Zurich Masters: Southern Qualifier begins

Brokers gathered at Goodwood Golf Course today to tee off in the Southern Qualifier of the Zurich Insurance Masters.

Many players were returning from last year and the winner of the inaugural tournament, Anders Lewis, senior consultant at Arthur J Gallagher, said he was "feeling buoyant" about the competition.

He commented: "I'm hoping the weather holds - thunderstorms are due but I am in a good mood and enjoying the early start - I can't wait to get it on.

"Stay out the rough it's nearly as tall as me," he warned.

Beautiful
Martin Harris, consultant at Channing Lucas & Partners, said he was also hoping the weather holds but unfortunately the rain came down soon after - a change that should make for a more interesting battle.

He added: "I got 27 points last year so hope to get 28 points this year. Fantastic organisation and a really enjoyable event - beautiful course."

Meanwhile, Barry McGoun, managing director at BJP Insurance Brokers, was seeing history repeating itself.

Prior to the downpour he said: "I played the course many years ago and it chucked down then."

Despite this, and rating his chances of winning at the "very bottom", he advised that he was looking forward to the event and added: "What a great way to spend the day."

Final
The winner of the Southern Qualifier (and the best players) will join Northern Qualifier hotshot, Compass principal, Bali Singh in the final at the luxury course at The Grove in Hertfordshire.

The final takes place on 30 September.

Stay tuned to @Insurance Age for live updates from the course and Insurance Age for updates throughout the day.

For all the latest industry news direct to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.