Record prize money of £1.1 million, a ten per cent increase on the 2001 figure, has been announced for The Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open, which takes place from August 8-11.
Tournament Chairman Andy Stanton said: "We're planning to make the event bigger and better again in 2002. The £100,000 increase in the prize fund is just the first step and we have a number of other ideas in the pipeline. As always, we'll give top priority to looking after the players and making sure they have a thoroughly enjoyable tournament."
Ken Schofield, Executive Director of The European Tour, said: "We congratulate Andy Stanton and his team for continuing to enhance the reputation of The Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open. We were, of course, delighted to announce Wales as the host country for the 2010 Ryder Cup Matches and the development of The Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open prize fund further underlines their support and commitment to golf in Wales."
Last year Paul McGinley captured the title and secured his place in the European Team for The 34th Ryder Cup Matches when won he a tense sudden-death play-off after the tournament was reduced to 36 holes due to heavy rain.
McGinley, Paul Lawrie and Daren Lee were tied for the lead on six under par 138 over the Wentwood Hills course when the decision was made to shorten the event and a play-off was required on the 211 yard 12th hole to decide the outcome. Lawrie was the first to exit after three putting from 50 feet the second time around but both Lee and McGinley had chances to settle the matter before the Irishman played a sublime bunker shot to secure the title at the fifth time of asking.
Due to the event being reduced to 36 holes, only 75 per cent of the £1 million prize money was paid out. However, as a gesture of goodwill, The Celtic Manor Resort made an unprecedented gesture and kindly offered to pay £1,000 to every professional in the field due to the inconvenience caused and to assist with expenses.
The Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open was first played in 2000 with a prize fund of £750,000. Denmark's Steen Tinning captured the title when he overtook third round leader Ian Woosnam and edged David Howell into second place in the first European Tour event to take place in Wales since 1991.
