The 41st European Open on the North Course at Green Eagle Golf Courses will present an attractive mix of thrilling top-class sport and exciting live entertainment from May 30 to June 2, 2024.
"We are incredibly excited about the European Open this year," said Tournament Director Dirk Glittenberg. "We saw in 2023 what an inspiring atmosphere is created in the natural grandstands at Green Eagle Golf Courses when the title is at stake. Goosebumps are already inevitable. The impressive atmosphere on this great course for fans, plus top-class golf and a spectacular live experience with side events around the famous Ferris wheel - we are looking forward to this event with great excitement, which once again guarantees a first-class golf spectacle."
One of the key questions is whether the many German fans on the Nord Course will be able to celebrate their first home victory on the DP World Tour in 16 years after recent strong German performances - or whether one of the top international golfers will be able to lift the legendary European Open trophy into the North German sky. Germany's Marcel Siem and Max Kieffer, who came very close to triumph last year as runners-up in front of thousands of enthusiastic spectators, will once again challenge the top Northern Irish talent Tom McKibbin, winner of the 2023 European Open. Rasmus Højgaard (Denmark), Matteo Manassero (Italy), Bernd Wiesberger (Austria), Haotong Li (China), Rafa Cabrera Bello and Pablo Larrazàbal (both Spain), Jesper Svensson (Sweden) and Major winner Danny Willett will also tee it up in Hamburg. The 2016 Masters Champion will tee off in Hamburg for the first time after his strong comeback at Augusta last week.
"I can’t wait to head over to Hamburg for the European Open this year and hopefully it will be a great week," said Willett. "I had six months away from the game after undergoing surgery on my left shoulder. After putting in a lot of hard work into my rehab and working with the team around me, I’m buzzing to get back out on the course," said Willet, who was surprisingly able to play right up front on his surprise return at Augusta a few days ago.
"I’m looking forward to teeing it up at Green Eagle Golf Courses and we always receive great support in Germany from the fans. I enjoy playing in Germany and in 2012 I was able to get my first win on the DP World Tour," explains the 36-year-old, who has collected other titles in his career in addition to the Major in Augusta, including the Dubai World Championship, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
The former top ten player in the world will be up against highly motivated German starters on his debut, in addition to the major task of the Nord Course. After four second places in the past five editions, Germany is hoping to crown its first German winner of the prestigious tournament since Bernhard Langer in 1995. The North Course at Green Eagle Golf Courses, with its rousing atmosphere, has always been a great place for the top German golfers.
"The atmosphere last year was fantastic," said Kieffer. Marcel Siem added: "I've never experienced such an outstanding atmosphere at a German tournament - it was by far the best tournament in terms of atmosphere. It is also one of the best tests of the year on the Tour."
Michael Blesch, founder and owner of Green Eagle Golf Courses, said: "Last year, the former DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley found the condition of our greens on Sunday in excellent condition. We want to measure ourselves against that again this year and are doing everything we can to present the right course for the great atmosphere. We have a long-term vision and want to develop this great event every year."
Ferris wheel and Porsche as a hole-in-one car
The event program on the Green Eagle Golf Courses course is also creating anticipation. The Ferris wheel is returning and, at a height of almost 40 meters, will provide the best views of the event directly behind the 18th green. The ride on the Ferris wheel is free of charge for tournament visitors. Below the Ferris wheel and at the top spots on the tournament course, such as the 14th fairway with a view of holes 13 to 16, food stands will ensure the best event atmosphere. A large number of exhibitors with side events and offers promise a comprehensive on-site experience in the Public Village. This includes new attractions and a further improved live experience for fans around the 14th hole. Another highlight is the emotional brand experience from Car Partner Porsche, which this year will once again include a spectacular hole-in-one prize on the famous 17th hole. HSV stadium announcer and Radio Hamburg Morning Show host Christian Stübinger will provide entertainment at various side events, on the 18th green and at the award ceremony.
VIP experience: golf up close with world-class cuisine
Thomas Bühner, one of the few German 3-star chefs, will be providing the team with top-class culinary delights during the tournament. The top chef has brought friends from international and regional cuisine to Hamburg to spoil his guests in the Garden Lounge directly on the 18th fairway with sports-inspired bistro cuisine and daily changing dishes. Tickets for the culinary journey with the best view of the sporting action are available at: https://europeanopen.golf/tickets/
Tournament tradition since 1978
The European Open will be held at the Green Eagle Golf Courses near Hamburg until at least 2026. An impressive success story is thus being continued. Since it was first held in 1978 - with a break between 2010 and 2014 - numerous world golf stars have tried to put their name on the impressive trophy. Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomery, Retief Goosen, Sir Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle, Paul Casey and Ian Woosnam, among others, have been successful.
Tickets for the spectacular week are now on sale. Children up to and including the age of twelve receive free admission to the tournament grounds on all tournament days. Discounted youth tickets are again available for young people aged 13 to 17. Link to ticket sales: https://europeanopen.golf/tickets/
