an eighth-place finish last year.

"The Betfred British Masters is a superb event and one that I always like to tee it up in if my schedule allows," Wallace said. "Sir Nick is somebody who I have always looked up to and his influence on this tournament is clear for everyone to see. I know this year’s event will be even better than last year and I’m looking forward to returning to The Belfry. It’s a venue I’m lucky to know well, the people there are great, and it continues to grow and grow.

"There is still so much to play for this year and starting an exciting run of events in Europe is something that I am relishing."

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Having missed out on the Tour Championship, England’s Matt Fitzpatrick returns home to take part in a tournament he won in 2015. After a wretched run of form, Fitzpatrick is now looking like a shoo-in for Donald’s team after rediscovering something approaching his best once again.

He has nine DP World Tour wins to his credit as well as the 2022 US Open. He made his DP World Tour breakthrough at the 2015 British Masters, claiming his first victory at Woburn as the youngest player in the field, and will make his return for the first time since 2018.

"I'm delighted to be playing in the Betfred British Masters this year," said Fitzpatrick. "The Belfry is such an iconic venue with incredible history, and having Sir Nick as host makes it even more special.

"This tournament has always held a special place on the DP World Tour calendar, and with it being the final counting event for Ryder Cup qualification, there's added motivation to perform well. The Brabazon Course is a fantastic test of golf, and I'm looking forward to the challenge. Playing in front of home crowds is always something I relish."

Kristoffer Reitan continues to impress with every passing week. I am convinced that Donald will be keeping a close eye on a player who makes birdies for fun and possesses a fiercely competitive spirit. He is third in the Race to Dubai after a season that has seen him win the Soudal Open, finished tied second at the Austrian Open, tied fourth at the BMW International Open and tied third at the Nexo Championship. When he selected Ludvig Aberg two years ago, Donald proved he is not afraid to make left-field decisions.

Tournament Winners:

It was won in 2015 by Matt Fitzpatrick, in 2016 by Alex Noren, in 2017 by Paul Dunne, in 2018 by Eddie Pepperell, in 2019 by Marcus Kinhult, in 2020 by Renato Paratore, in 2021 by Richard Bland, in 2022 by Thorbjorn Olesen, in 2023 by Daniel Hillier and last year by Niklas Norgaard.

The Course:

The Brabazon course at The Belfry was designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas and came to prominence when it hosted the Ryder Cup. The parkland course is a par 72 measuring 7,253 yards. It is unrecognisable from its Ryder Cup days, with the hundreds of saplings now fully grown. The two most memorable holes are the risk-and-reward par four 10th, which can be reached from the tee, and the brutal finishing hole, a par four calling from a drive over water and an approach over more water to a three-tier green.

Form Guide:

Nicolai Hojgaard had a disappointing season on the PGA Tour, despite keeping his card. He made his Ryder Cup debut two years ago and I can guarantee that he will be doing everything in his power to make it to Bethpage.

Prize Money:

The total prize fund is $3.5m, with the winner collecting 5,000 Race to Dubai points and 1,500 Ryder Cup points.

How to Watch:

Thursday, August 21, Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm; Friday, August 22, Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm; Saturday, August 23, Sky Sports Golf, midday; Sunday, August 24, Sky Sports Golf, midday.

To Win:

Nicolai Hojgaard. Class act

Each Way:

Kristoffer Reitan. Birdie machine

Each Way:

Laurie Canter. Having a fabulous year

Five to Follow:

Nicolai Hojgaard. Still has eyes on Ryder Cup

Kristoffer Reitan. Having a sensational year

Laurie Canter. Underrated

Marco Penge. Massive talent

Aaron Rai. Narrowly missed out on BMW Championship

Five Outsiders to Watch:

Brandt Snedeker. Wonderful putter

Luke Donald. Remains a great iron player

Marcel Siem. Wears his heart on his sleeve

Eddie Pepperell. Showing some form again

Nicolas Colsaerts. Always fun to watch