De Vere announces strategic partnership

De Vere is set to host a number of new events on the 2014 PGA EuroPro Tour across its portfolio of resorts including the stunning Carrick on Loch Lomond (above.)

The move is part of a strategic partnership to align The De Vere Group with the leading developmental tours for young ambitious professionals.

De Vere’s presence on next year’s schedule will begin as early as March, when PGA Cup venue Slaley Hall will host First Stage Qualifying School.

Later in the season brand new tournaments will be hosted at other flagship De Vere resorts - The Belfry and 2009 PGA Cup venue, The Carrick on Loch Lomond, with Slaley Hall hosting another tournament later in the season.

The resort chain’s decision to support the tour cements its long-held reputation for hosting an array of professional tournaments including more than20 European Tour, European Senior Tour, and European Ladies Tour events, as well as the prestigious PGA Cup matches in 2013 and 2009, across the impressive portfolio.

Keith Pickard, De Vere’s regional golf director, commented: “At De Vere, we are always looking to further our involvement in the growth of the game, and felt that this was the perfect opportunity to continue our support for young up-and-coming amateurs and professionals.

“We have a longstanding history of support for budding Tour professionals and recognise the EuroPro Tour as one of the key development Tours across Europe and its importance as a stepping stone for young golfers trying to make their way onto the global stage.

“We therefore hope to utilise our wealth of tournament experience to provide first-class tournament venues and create experiences that mirror those found on global Tours.

“I am hopeful that this can be the start of a strong relationship between De Vere, the EuroPro Tour, and Matchroom Sport, as we look to align the group’s excellence in the golf and hospitality industries with Matchroom’s expertise across the world of sport.”

Daniel Godding, director of operations for the tour added: “We are always looking to align ourselves with the best and provide the finest venues for our members.

"We already have a number of impressive locations on our schedule, but the addition of these three first-class De Vere facilities just helps to further enhance the quality of our tournament calendar in 2014.

"De Vere’s tournament history and heritage is second to none, and I have no doubt that the group’s professionalism will ensure that no stone is unturned ahead of the players arriving. I look forward to these fantastic events and hope that this can be the start of a strong partnership between the Tour and De Vere.”