The Iberdrola Open in Mallorca, which last year was won by Darren Clarke, has cancelled its 2012 edition due to sponsorship difficulties.
Lack of sponsor means event in Mallorca cannot take place
The Iberdrola Open in Mallorca has cancelled its 2012 edition due to sponsorship difficulties, meaning Darren Clarke will not be able to defend his title in the event.
The European Tour event, where Open champion Clarke ended a three-year victory drought last year, was scheduled to take place from May 10-13,
The cancellation denies Clarke the chance to defend his title while Javier Ballesteros, son of the late Seve, will also not be able to compete.
European Tour chief operating officer Keith Waters said that the tournament was not able to survive without a sponsor.
"It's just a reflection of the tough economic times everyone is facing at present," Waters said.
The 21-year-old Javier Ballesteros, who plays off a scratch handicap, had been invited by tournament host Jose Maria Olazabal to take part as an amateur, on the first anniversary of his father's death.
"It's a bit disappointing as I was looking forward to playing in Mallorca," he said.
The Maderia Islands Open in Portugal has been moved into the slot on the calendar that was previously occupied by the Iberdrola Open.
