Organisers of the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship have announced that the tournament is once again to be hosted by legendary golfer Tony Jacklin as he faces an exciting year ahead.
The annual event, which takes place at its long-time home at Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire from August 6-9, will see the two-time Major winner return for the 12th consecutive year.
The championship is the largest Par 3 event in the UK, bringing together some of the biggest names in golf, as well as a host of celebrity names. With a professional prize fund of €150,000 (€50,000 for the winner), the event is always fiercely contested.
Jacklin will be joining the stars out on the Cromwell course in what is a particularly special year for him, as it marks the 50thanniversary of two of his most prominent career highlights. One is the anniversary of his first Major win, when he was victorious in the 1969 Open Championship at Royal Lytham. Winning the event by two shots, Jacklin became the first British player since 1951 to claim the title.
He also took part in the 1969 Ryder Cup and is fondly remembered for his role in one of the most iconic moments in the competition’s history. Up against Jack Nicklaus on the final day of the competition, Nicklaus conceded his putt in what has become known as one of the greatest moments of sportsmanship in golf. Becoming known as ‘The Concession’ the Ryder Cup ended in a tie – the first time it had ever been shared.
A big advocate of par-three golf, Jacklin explained his ongoing relationship with the Warwickshire-based tournament. He said: “Every year I look forward to my return to Nailcote and the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship. It truly is one of my favourite events and it is always great to see the mixture of amateur, professional and celebrity players getting involved during the week.
“Each year the event gets bigger and better, and I’m sure 2019 will be no different. We have a great team working extremely hard to make the event the best it can be and I’m looking forward to seeing who takes home the title this year.”
Tim Munton, director of sport at event organisers Champions (UK) plc, said they were delighted to have Jacklin back as event host. “He is one of the biggest names in British golf and his involvement always adds great excitement to proceedings,” he said. “We are looking forward to seeing him in action.”
Rick Cressman, who owns Nailcote Hall, said: “Once again it will be a huge privilege to welcome Tony back. Given what he has achieved in the game, it is always great to have him present at the tournament and he is a wonderful advocate for the event as a whole. The announcement that he will be returning means that anticipation for the event will begin ramping up and I’m looking forward to seeing what this year brings.”
Highlights of the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship will be broadcast on Sky Sports – and the event also raises money for the Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. Around 10,000 spectators regularly attend the event over the four days and free tickets are already available at http://britishpar3.com/booking/event-ticket/2019.