The European Tour will again own and operate The PGA European Tour Courses brand following an agreement reached with international businessman Denis O’Brien. The agreement will see The European Tour take control of the current network of licensed international venues which has been successfully developed since its acquisition by Denis O’Brien in 2001. 

Quinta do Lago, PGA Golf de Catalunya and Kungsängen golf venues, while remaining as PGA ETC licensed venues, will continue to be owned and developed by Denis O’Brien.

David MacLaren, Chief Executive of PGA European Tour Courses, will join the staff of The European Tour based at Wentworth as Director of Property and Venue Development.  MacLaren, who was previously responsible for all aspects of golf for Marriott UK, Europe’s largest hotel golf operator, brings with him a high level of operational, strategic and management experience.

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “This is an important announcement early in the New Year, following  the unveiling of The Race to Dubai and our partnership with Leisurecorp, and it will add further impetus to move the Tour forward and expand our capital base. The Tour is now well positioned to develop a portfolio of venues that can cope with the demands of present day tournaments.”

THE EUROPEAN TOUR TO AGAIN OWN AND OPERATE THE PGA EUROPEAN TOUR COURSES BRAND
For further information, please contact:-
The European Tour Communications Division
Tel: +44 1344 840400  Fax: +44 1344 840444
e-mail: media@europeantour.com