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European Open leaves Ireland to return to English soil

18/02/2008

The European Open is moving away from Ireland for the first time in 14 years, with a Kent club being chosen as the new host.

The Heritage course at the London Golf Club will be the setting for this year's event, following 13 year's of hosting by the K Club in Straffan.

The withdrawal of Smurfit as the event backer has led officials to look elsewhere for a venue.

Heath Harvey, general manager at the London Golf Club, said: "There was much speculation over where this event would go after its enormously successful run of 13 years at the K Club.

"To secure such a renowned tournament is testament to the club's aspiration to be recognised as one of Europe's foremost golfing venues."

He went on to say that the tournament would place the club in the "European golfing spotlight" and will be the largest sporting event of the year for Kent.

George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour said that he was "delighted" to return the competition to English soil.

He added that the fans enjoy visiting new venues and described the club as providing an "enjoyable and demanding examination in July".

Previous hosts of the event have been Walton Heath, Turnberry, Royal Liverpool, Sunningdale and East Sussex National.