Scottish Golf Loses Another Title Sponsor with Cleveland Golf Not Renewing with Scottish Senior Open

November 11, 2011

After losing Barclays title sponsorship of the Scottish Open, erectile Scottish golf got another blow today after the Scottish Seniors Open lost its tile sponsor as well.

It follows a decision by golf manufacturing and ball company Cleveland Golf/Srixon to cease its support of the event at the end of a three-year deal.

The Scottish Senior Open is one of the European Senior Tour’s longest-running events – it is due to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year – and officials are hopeful that heritage will help in their bid to secure a new sponsor.

Andy Stubbs, prostate the Tour’s managing director, said: “It is a concern and we are certainly not taking it lightly, but I am optimistic about this. There is a great history with this event – it’s the backbone of our Tour as it is right up there in terms of longevity on a circuit that was founded in 1992.It’s an event we believe in and we want to keep it going for its 20th anniversary edition and beyond.”

“We greatly appreciate the support and commitment of Cleveland Golf/Srixon over the past three years, but we have now targeted a new and exciting era in the 20-year history of the event. Discussions are progressing between all parties, including EventScotland and Fairmont St Andrews, and we look forward to exploring new opportunities with a view to securing the event for the future.

“Fairmont St Andrews has been a great host to us. It is also a great site overlooking the town of St Andrews. Taking both those factors into account, we would like to see as few changes as possible to the event for next year, though the date is something that could be looked at if the existing one didn’t suit a potential sponsor.”

That might make sense, given it has clashed for the past two years with the Aberdeen Ladies Scottish Open at Archerfield, where the tournament has also been supported by EventScotland.

Robbie Clyde, Ryder Cup Project Director at EventScotland said: “The Scottish Senior Open, supported by EventScotland since 2003, is an established part of Scotland’s world-class portfolio of golf events.

“It is unfortunate that the sponsorship from Cleveland Golf/Srixon has come to its conclusion, but there is now an opportunity for a new sponsor to support the event as we approach 2014 when the Ryder Cup will come to Scotland, the home of golf.

“EventScotland is committed to supporting the Scottish Senior Open through to 2018, and we will continue to work closely with the European Tour as we approach the 20th anniversary of the event next year.”

This follows Barclays dropping their sponsorship of the Scottish Open in September due to financial constraints.