Luke Donald to host British Masters at The Grove in 2016

Donald, who succeeds fellow Ian Poulter in the role as host for the Sky Sports-sponsored tournament, has selected the Watford-basd luxury resort to stage the event, which will take place from October 13-16, 2016.

It will be the second time The Grove has held a European Tour event, having hosted a World Golf Championship tournament in 2006, which was won by Tiger Woods.

“I’m delighted to say we are going to The Grove,” said Donald, who finished sixth at the WGC event held there in 2006.  “I was lucky enough to be able to play that event and I’m excited we are going back there. It is a world class facility, a great hotel, and I think all the players will really enjoy playing the golf course.

“The Grove is a parkland course, and it has some elevation changes. It is always presented in great condition. It has a really nice variety of some longer holes, and some drivable par fours. I think it will also be a fun course for the spectators, so it will be a great venue for the 2016 British Masters supported by Sky Sports.”

Nearly 60,000 fans were part of the return of the British Masters at Wo
burn earlier this month. Fittingly, it was the youngest player in the field, 21 year old Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrick, who lifted the trophy, while Donald finished in a share of fifth.

Donald’s last three European Tour victories have come on British soil, at the 2011 and 2012 BMW PGA Championship and the 2011 Scottish Open, and he is looking forward to building on the exemplary work of Poulter as tournament host.
“Ian did a fantastic job at Woburn,” said Donald. “It was nice to see this tournament come back and have some life. We had great crowds, great support and obviously a big thanks to Sky Sports for helping to make it a big success all round. We knew the British Masters would get great crowds. The British people love coming out and supporting their events and supporting the British players. It was a fun and successful week.

“Woburn was a tremendous venue and Ian did a brilliant job as the ambassador. It’s my turn next and I will be looking forward to coming back and hopefully having even more success and bringing even more people to this amazing tournament.”

Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “Everyone was delighted with the return of the British Masters with packed galleries, fantastic golf, and the players behind our drive to attract new audiences.  We can’t wait to start working with Luke and the European Tour on next year’s event at The Grove, and making it even better.”

Michael Helling, general manager of The Grove, said: “Kyle Phillips designed this course to be enjoyed by players and spectators alike and we, together with Luke Donald, look forward to welcoming you all next year.”

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