The European Tour has become a partner in The Great North Open, the premier golfing event in the North East of England, which will be played at De Vere Slaley Hall in Northumberland from June 20-23.
This important new development will help to sustain the event in the region and opens up the commercial prospects to finance the development of The Great North Open, and gives the chance of bringing a world class tournament to the region.
George O’’Grady, Managing Director, The European Tour, said: “The European Tour is delighted to join with Nova International, De Vere Slaley Hall, and our many friends in the North East, to promote the Great North Open and build on the successful staging of the previous five events.
“The tournament has produced many notable champions, including current US Open Champion Retief Goosen, and seven time Volvo Order of Merit winner, Colin Montgomerie, and we look forward to seeing Scotland’’s Andrew Coltart defend his title in June.”
Organisers, Nova International, have pledged to continue their search to unearth emerging talent in the region. One young golfer who will be particularly looking forward to the tournament is Northumberland’’s youngest ever County Champion, Chris McDonnell. Last year McDonnell caddied at The Great North Open; this year he’’s been invited to play.
McDonnell, who is a member of De Vere Slaley Hall and Stocksfield Golf Clubs, is understandably excited.
“To be honest, it hasn’’t yet quite sunk in. I’’d half hoped to be invited, but when I got the news I’’ll admit to being gobsmacked! I can’’t wait until June 20th and really hope that members at Stocksfield and De Vere Slaley Hall will be there to support me.”
Mike Candlish, Tournament Director, was also looking for the support of spectators at the event. He said: “We’’ve worked incredibly hard to bring The European Tour to the region and one of their criteria for success is the number of people who attend as spectators. Therefore we urge the public to come along and spend a day or two at the tournament. Apart from seeing world class golf, they’’ll also be at one of the most spectacularly beautiful areas of Northumberland.”
Tickets for The Great North Open are now available by ringing the hotline on 01538 702100 or by filling in the application form available at most courses around the region.
