KLM has signed a contract for another three years as title sponsor of the KLM Open, meaning the prestigious event in the Netherlands will remain on The European Tour International Schedule until at least 2015.
This year, the KLM Open will be held at the historic Hilversumsche Golf Club, in Hilversum, from September 8-11.
“We have decided to commit ourselves until 2015 as title sponsor of the KLM Open,” said Harm Kreulen, director of KLM Netherlands. “This tournament has so much value for KLM that we wish to continue our relationship. The style of the event fits us perfectly.”
KLM first became title sponsors of the event from 1981-1990, before returning in 2004. For the past few editions ABN AMRO and Deloitte have been partners of the tournament alongside KLM, and Kreulen hopes that partnership will continue.
“We would very much like ABN AMRO and Deloitte to stay on board with us for another three years,” he said, “especially because we have achieved so much together in enabling the tournament to grow.”
Tournament Director Daan Slooter was also delighted with the extension of the contract, saying: “Dutch golfers can count themselves lucky that KLM supports their sport full-heartedly. The event is in safe hands for the next few years, and we will do our utmost to help the tournament grow even more in the future.”
Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of The European Tour, said: “The KLM Open has been an ever-present event since The European Tour’s inception in 1972, and we are delighted that it will remain part of the International Schedule for at least another four years.
“KLM’s commitment to excellence will ensure another superb tournament, which this year will boast the strongest field in its history, with three of the world’s top five players in defending champion Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood all competing.
“The European Tour values its close relationship with the KLM, and we look to the future with confidence that the KLM Open will continue to grow and develop. We also thank TIG Sports, the promoters, for their contribution and continued support.”
The KLM Open is supported by KLM, Deloitte and ABN AMRO and is organized by TIG Sports. The KLM Open is one of the best-attended sporting events in the Netherlands, and will be played for the 92nd time in 2011. The event is also one of the oldest tournaments on The European Tour International Schedule.
