English Open hit by downturn

St Mellion pulls out of staging event for two years

Last updated: 21st January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

English Open hit by downturn

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The English Open, due to take place on August 13-16, has been cancelled due to events arising from the economic downturn.

The tournament was to be hosted by St Mellion in Cornwall but the off-course infrastructure will not be built in time, with course officials agreeing to a return to the European Tour in 2011.

Owners Crown Golf revealed that problems with the builders contracted to improve the site are the reason for the cancellation.

"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," said company's chief executive officer Stephen Lewis.

"We are delighted, however, that Crown Golf's own £20million 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."

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