Barclays Drop Title Sponsorship of Scottish Open

The European Tour announced today that it will be looking for a new sponsor for the Scottish Open after the current title sponsors Barclays withdrew its partnership.

The event is celebrating its 30th anniversary next year and will keep its prime time slot of a week before the British Open on the 2012 European Tour schedule.

Barclays took over the sponsorship of the competition in 2002 and turned it into one of the most successful events on tour allowing it to attract some of the best golfers in the game. Argentina’s Eduardo Romero won the inaugural event in 2002 and has included wins from major winners such as Ernie Els, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Edoardo Molinari and World number one Luke Donald.

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: We thank Barclays for their vision and leadership. We respect and understand that their decision was based on market factors following a hegely successful partnership that has lasted almost a decade.

“The combination of a world class title, prime data in the week immediately before the Open Championship and stunning location in Scotland – the home of Golf – make this a particularly attractive proposition and we look forward to securing the future of the Scottish Open with a new sponsor.

“I would like to thank Barclays for its support of European golf and am delighted it will continue to sponsor the Barclays Singapore Open., a European and Asian co-sanctioned event.”

Tim Peat, Managing Director of Barclays said: “Barclays has been proud to be the title sponsor of the Scottish Open for the last decade. We made our decision reluctantly based on current market factors. I would like to thank the European Tour for its professional support and event management throughout our period sponsoring the Scottish Open making it a success for the players, the general public and our clients.

“Through our sponsorship of Phil Mickelson, The Barclays in the USA and the Barclays Singapore Open, an event co-sanctioned by the European Tour, we will continue to have a significant presence in professional golf.”