KLM has extended its existing agreement to sponsor the KLM Open for a further three years, from 2016 to 2018.
Following Tuesday’s announcement the future of the tournament, which celebrated its centenary this year, has been guaranteed for at least the next six seasons.
The Dutch airline has sponsored the tournament on 19 occasions since it joined The European Tour International Schedule in 1972, the year the Tour was formed.
“With golf and the KLM Open, we believe we have a perfect connection with many of our frequent customers. The sport fits well with our brand identity, and furthermore allows us to set up our highly valued relationship marketing programme every year,” said Harm Kreulen, Director of KLM Netherlands.
“Now that we have committed for a longer period, we can continue on this path and let this fantastic tournament grow even further. In addition, the organisation can get a headstart to prepare for the new location.”
The event, won last year by Ryder Cup player Peter Hanson of Sweden, will be held at Kennemer Golf and Country Club for the next three years, before The Dutch, in Spijk, in the province of Gelderland, takes over in 2016.
The Colin Montgomerie-designed The Dutch – a member of the European Tour Properties portfolio – will host the tournament for three years, until 2018.
“The Dutch was designed and built with the quality of a European Tour Event in mind,” said Alan Saddington, one of the initiators of the course. “Now we have the opportunity to show some of the world’s best players that we have been succesfull. We are very proud that KLM have put their trust in us, and we will go the extra mile over the next few years to ensure the course is presented in the optimum condition.”
David MacLaren, The European Tour’s Director of Property and Venue Development, said: “We have formed a special relationship with The Dutch, from its involvement in an excellent Ryder Cup Bid to its designation as a European Tour Destination.
“Staging the KLM Open is further proof of the outstanding quality that is evident throughout the venue, from the incredible playing surfaces to a quite beautiful clubhouse and standards of service which reflect a world-class venue. We are proud to have The Dutch as a European Tour Properties member venue, and congratulate them on this important announcement.”
Daan Slooter, Championship Director of the KLM Open, said: “The choice of The Dutch is motivated by the possibility for the tournament to grow further, and we are convinced that the course will surpass all expectations in 2016.”
Miguel Vidaor, Tournament Director of the KLM Open, said: “The Dutch is an excellent lay-out with a very strong back nine, especially the finishing holes which are very challenging. The greens offer a variety of pin positions that can change a hole from one day to the next, which makes the course very interesting to the players. The course is in superb condition, and I would like to highlight the high quality of the putting surfaces. Overall, The Dutch is a very good venue for future KLM Opens.”
The Dutch www.thedutch.nl