The significant role of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in the success of the Bell's South African Open Championship at The Country Club, Durban, has been recognised by The European Tour, the Sunshine Tour and the South African Golf Association.
Following a request from the South African Golf Association for financial assistance to ensure the continuation of the world's second oldest Open Championship, the R&A agreed to make a substantial contribution to the Championship.
Peter Morris, President of the South African Golf Association, said: "We are appreciative of The European Tour and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club for their generous assistance in protecting the continuity of the Bell's South African Open Championship."
Peter Dawson, Secretary of the R&A, said: "We had an approach from the South African Golf Association last November. They told us they were worried that the Championship would not go ahead in 2002 and asked us for assistance. We did not wish to see that happen, so were pleased to help out financially.
"This was done on a one-off basis to ensure the continuity of the Championship and we were delighted when Bell's also came in with a sponsorship agreement which helped guarantee that the 2002 South African Open at Durban Country Club went ahead with a prize fund worthy of the status of the Championship."
Ken Schofield, Executive Director of The European Tour, and Louis Martin, Chief Executive of the Sunshine Tour, said: "The Bell's South African Open is a Championship with a long and rich history and tradition.
"We applaud the Royal and Ancient Golf Club for their generous financial assistance which ensured that the 2002 edition of the event was an outstanding success."
