Wentworth's family feel

Padraig Harrington has most of his family at Wentworth

By BBC Sport Online's Kitrina Douglas at Wentworth

One factor that has made the World Matchplay a special event over the years is the generous hospitality extended to the competitors.

The organisers have always paid fastidious attention to detail in ensuring that the players and their families are made to feel right at home.

For instance, all those players who travel for the event are provided with beautiful homes on the Wentworth Estate.

For locals Montgomery and Faldo packing a suitcase isn't even necessary as they can easily commute to Wentworth each day.

Although many outsiders might expect personal battles to be going on between players, a quick look inside the players' lounge provides an alternative view

Most of the luxury on-course homes contain an indoor heated swimming pool and come complete with a personal cook.

It seems everything possible has been done to preserve the friendly "family" atmosphere that the World Match Play event is renowned for.

Two special areas are dedicated for the use of competitors and their families.

Camaraderie

The "players only" lounge beside the locker room is a relaxed social space where the competitors can relax away from public gaze.

Although many outsiders might expect personal battles to be going on between players, a quick look inside the players' lounge provides an alternative view.

Jokes are constantly being cracked between players in an atmosphere of camaraderie.

Often opponents on the course, like Adam Scott and Thomas Bjorn on the first day, take lunch together in a setting far removed from the serious business of the day's play.

Faldo lives close enough to Wentworth to commute

The "players and families" room is a separate facility which also has a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Thanks to the extended "families" that accompany some of the players this week this room can get very crowded!

Retif Goosen not only brought his wife Tracy, but also Tracy's parents, his parents, both his brother and sister-in-law and their children!

Thomas Bjorn came with a small bus-load, comprising his wife, his mother and father, his wife's parents, his brother, his coach and a nanny.

No compromises

Padraig Harrington has his father, wife, coach and cousin staying for the week in addition to numerous friends dropping in and out on a daily basis.

Seve Ballesteros has only a small party in comparison to these players - just his wife and their three children.

No compromises have been made when it comes to entertaining the players' families.

In addition to their Wentworth home and swimming pool, there is a great leisure centre at the golf course - and a trip to Legoland was organised at the beginning of the week for the children.

It is great to see that it is still possible to combine a happy, relaxed, family atmosphere with world-class matchplay golf.