2009 Volvo World Match Play Championship

The 2009 Volvo World Match Play Championship was the 45th Volvo World Match Play Championship played, the first for two years and the first time at Finca Cortesín Golf Club. It was held from 29 October to 1 November, with the champion receiving €750,000. A new format was introduced, with the sixteen players split into four groups of four, with the winner of each group progressing to the semi-finals. Once again it was an official money event on the European Tour.
Qualification.
1. Defending champion (Ernie Els is not taking part):
2. Winner of the 2009 Volvo China Open
3. The leading player, based upon their nationality, listed on the Official World Golf Ranking, from each of the following regions:
4. The leading four players (not otherwise qualified) from the Official World Golf Rankings
5. The leading four players (not otherwise qualified) from the Race to Dubai
Substitutions were made from various sources.
Format.
The sixteen players were split into four groups of four, seeded by their World Ranking. Within each group, every player played each other in a round robin format over full 18-hole matches. Each match completed the full 18 holes. Points were awarded based upon win (2), tie (1) or loss (0). The leading player from each group qualified for the semi-final knockout stage. In case of ties, aggregate number of holes won were used to determine the winner.
The semi-finals and finals were played over 36 holes.