The PGA Tour has announced that the Buick Open will be replaced next season by a new tournament to be staged at The Greenbrier Course.
West Virginia resort plugs gap left by Buick Open
The PGA Tour has announced that the Buick Open will be replaced next season by a new tournament to be staged at The Greenbrier Course.
Known as The Greenbrier Classic, the new event will be staged between July 26 and August 1 on the West Virginia resort's Old White Course as part of a six-year deal agreed by the Tour and resort owner Jim Justice.
The Buick Open was held for the final time in Grand Blanc, Michigan on Sunday, when Tiger Woods claimed his fourth victory of the season.
However, just 48 hours after the world number one's latest success, the troubled Detroit car manufacturer announced that it had withdrawn its title sponsorships on the Tour.
"We are absolutely delighted The Greenbrier, recognised as one of the truly great resorts and golf destinations in the world, will become part of the PGA Tour in 2010 with The Greenbrier Classic," Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement.
"From our ongoing discussions with Jim Justice, I can tell you how totally committed he is to creating an exceptional tournament that is befitting of such an historic resort."
One of the best known luxury resorts in the United States, The Greenbrier has long enjoyed a high-profile involvement with professional golf.
Built in 1924, the course was renovated by Jack Nicklaus in 1977 before hosting the Ryder Cup two years later and the Solheim Cup in 1994.
It also staged a Champions Tour event from 1985 to 1987, while golfing great Sam Snead served as the club's golf professional emeritus from 1994 until his death in 2002.
