Dunlop, one of Britain’s best known sports brands, has joined The Daily Telegraph as co-title sponsor for one of Britain’s greatest golfing events for 2005, The Daily Telegraph Dunlop Masters.

The tournament, which is the first British event on The European Tour International Schedule in 2005, will return to the outstanding Marriott Forest of Arden, Warwickshire, and this year has a record prize fund of £1.7 million.  The tournament is sure to attract a huge crowd, with over 150 of Europe’s top golfers all eager to succeed last year’s champion Barry Lane and collect the £283,333 first prize.

Ryder Cup heroes Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood are expected to be joined by several more of their 2004 European Team colleagues from May 12-15 when the BBC cameras will again televise the event.

“The Marriott Forest of Arden is right up there with my favourite courses anywhere in the world,” said European Ryder Cup star Clarke while team-mate Westwood added:  “The Daily Telegraph Dunlop Masters is among the best events of the year and I will be looking to repay the fantastic local support I always get there”.

Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, Managing Director of tournament promoters, International Sports Management, said that it has always been his intention to make The Daily Telegraph Dunlop Masters better every year and has every confidence that this will happen again for what should be another memorable and exciting week at the Marriott Forest of Arden.

“We are delighted that Dunlop, one of the oldest and proudest names in golf, has joined The Daily Telegraph as co-sponsors.  Its involvement adds even more kudos to what is becoming one of the most eagerly awaited and cherished weeks of the annual schedule.” added Chandler.

Dunlop’s Chief Operating Officer, Chris Ronnie commented: “Dunlop’s history is synonymous with golf, our legendary ’65’ ball reigned supreme for an unprecedented 50 years in the hands of golfing greats, such as Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Tony Jacklin and Seve Ballesteros. During that period the Dunlop ’65’ won more competitions than any other ball including over 20 ‘Majors’.

“Our brand has an impressive heritage on which to build and match our glorious past. We feel it is truly fitting that our brand name should be linked to one of the best events on The European Tour.”

George O’Grady, Executive Director of The European Tour, said: “Andrew Chandler’s entrepreneurial skills have seen his ISM Group mastermind the continuing development of the British Masters. We congratulate Andrew on his latest coup in bringing Dunlop back into Tour competition and thank ISM in addition to both The Daily Telegraph and Dunlop for their valued commitment to golf and specifically The European Tour.”

Patrick Dempsey, Managing Director of Whitbread Hotel Company, Marriott UK added: “Hosting selected Tournaments is an integral part of our ongoing golf strategy. Our association with events such as The Daily Telegraph Dunlop Masters has proven an invaluable tool in spreading the message that Marriott golf venues provide great courses and great facilities for players of all abilities.”

Scott Crockett
Press Officer
The European Tour
Tel: +44 (0) 1344 840447
Fax: +44 (0) 1344 840444
Email: mailtscrockett@europeantour.com