The third edition of the French Riviera Masters will have an increased prize fund of €400,000 – up €150,000 from 2011 – when it visits Terre Blanche Resort and Golf Club for the first time from September 21-23…The French Golf Federation has pledged the financial boost as part of its Ryder Cup 2018 bid commitment, with the European Senior Tour event a key part of the build-up to Le Golf National hosting golf’s premiere team competition in six years’ time.
Frenchman Marc Farry, who is one of the co-organisers of the event, won the inaugural tournament in 2010 at Cannes Mougins, and Spaniard Juan Quiros succeeded him last season, defeating former Ryder Cup player Des Smyth in a play-off at the same venue.
This year the tournament moves to Terre Blanche Resort and Golf Club in Provence, which recently became the tenth member venue of the European Tour Properties Portfolio, and the third venue – alongside the London Club and Le Golf National – to gain European Tour Destination status. It is also home to the European Tour’s first Performance Institute.
Pascal Grizot, Ryder Cup France 2018 Chairman, said: “The French Riviera Masters holds an undeniable place on the golfing calendar as the only European Senior Tour event in France and we look forward to once again welcoming the leading Senior Tour players, including our own Marc Farry, the champion in 2010.
“It is for this reason that the French Golf Federation, through our Ryder Cup 2018 commission, has decided to support the French Riviera Masters.”
Frédéric Dubois, of Promoter of Santé & Loisirs Golf Events, said: “This represents a significant step towards our goal of bringing the sole Senior Tour Event in France to the highest possible level.
“We are confident that with the continuing support of all the Sponsors and the French Golf Federation, and the attractiveness of Terre Blanche as a European Tour Destination, we will succeed in making the French Riviera Masters a memorable venue for the top players.”
Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “We are indebted to Frédéric Dubois for the commitment he has shown to the Senior Tour over the last three years, in creating a quality event.
“With the support now being offered via the French Golf Federation as part of The Ryder Cup France 2018 commitment, and our move to the wonderful golfing facility at Terre Blanche, we see the tournament going from strength to strength.”
* Picture from Getty Images
