European Tour’s Andalucia Masters Given the Chop

Spain’s Andalucia Masters tournament has been cancelled, the European Tour confirmed on Wednesday.

No reason was given for the late decision to call off the event due to be played from October 18-21, but Spain’s recent financial crisis and A change of government in the Andalucia region appears to have been the trigger for the cancellation.

The local authorities in Andalucia announced on Monday that the tournament at the Valderrama Golf Club would not go ahead, and have now formally confirmed that decision to the European Tour.

“The European Tour regrets to announce that the 2012 Andalucia Masters, due to be played at the Club de Golf Valderrama, Sotogrande, on October 18-21, will now be cancelled.

“The Junta de Andalucia confirmed this decision by letter which they also announced by a press release on Monday September 10th.

“Despite discussions with the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, and a formal legal agreement with the Junta de Andalucia, the tournament will not take place.”

George O’Grady, the chief executive of the European Tour, expressed his disappointment at the news and stressed that steps would be taken to ensure the event returns to the calendar in future years.

”This is extremely disappointing news to receive, especially at such a late date,” said O’Grady. “We have been long-term partners with the Junta for over 25 years.

“We have worked together to promote the region, and the Junta de Andalucia and The European Tour have enjoyed an exceptionally strong and committed long-term partnership.

“We feel the disappointment not only for our Members and all committed to broadcasting and reporting this tournament and the region on a global scale, but also for the many visitors, especially from northern Europe, who coincide their vacations with the tournament. We will work with the Junta to rectify this situation both now and in the future”.