Senior Tour set for South Africa

The European Senior Tour will visit South Africa for the first time next season when the spectacular Fancourt, in George, hosts the inaugural Berenberg Bank Masters from March 26-28, 2010. The Links at Fancourt, designed by legendary South African Gary Player, a three time Senior Open Champion, lies at the foot of the majestic Outeniqua mountains in the heart of the Garden Route and will provide the stunning backdrop for another groundbreaking Senior Tour tournament. The Berenberg Bank Masters, sponsored by Germany’s oldest private bank which has more than 400 years experience in the sector, will be co-sanctioned by the European Senior Tour and the Sunshine Tour. Dr Hans-Walter Peters, Managing Partner of Berenberg Bank, said: “It is a great honour for us to sponsor this first European Senior Tour event in South Africa – especially as it is just three months before the country hosts football’s World Cup.” Dr Hasso Plattner, owner of Fancourt, said: “We are delighted to welcome the European Senior Tour to Fancourt and the announcement enhances our reputation as a first class tournament venue.”
Player, who will act as an ambassador for the Berenberg Bank Masters, expressed his excitement about the event being played at Fancourt next year. He said: “I’m delighted to be a part of the Berenberg Bank Masters next March, and I truly believe there couldn’t be a better venue for the European Senior Tour to make its debut in South Africa. The Links will be a true test for the players.” Gareth Tindall, Sunshine Tour Commissioner, said: “This is great news for professional golf in South Africa. This event could just be the impetus to creating the Sunshine Senior Tour that mirrors The European Tour structure. We look forward to working with Andy Stubbs and his team to ensure it will be a memorable event.” Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “Our thanks go to Dr Peters and his team at Berenberg Bank for making this exciting tournament possible. We look forward to a five-star event at a five-star venue and we will all be working closely to ensure that we give the clients of Berenberg Bank the best possible experience in South Africa in 2010.” One of the stalwarts of the Senior Tour John Bland, winner of the 1995 London Masters and five Champions Tour titles, is attached to Fancourt, which, with its three Championship golf courses, is a much sought-after international golfing destination. The Links at Fancourt has previously hosted the Presidents Cup in 2003, the inaugural Women’s World Cup of Golf in 2005, and the South African Open Championship on The European Tour in 2006, which was won by home favourite Retief Goosen. Fancourt is also home to the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation, which gives golfing opportunities to talented South African youngsters from families of limited resources.