mar7 englishopen
Last updated:
The English Open, a tournament steeped in rich history and tradition, will return to the European Tour Schedule from 2009 for a minimum of five years at the St Mellion International Resort in Cornwall.
Seve Ballesteros won the inaugural English Open in 1979 and the event quickly developed a strong sense of national identity. Greg Norman and Ian Woosnam, also both winners of Major Championships, Colin Montgomerie – winner of a record eight Order of Merit titles – and more recently, Ryder Cup stars Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke, have all triumphed in the event.
Clarke won the last English Open to be played in 2002, capturing a record third win in four years. In 2009, the 21st edition will unfold after a seven year break on the spectacular Jack Nicklaus layout at the St Mellion International Resort, which is currently being extensively remodelled.
St Mellion is not new to the European Tour – the Benson and Hedges International Open (seven times) and The Players’ Championship of Europe (twice) have been played at the venue – but in 2009 the players will face a revised challenge in considerably revamped surroundings.
Crown Golf, the UK’s largest golf course owner/operator, counts the St Mellion International Resort as the most prestigious venue among its 33-strong group of clubs.
Crown recently announced a £100 million redevelopment plan at St Mellion, including a new 80-bedroom, four star-standard hotel, 265 golf homes and refurbished resort facilities in addition to the work already in progress on the course.