English Open delayed until 2011

The English Open, due to be played at St Mellion in Cornwall on August 13-16 and again next season, has been affected by the economic downturn and will not now return to the European Tour until 2011.

Crown Golf, owners of the resort, agreed to the postponement due to difficulties being experienced by third-party developers engaged in building golf homes on the site.

The company’s chief executive officer, Stephen Lewis, said: “We have a long-term agreement with the European Tour to host the English Open, but unfortunately, like many companies, the credit crunch has created additional challenges for our partners engaged in developing the golfers’ accommodation at St Mellion.

“We are delighted, however, that Crown Golf’s own £20m rebuilding and refurbishing hotel and course renovation project is progressing well and that the landmark hotel with 80 rooms will officially open in June.

“Unfortunately, construction of the balance of the residential development has been suspended. This means that the necessary tournament infrastructure will not be in place and, in the current climate, we believe a two-year postponement will ensure that all work is finished for 2011.

“This work involves the building of golf homes essential to the accommodation requirements for the English Open.

“There are other matters that need to be resolved and we would not wish to have building work in progress when the tournament is being played and could not guarantee that to be the case for 2009/10.”

Keith Waters, Director of International Policy of The European Tour, said: “We fully appreciate and understand the challenge facing Crown Golf and, in particular, their genuine desire to ensure that the return of the English Open coincides with the venue being fully prepared in every aspect to host a tournament on the European Tour International Schedule.

“The two-year lead-up will enable Crown Golf to progress the project to the high standard both they and us demand for our players.”