Bookmakers Betfred has agreed a new two=year extension as title sponsor of the European Tour’s Betfred British Masters following the conclusion of this year’s tournament at Close House.
Betfred’s sponsorship of the tournament began last year when Tommy Fleetwood hosted the event at Hillside Golf Club in Lancashire. That was the Warrington-based firm’s first foray into golf sponsorship and the initial deal continued with this year’s tournament at Close House, where Lee Westwood hosted the event for the second time.
Renato Paratore won the tournament, which marked the full resumption of the European Tour’s 2020 season and the start of the new six tournament UK Swing, all of which is underpinned by the European Tour’s #GolfforGood initiative which will run for the remainder of the year.
Betfred made a significant contribution toward #GolfforGood, donating £50,000 to the tournament’s official charity, the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, for Jack Senior’s hole-in-one on the 14th hole, along with a further £16,000 – £1,000 for each birdie posted by Westwood. The European Tour also donated £50,000 to the charity with this year’s tournament played behind closed doors due to the Coronavirus pandemic
Betfred boss Fred Done said: “I am delighted to announce an extension to Betfred’s commitment to the British Masters. Despite the obvious challenges of staging this year’s tournament, both the European Tour and Close House have done a tremendous job. We have had two fantastic hosts in Tommy and Lee, and I’m looking forward to more of the same next year at the 2021 Betfred British Masters.”
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “Betfred have been a terrific partner over the past two years and they have been incredibly supportive over the past few months during the various challenges brought about by the pandemic. We are therefore delighted they have agreed to extend their sponsorship of the British Masters for an additional two years, which speaks volumes about their commitment to this tournament and our Tour.
“I’d like to personal thank Fred Done and the team on behalf of all our players and we look forward to continuing the partnership over the next two years, adding to the proud history of this tournament.”
Westwood, who hosted this year’s event at Close House, said: “It’s brilliant that Betfred have stuck with us through the good times, but also now through the more challenging times. Fred Done and his whole team have done everything we’ve asked from them. It’s good to build up these relationships and keep them coming back year after year. They get to know what the Tour can provide and we know what Betfred want from the tournament themselves, so it is lovely they are staying involved.”