Record prize money of £2.4 million (€3,511,776) has been confirmed for the 2006 Smurfit European Open, which will take place over the Smurfit Course at The K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare, Ireland, from July 6-9.
The £100,000 (€146,324) increase on 2005 continues the growth of the Smurfit European Open since 1995 when the Smurfit Kappa Group (previously the Jefferson Smurfit Group) became title sponsor. The first edition carried prize money of £650,000 (€951,106) with the winner Bernhard Langer of Germany collecting a first prize of £108,330 (€158,512). From 1995 to 2006 inclusive, total prize money for the Smurfit European Open will total £19,271,347 (€28,198,605) with this year’s winner collecting £400,000 (€585,296).
George O’Grady, Executive Director of The European Tour, said: “This announcement keeps the Smurfit European Open at the forefront of The European Tour in what is a very special year for The K Club and Ireland as we look forward to The 36th Ryder Cup. We thank Dr Michael Smurfit for his vision and commitment in developing the prize fund to record levels.”
Dr Michael Smurfit, Chairman of Smurfit Kappa Group, said: “Since 1995 we have enjoyed a very special relationship with The European Tour and we are delighted that this announcement maintains our status among the premier events on The European Tour.
“I am particularly looking forward to welcoming a world-class field to the Smurfit Course for a second time. The K Club is one of the few resorts worldwide with two Championship tests of golf, both of which will be showcased in 2006.
“I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to our Partner Sponsors – Fáilte Ireland and Budweiser for their continued support of the Smurfit European Open.”
The Smurfit European Open returns to the Smurfit Course for a second time, following the success of the 2004 edition when Retief Goosen of South Africa won the title just a fortnight after capturing his second US Open Championship. Last year the tournament reverted to the Palmer Course, host of the first nine editions of the tournament, with England’s Kenneth Ferrie emerging victorious.
Record Prize Money Announced for the Smurfit European Open
For ticket details please contact the Championship Office on +35 39627 8200or visit www.sportsticketing.com now.
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