Staff WriterIt’s not every Wednesday you see Joe Root line up a putt like he’s eyeing up a fifth-day leg-break. But this August 20, the Betfred British Masters Celebrity Pro-Am at The Belfry will offer exactly that – a glorious collision of cricket royalty and golf’s sacred turf.
In a move that may make purists blink twice, four of England’s leading lights – Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran – are trading crease for course, teeing it up at the iconic Brabazon as part of the British Masters festivities. Expect big swings, bigger laughs, and possibly some cricket-style sledging on the greens.
The quartet aren’t just filling slots on the tee sheet; they bring serious sporting pedigree. Root remains England’s all-time Test run-scorer, Buttler famously led the charge to T20 World Cup glory in 2022, Livingstone’s batting can char holes in white balls, and Curran has already carved out a place as one of cricket’s most watchable all-rounders. All that talent – now trying to get out of a bunker.
And they’ll join a certain Ben Stokes – the England Test captain and serial miracle-worker – who was previously confirmed for the Pro-Am. If he brings the same flair to the Brabazon that he did to Headingley in 2019, spectators are in for something special.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out on the course at The Belfry,” said Buttler. “It’s such an iconic venue, and the chance to play in the Celebrity Pro-Am ahead of such a prestigious tournament is fantastic.
Golf is a great way to relax away from cricket, though I’m not sure how relaxed I’ll be on the day!”
Root echoed the enthusiasm: “The Belfry holds so much history in golf, and to be part of the Celebrity Pro-Am for the British Masters is a real honour.
I’ve been working on my golf game, so hopefully I can give a decent account of myself alongside the stars of the DP World Tour.”
It’s no surprise this event is now a jewel in the British Masters crown – a sparkling warm-up for the main event that blends star wattage with a slice of sporting fun.
Fans can expect a mix of elite golf swings, awkward cricketing stances with a driver, and more than a few grins in the rough.
Hosted this year by six-time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo, the 2025 Betfred British Masters carries added heft as the final counting event for European Ryder Cup qualification.
With Luke Donald’s team sheet still taking shape, expect plenty of competitive fire from the DP World Tour’s best once the Pro-Am laughs subside.
And let’s not forget the venue’s legacy. The Belfry isn’t just another golf course – it’s hallowed ground.
Home to more Ryder Cups than anywhere else in Europe, its first Tour event was the Lada English Golf Classic in 1979, won by none other than Seve Ballesteros. Since its triumphant return to the schedule in 2020, it’s become the British heartbeat of the DP World Tour.
Defending champion Niklas Nørgaard will be looking to repeat last year’s magic, but first, it’s the cricketers’ turn to entertain.
And if their cover drives translate into sweet fades off the tee, the Brabazon might see some unexpected fireworks.
Tickets for the 2025 Betfred British Masters – including the Celebrity Pro-Am – are on sale now, with General Admission, Ticket+, and Premium Experiences already being snapped up.
To guarantee your place at one of British golf’s headline acts, visit the official DP World Tour website.
