With the memories of a very unusual week in Madeira in 2014, the European Tour head back to the same course for the Madeira Islands Open - Portugal - BPI, the 23rd hosting of the event.
The 2014 edition of the Madeira Islands Open saw unfold a very strange turn of events, not only was the tournament reduced to only 36 holes due to severely adverse weather conditions but the week was tinged with a very sad moment that will be remembered for many years to come, the untimely and very unexpected death of caddie Iain McGregor at Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra. Ian will be sorely missed and all players, caddies and officials paid tribute to his career and the immense character of the individual.
As the tournament drew to a close on the final day Champions of Golf professional Scott Henry had a lot of work to do, however three birdies in the last three holes rocketed the Scotsman up the leader board into a share of top spot on nine under par, and into a play off with Englishman Daniel Brooks.
Having both found the green on the extra play off hole Scott came up short with his birdie putt and Daniel's just slipped by the hole, agonisingly Scott couldn't follow his opponent into the hole with his par effort and he was beaten to the Madeira Islands Open title and his first European Tour win.
“Obviously I was not looking like catching up with Daniel towards the end,” commented Scott, whose sole Challenge Tour win came courtesy of a play-off victory at the 2012 Kazakhstan Open.
“But then I holed probably the best putt I've holed all week at the 15th hole and that got me going. The last three holes I holed some really good putts so it was good just to force a play-off.
“I'm obviously disappointed to be beaten in a play-off but everything that’s happened, it puts things into perspective a little.”
Scott will certainly be out for revenge this week as he once again returns to Madeira in pursuit of top spot but will undoubtedly have to once again battle with difficult weather conditions on a course that clearly suits his big hitting game.
Scott gets his first round underway at 13.30 alongside Robert Coles and Alvaro Velasco. You can follow all the live scoring from Madeira on the European Tour website at www.europeantour.com or throughout the week on Sky Sports.
Good luck to Scott from everyone at Champions of Golf and all of his sponsors.