The European Tour announces the celebration of a new tournament, the NH Collection Open, to be held from 3 to 6 April 2014 on the Costa del Sol, specifically in La Reserva de Sotogrande Golf Club. This new event, valid for both the Race to Dubai and the Order of Merit of the Challenge Circuit, will bring together participants from both circuits with a prize money of 600,000 euros. In addition, it will score points for the Ryder Cup.
This is the Tour’s first visit to the San Roque course, inaugurated in 2004 and since then considered one of the most prestigious courses on the Costa del Sol.
For Spain, which has been a fundamental partner in the development of the European Tour since its inception – 42 years ago – and has experienced the rigors of the economic crisis in recent years, the birth of this tournament will be a respite, as well as a very positive sign.
A total of 144 professional players will take part, with four places reserved for guests of the sponsors, four for Spanish professionals and an equal number of participants from both the European and Challenge circuits. For the purposes of the Challenge Circuit ranking only, the prize money will be reduced to 450,000 euros.
Ramón Luengo, General Manager of Sotogrande S.A.: “From NH Hotel Group and Sotogrande SA we have made a great effort to bring the European Tour back to Sotogrande, and we would like to make it a fixed part of the calendar.
“It is a challenge for La Reserva de Sotogrande to host a tournament of this magnitude, and we are confident that the course will be up to the task. Players and fans alike will enjoy the spectacular design of our course.”
Keith Waters, Director of Operations and International Relations of the European Tour: “We are pleased to announce a new tournament in Southern Europe and hope this is another sign of recovery after a period of economic difficulties in the region.
“With this tournament we offer our players another chance to compete, and for Challenge Tour members, the NH Collection Open will be a great opportunity to move up to the European Tour.
“La Reserva de Sotogrande has a magnificent course designed by Cabell Robinson, located in a renowned golf area such as Andalucía. I have no doubt that the participants will enjoy this new tournament. I would like to end by thanking NH Hotel Group, Sotogrande SA and the members of La Reserva de Sotogrande Golf Club for their support”.
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