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www.europeanopen.com www.golftime.deI
t gives me great pleasure to welcome the Porsche European Open, for three
decades one of our most prestigious events on The European Tour International
Schedule, back to The Race to Dubai after an absence of six years.
Previously played from 1978 to 2009, the tournament produced a long list of
fine champions, including Major winners such as Darren Clarke, Sir Nick Faldo,
Sandy Lyle, Greg Norman and Ian Woosnam, as well as Germany’s own Bernhard
Langer, who we are honoured to have with us in the field at the Hartl Resort in
Bad Griesbach.
I am sure I am joined by many of you in the golfing world when I say, this
tournament has been sorely missed, and in the early stages of my own journey as
Chief Executive of The European Tour, I look forward to witnessing the start of a
new chapter in its proud history, as the event is played in Continental Europe for
the first time.
Of course, the much-anticipated return of the European Open would not have
been possible without the support of Porsche, who to our delight have decided
to make this tournament their first foray into golf sponsorship. To have a luxury
brand as title sponsor in the event’s first year back on our schedule is a major
boost, and we hope everyone connected with Porsche enjoys their first experience
of The European Tour.
Relationships are vital to The European Tour and therefore we are delighted
to be working once again with Dominik Senn and his team at 4Sports
& Entertainment AG, following the success of the inaugural Saltire Energy
Paul Lawrie Match Play in Scotland earlier this year.
Likewise, we are grateful to Hans-Dieter Cleven, the majority owner of the
impressive Hartl Resort, and his team for hosting this tournament, having been
the venue for the AEGEAN Airlines Challenge Tour on our European Challenge Tour
since 2013.
In many ways it is fitting that Europe’s largest golf resort is the venue for the
return of one of the continent’s premier tournaments, and, on behalf of The European
Tour, I hope everyone enjoys this special occasion.
Keith Pelley
Chief Executive Officer The European Tour
Keith Pelley
GRUSSWORT DER EUROPEAN TOUR