Sportscar manufacturer Porsche has reaffirmed its commitment to world-class golf with a three-year extension of the title sponsorship of the Porsche European Open, with Paul Casey set to defend his title next year at Green Eagle Golf Courses from June 3-6, 2021.
Porsche became title sponsors of the European Open in 2015 when it returned to the European Tour International Schedule after a five-year hiatus and the event has been held on the Porsche Nord Course at Green Eagle Golf Courses, located on the outskirts of Hamburg, since 2017.
Last year, Casey claimed his 14th European Tour title, his first in five years, as he finished one stroke ahead of Germany’s Bernd Ritthammer, Matthias Schwab of Austria and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre.
The four-time Ryder Cup player’s experience came to the fore, sharing the lead with just three holes to play before pulling away with birdies on the 16th and 17th holes. The Englishman made no secret of his desire to win the event, having volunteered at the tournament as a child in the 1980s when it was staged at Walton Heath.
“It was an incredible feeling after winning this prestigious tournament,” said Casey. “My heroes are all engraved on the Porsche European Open trophy. It was one of the best experiences with the fans and it makes it all the more pleasing that I can be a part of this important tournament in 2021.”
“The Porsche European Open stands for the very best in golf and for thrilling experiences – in equal measure for the fans and the competing world class golfers,” said Detlev von Platen, member of the Executive Board responsible for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “We want to continue to offer golf lovers the outstanding sports event in the future. Hamburg is the ideal place as the northern German city has a long golfing tradition and is the home of many fans of the Porsche brand.”
After a successful partnership with the European Tour in 2019, U.COM Event will take on the role as promotor of the Porsche European Open from 2021.
“Taking over the Porsche European Open is something that is dear to our heart,” said Dirk Glittenberg, CEO of U.COM Event. “We love golf and it’s a part of our lives. We want to help its continued development in Germany and at the same time create new event experiences reaching out beyond the competitive side of the game. Together with our partners, we would like to enthral existing and new golf and event fans and in doing so make this wonderful sport more accessible and above all present it in a more entertaining way.
“Sport events today are more than just a place where top athletes meet. They are major societal events that enthuse people in a wide variety of ways. It has all, especially in 2020, been sorely missed. In the belief the general conditions will be better in 2021, we are looking forward all the more to three fantastic Porsche European Open years.”
Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of the European Tour, said: “We are delighted to have a brand and a product which reflects excellence make a long-term commitment to the sport where they continue to enhance the quality of the tournament.
“The Porsche European Open will continue to grow at Green Eagle under the new guidance of U.COM, who have an excellent track record of promoting sports events across the World and especially in Germany.”
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