Prize money for the 2002 Benson and Hedges International Open has been increased by ten per cent to £1.1 million, with a first prize of £183,000 available at The De Vere Belfry from May 9-12.
Sweden’’s Henrik Stenson won £166,660 when he lead all the way to capture his maiden title on The European Tour International Schedule last year and in 2002 he will have opposition from the other side of the Atlantic when he tees up to defend his title.
John Daly, now a Member of The European Tour, has entered the 2002 edition along with many of Europe’’s biggest names including Thomas Björn, Darren Clarke, Retief Goosen, Justin Rose and Lee Westwood.
Daly, currently ranked 40th on the Official World Golf Ranking, burst on the international scene in 1991 when, at the ninth alternate into the US PGA Championship at Crooked Stick, he won his first Major Championship by three strokes. In 1995 he added the Open Golf Championship to his list of achievements after a play-off with Costantino Rocca of Italy.
Last season Daly captured the BMW International Open on The European Tour with a 27 under par total of 261, one shot ahead of Ireland’’s Padraig Harrington.
Daly said: “I enjoy playing in Europe immensely. There are fewer distractions and the crowds seems to be very enthusiastic to watch me play.”
It will be his first appearance in the Benson and Hedges International Open and his first experience of The De Vere Belfry, venue for The 34th Ryder Cup matches in September. He added: “I am really looking forward to playing in the Benson and Hedges International Open.
“I have heard great reports about the Brabazon Course at The De Vere Belfry and the tournament is one of the most prestigious on The European Tour.”
The Benson and Hedges International Open has been won by many illustrious names over its 32 year history, including Seve Ballesteros, Clarke, Tony Jacklin, Montgomerie, Greg Norman, Sam Torrance, Lee Trevino and Tom Weiskopf.
