DP World Tour and England Golf revive historic English Open

The DP World Tour and England Golf have announced plans to revive the English Open, one of golf’s most historic national titles, with the tournament returning later this year on the HotelPlanner Tour.

The newly-named English Open supported by HotelPlanner will replace the existing England Golf Challenge and take place at The Vale Golf Club in Worcestershire from June 18-21. The event will feature an increased prize fund of £300,000.

The tournament is scheduled to remain on the HotelPlanner Tour in 2027, with ambitions for the English Open to return to the DP World Tour calendar in 2028.

DP World Tour Chief Executive Guy Kinnings described the announcement as a “significant moment” for both organisations.

“We are delighted to be returning one of golf’s most prestigious titles to the global stage,” said Kinnings.

“For more than 50 years, national Opens have been a cornerstone of our international schedule. The return of the English Open reflects that heritage and also marks a new era in our relationship with England Golf.”

England Golf CEO Jeremy Tomlinson said the partnership would create valuable opportunities for emerging English talent.

“Our player pathway has a proud history of producing world-class golfers,” said Tomlinson.

“By reinstating the English Open, many of our young squad players will gain first-hand experience of professional tournament golf while preparing for life in the professional ranks.

“We have clear ambitions to elevate the English Open back onto the main tour and provide another national platform to showcase the game in England.”

The announcement comes at a notable moment for English golf following Aaron Rai’s historic victory at the US PGA Championship, where he became the first Englishman in 107 years to win the title.

The revival also arrives shortly after the 15th anniversary of Seve Ballesteros’ passing. The legendary Spaniard won the inaugural English Open in 1979 when the tournament formed part of the European Tour schedule.

The Belfry hosted nine of the event’s first ten editions, with Royal Birkdale staging the tournament in 1988. The Forest of Arden later became home to the final ten editions between 1993 and 2002.

The English Open’s list of former champions includes several Ryder Cup captains, including Mark James, Ian Woosnam, Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke.