The European Tour has announced that, due to a date clash with next season’s Alstom Open de France, it will not sanction the 2016 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
The Alstom Open de France is the oldest national Open Championship in Continental Europe, and has been a fixture on The European Tour International Schedule since the Tour’s formation in 1972.
Furthermore, next year’s tournament at Le Golf National from Thursday June 30 to Sunday July 3 is not only in the week in the calendar occupied by the Alstom Open de France since 2009, it is also the 100th staging of the event.
Withdrawing the sanction means that the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational will not be part of The 2016 European Tour International Schedule, nor will money won in it count towards The Race to Dubai or for Ryder Cup points.
Further details surrounding the 2016 Alstom Open de France will be released in due course, including information on the increase in the prize fund.
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of The European Tour, said: “The Albatros Course at Le Golf National is currently undergoing renovation to prepare not only for next year’s landmark tournament, but also for the staging of The Ryder Cup in 2018.
“The Alstom Open de France has been a staple on our Tour since 1972 and we are confident that next year’s event, with an increased prize fund alongside the current renovations to the golf course, will properly reflect the importance of the tournament alongside the 100th anniversary celebrations.”
European Tour www.europeantour.com
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