Record prize money of 2,000,000 euro, an increase of 54 per cent on the 2001 figure, has been announced for the Novotel Perrier Open de France, which takes place at Le Golf National, Paris, from May 2-5, 2002.
The 700,000 euro increase puts the Novotel Perrier Open de France, the oldest championship in continental Europe, among the ten highest prize funds on The 2002 European Tour International Schedule, excluding the Major Championships and World Golf Championships events. The winner will receive 330,000 euro.
In addition to the significant increase in prize money all players will be invited to stay in the on-course hotel, the Novotel Saint Quentin, free of charge.
Bernard Pascassio, promoter of the Novotel Perrier Open de France, said: "These two announcements are very good news for the players.
"All players in the 2002 tournament are invited to stay on course in the Novotel Saint Quentin free of charge.
"Prize money has grown by a rate of 54 per cent, rising from 1,300,000 euro in 2001 to 2,000,000 euro this year with the winner earning 330,000 euro. This unprecedented figure for the Novotel Perrier Open de France places the tournament among the leading events on The European Tour.
"This is a huge boost for the Novotel Perrier Open de France and we can look forward to another exciting week at Le Golf National."
Ken Schofield, Executive Director of The European Tour, said: "We congratulate Bernard Pascassio and his team for their efforts in increasing the prize money for the Novotel Perrier Open de France to 2,000,000 euro.
"The total prize fund has almost tripled over the past five years from 700,000 euro in 1998 to 2,000,000 in 2002 and we also applaud the gesture by Novotel in inviting all players to stay free of charge at the Novotel Saint Quentin. We look forward to another superb edition of the Novotel Perrier Open de France at Le Golf National in May."
Last year José Maria Olazábal captured the Novotel Perrier Open de France over the Sangliers Course at Lyon Golf Club with a 12 under par total of 268, two clear of Paul Eales, Costantino Rocca and Greg Turner, with home favourites Gregory Havret and Marc Farry occupying fifth and sixth places respectively.
The Novotel Perrier Open de France, which was first played in 1906, was last hosted by Le Golf National in 2000 when Colin Montgomerie produced two majestic eagles in the last five holes to finish two shots clear of Jonathan Lomas with a winning 16 under par total of 272.
Growth of Novotel Perrier Open de France Prize Money over the past five years
Year euro
1998 700,000
1999 850,000
2000 1,200,000
2001 1,300,000
2002 2,000,000
